Uzo Aduba's Brilliant Pitch: How a Slam Poetry Twist Elevated 'Orange Is the New Black's' Suzanne

2025-06-05
Uzo Aduba's Brilliant Pitch: How a Slam Poetry Twist Elevated 'Orange Is the New Black's' Suzanne
Entertainment Weekly

Uzo Aduba, the acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in shows like The Residence and Orange Is the New Black, is a testament to the power of creative input and taking initiative. But did you know a significant and beloved aspect of her iconic character, Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren, was actually her idea?

During a recent interview, Aduba revealed that she was the one who suggested incorporating slam poetry into Suzanne's character. This wasn't a random suggestion but a carefully considered addition designed to deepen the character's complexity and offer a unique window into her inner world.

“It was Uzo’s idea to make her a slam poet,” revealed a source close to the show. “The writers loved it.”

The decision to portray Suzanne as a slam poet proved to be a stroke of genius. It not only provided a compelling performance vehicle for Aduba, showcasing her incredible range, but also added layers of vulnerability and raw emotion to a character who could easily have been reduced to a caricature. Suzanne's poetry became a powerful tool for expressing her trauma, her longing for connection, and her unique perspective on the world within the walls of Litchfield Penitentiary.

Aduba's proactive approach highlights the importance of actors contributing to their characters' development. It demonstrates that collaboration and creative risk-taking can lead to truly memorable and impactful moments in television. The slam poetry segments became some of the most poignant and talked-about scenes in Orange Is the New Black, solidifying Suzanne's place as one of the show's most compelling figures.

Her success with Orange is the New Black paved the way for her subsequent roles, demonstrating how a willingness to push boundaries and contribute creatively can elevate an actor's career and enrich the storytelling process. Aduba’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that even seemingly small contributions can have a significant impact on the final product, and that trusting the instincts of talented artists can lead to truly exceptional television.

So, the next time you marvel at a particularly nuanced character portrayal, remember that it might just be the result of an actor's inspired initiative, like Uzo Aduba's groundbreaking suggestion that transformed Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren into the unforgettable slam poet we all remember.

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