A Night with Yvonne Orji
Image courtesy of University Union
Yvonne Orji, or perhaps better known as Molly Carter on HBO’s ‘Insecure’, is many things- an Emmy-nominated actress, an accidental comedian, an ex-beauty pageant contestant. But what she isn’t is someone who always knew she had a voice or perspective worth sharing. In a student-moderated panel hosted by Haniyah Philogene and produced by University Union last Saturday, Orji graced the Goldstein Auditorium stage and opened up to her fans at SU on the struggles of being first-gen, finding her creative groove, and finally parting ways with Insecure.
“One thing my life has shown me is that everything is preparation for the next step,’’ she told the audience. Prior to booking Insecure, a show that would later ascend to critical acclaim and become a major milestone for honest Black representation in media, Yvonne Orji was on a very different life path and had little experience in acting. The daughter of Nigerian immigrant parents, she attempted to try the traditional route by earning her Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University. But while competing in a Miss Nigeria beauty pageant, Orji realized she didn’t have anything ready for the talent portion and decided to try comedy. This decision sparked a formidable career in the entertainment industry, where Orji has managed to make herself a powerhouse. “Growing up, my voice wasn’t a thing people respected. Then God gave me a mic!”
Since its release in 2016, Insecure filled a gaping hole in Hollywood by portraying millennial Black culture in a way that was witty, emotional, and maybe for the first time ever- honest. Yvonne Orji is now hoping to extend that representation beyond just her on-screen performances and work with Insecure. She spoke on wanting to uplift other comics in the diaspora, and continue championing immigrant stories. “For me, I think with every level of success, you have a level of responsibility to bring people with you. It costs nothing to invite someone in the room.’’
Orji also assured her audience of college students to not freak out if they don't have everything figured out yet. “Give yourself grace,” she told the audience. “Trust me.”
Backstage, Jerk was lucky enough to gain more insight from Orji on what she’s most proud of when reflecting on her portrayal of Molly.
“I’m proud of being able to portray a character that is nuanced and flawed. We always talk about Black girl magic, and it’s like sometimes, it’s Black girl pixie dust before it’s Black girl magic… We talk about being able to be diverse, and that’s true diversity- being able to show a flawed Black woman navigating life.’’
The final season of Insecure is now available to stream on HBO Max.