Samira Wiley, the star of The Handmaid’s Tale and Orange Is The New Black on coming out, being married and what Poussey and Moira mean to her
2017 is Samira Wiley’s year. The actor, activist and heartthrob is slaying life right now. From her Pinterest-perfect wedding to OITNB writer Lauren Morelli to her Emmy nom for playing Moira in must-see drama, The Handmaid’s Tale, she has a whole lot of reasons to be happy.
In a brand new interview with SELF magazine, brilliantly titled Samira Wiley Didn’t Ask to Be Your Role Model—She Just Can’t Help It, Samira opens up about her career and her marriage. Here are the highlights.
On diversity in the media
“It can feel overwhelming sometimes, representing so much for so many people at such a crazy time. But I feel like as artists, we have a responsibility to represent the times we live in. Things are moving forward and backward at the same time, and it’s intense, and it doesn’t always make a lot of sense. I just hope that our show is a warning, instead of prophetic.”
On her coming out experience
“I was 20 when I came out to my parents. As soon as I finished telling them, my dad opened his arms, and I think he literally said, ‘Great. Come give me a hug.'”
On the characters she’s played
“I love Poussey, and I love Moira, and I’m so honoured to be able to play these women who shed light on what it’s like to be a woman today.”
On starring in The Handmaid’s Tale
“We started filming before the election, and sure, we still felt like what we were doing was relevant and timely. But once the election happened we were like, holy shit, our responsibility now is so much more to make sure that we present this with excellence so that people will pay attention.”
“Yes, it’s an important show, yes, it’s a feminist classic, but also, it’s just such great television.”
On being married to Lauren
“I love having someone on my team. Also, the other day, she bought me a really dope tracksuit.”