Introduction
Aunjanue Elizabeth Flanagan, also known as Aunjanue L. Ellis, is an American actress, producer, and activist. She was born on February 21, 1969, in San Francisco, California. She is best known for her roles in films such as “Ray,” “The Help,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
Early Life and Education
Flanagan grew up in McComb, Mississippi, and attended Tougaloo College, where she majored in African-American Studies. She later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Acting Career
Flanagan began her acting career in the 1990s, appearing in off-Broadway productions and small roles in films and television shows. Her breakthrough role came in 1996 when she starred in the independent film “Girls Town.” She continued to work steadily in film, television, and theater, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
Film Roles
Flanagan is known for her powerful performances in a variety of films. In 2004, she played the role of Mary Ann Fisher in the biopic “Ray,” which earned her critical praise and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. She also received acclaim for her portrayal of Yule Mae Davis in the 2011 film “The Help.”
Television Roles
Flanagan has also appeared in numerous television shows, including “The Mentalist,” “True Blood,” and “Quantico.” In 2015, she starred in the limited series “The Book of Negroes,” which earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination.
Activism
Flanagan is also a vocal activist, using her platform to speak out on issues such as police brutality, racism, and social injustice. In 2015, she participated in the Black Lives Matter protest in Charleston, South Carolina, following the shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Gender Equality
Flanagan is also an advocate for gender equality in Hollywood. In 2018, she was one of the founding members of the Time’s Up movement, which aims to combat sexual harassment and inequality in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Flanagan is married to Derrick L. Ellis, a music composer and producer. They have one child together.
Philanthropy
Flanagan is also involved in philanthropic endeavors, including serving as a board member for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees.
Conclusion
Aunjanue Elizabeth Flanagan is an accomplished actress, activist, and philanthropist. She uses her platform to speak out on important issues and works to make a difference in the world. With her talent and passion, she is sure to continue to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry and beyond.