Danielle Brooks, celebrated for her powerful performances and vibrant personality, has significantly impacted both acting and music. Gaining widespread recognition for her role in the acclaimed series Orange Is the New Black, Brooks has since showcased her versatility across various platforms.
As of 2024, her success on screen and stage, coupled with her musical pursuits, has resulted in a net worth of $2 million, according to Wealthy Overview. This figure signifies her financial achievements and highlights her growing influence in the entertainment industry.
Career & Accolades: A Versatile Performer
Danielle Brooks at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on. January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images)
Brooks’ career trajectory has been marked by diverse and impactful roles. Her portrayal of Taystee in Orange Is the New Black brought her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, setting the stage for a flourishing career. Her ventures into theater, particularly her notable performances on Broadway, have further demonstrated her prowess as a performer. In addition to acting, Brooks’ foray into music has allowed her to explore and showcase another facet of her artistic talent.
Personal Life & Contributions: The Journey Behind The Fame
Danielle Brooks and Issa Rae at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on. January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images)
Away from the limelight, Danielle Brooks’ personal life reflects her grounded nature and commitment to authenticity. Her advocacy for body positivity and representation in the arts has made her a role model for many. Brooks’ journey, including her experiences navigating the entertainment industry as a woman of color, has informed her art and public presence. It makes her a relatable and inspirational figure.
Impact & Legacy: Shaping Artistic Narratives
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Danielle Brooks and Oprah Winfrey attend. THR Presents Live: The Color Purple at Crosby Hotel on December 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Reflecting on Danielle Brooks’ $2 million net worth in 2024, her influence extends beyond her financial success. Moreover, Brooks is celebrated for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles. She breaks stereotypes and paves the way for more inclusive representation in entertainment. Her legacy is characterized by her commitment to artistic integrity, impactful performances, and advocacy for diversity in the arts.
While her latest film, Origin, encompasses a more somber tone, Ava DuVernay was all smiles as she celebrated the feature. Origin arrived a month ago, on December 8, but the film remains a hot topic among cinephiles. DuVernay’s illustrious filmography spans movies focusing on Black culture, community, racism, and injustice—and Origin isn’t for the weak.
Origin is based on Isabel Wilkerson’s bestseller Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents. The Pulitzer Prize winner released her much-talked-about book in 2020, which centers on her personal journey. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as Wilkerson in the biographical film that begins with the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012. Likening racism to India’s caste system, DuVernay, through her lens and a cast of characters, weaves through cultural experiences from the Holocaust to the Slave Trade, and examines the links between Nazi Germany and American laws. Although the film may be on the heavier end of the spectrum, audiences praised DuVernay’s latest efforts.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)
Among the applause are celebrated actors and industry professionals who joined the filmmaker at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Hollywood, Calif., last night. Threads hosted the event and also celebrated Black actors who are contenders this award season. Guests included Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Samuel L. Jackson and his wife LaTayna Ricardson Jackson, The Color Purple‘s Colan Domingo, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson; Insecure‘s Sarunas Jackson; American Fiction‘s Jeffrey Wright; David Oyelowo, Laz Alonso, Gabrielle Dennis, and legendary actor Glynn Turman, among others.
Watch the trailer for Origin below and skim through a few highlights from the evening.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Samuel L. Jackson and Ava DuVernay attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Ava DuVernay, Michelle Mitchell and Colman Domingo attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Colman Domingo, Ava DuVernay and Danielle Brooks attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Ashley Nicole Black and Gabrielle Dennis attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Laz Alonso and Ava DuVernay attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Colman Domingo and Sarunas Jackson attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Nikkolas Smith, Ava DuVernay and Frank Abney attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Jeffrey Wright and Ava DuVernay attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Scott Evans, Ava DuVernay, Melvin Robert and Nina Parker attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Laz Alonso, Van Lathan, Nicholas May, Sarunus Jackson, Aml Ameen and Kemp Powers attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Dannella Lane, Ava DuVernay and Lil Rel Howery attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Taraji P. Henson speaks at Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Sarunas Jackson attends Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Ava DuVernay and Samuel L. Jackson attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Tammy Garnes, Paul Garnes Ava Duvernay and ARRAY Team attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Jo-Ann Allen, Ava DuVernay and Gynn Allen attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Glynn Turman, Samuel L. Jackson and David Oyelowo attend Threads celebration of Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN and Black Awards Contenders at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Threads)
The Color Purple is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. A cast featuring Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, and Fantasia is already promising on its own, but according to Oprah Winfrey, who produced the movie musical and starred in the original 1985 movie, the cast almost looked different.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah revealed that Rihanna and Beyoncé were once considered for the cast, but she felt it more appropriate to give other actors an opportunity to shine.
“To be completely honest about it, if you were doing this film for $30 or $40 million, the interest in the cast would be very different,” Winfrey said. “Once the film moved to $90 to $100 million, then everybody wants us to bring Beyoncé. ‘Can you get Beyoncé or can you get Rihanna?’ So we’re sitting in a room saying, ‘Listen, we love Beyoncé. We love Rihanna, but there are other actors who can do this job.’”
Both Bey and Rihanna have had their hands full this year — Beyoncé with her Renaissance World Tour and film, and Rihanna with her fashion and make-up brands, and the birth of her newborn son. According to Oprah, their stacked schedules were taken into consideration.
“I do remember conversations about, ‘Y’all, Beyoncé is going to be busy this year.’ It wasn’t even a negotiation, because you’re not getting Beyoncé,” said Oprah
