Danai Gurira, a Zimbabwean-American actress, playwright, and activist, has significantly impacted Hollywood, notably as the lead in The Walking Dead and Okoye in Marvel’s Black Panther. Beyond entertainment, she uses her platform to champion social causes.
Danai Gurira Biography
| Full name | Danai Jekesai Gurira |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 14 February 1978 |
| Age | 46 years old |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Place of birth | Grinnell, Iowa, United States |
| Current residence | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean-American |
| Ethnicity | African |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in feet | 5’7″ |
| Body measurements in centimeters | 170 |
| Weight in pounds | 116 |
| Weight in kilograms | 53 |
| Body measurements in inches | 32-24-34 |
| Body measurements in centimetres | 86-60-86 |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Black |
| Father | Roger Gurira |
| Mother | Josephine Gurira |
| Siblings | 3 |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Partner | N/A |
| School | Dominican Convent High School |
| University | Macalester College, New York University |
| Profession | Actress, playwright |
| Net worth | $5 million |
| Danai Gurira | |
| @danaigurira |
Early Life
Danai Gurira (born February 14, 1978). Danai Gurira’s roots trace back to Grinnell, Iowa, where she was born to Josephine Gurira, a college librarian, and Roger Gurira, a tenured professor at Grinnell College. Both parents later transitioned to roles at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
Originally from Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, her parents migrated to the United States in 1964. Among four siblings, she is the youngest, with sisters Shingai, Choni, and brother Tare, who practices chiropractic care. Gurira spent her early years in Grinnell until December 1983, when, at the age of five, her family returned to Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, following Robert Mugabe’s ascent to power in 1979.
Education
Danai Gurira’s educational journey began at Dominican Convent High School in Harare. At 19, she entered the United States and pursued psychology at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her passion for acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Career
Danai Gurira’s journey as a playwright and actress is marked by a dedication to telling stories highlighting strong women, drawing from her own experiences and identity. She gained recognition for her co-written and co-starring role in “In the Continuum,” which earned her prestigious awards.
Gurira’s play “The Convert” premiered to acclaim, earning her the Whiting Award for emerging playwrights. “Familiar,” another of her works, explores family and cultural identity themes. Her play “Eclipsed,” featuring Lupita Nyong’o, made history as the first Broadway production with an all-female, black cast and creative team. Gurira’s theatre contributions have earned her accolades, including the Sam Norkin Award and Tony Award recognition.
In addition to her playwright endeavors, Gurira showcased her acting talent in Broadway productions like “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and even played Richard III in a Shakespeare in the Park production in May 2023.
Film and Television
Danai Gurira has showcased her acting talent across various mediums, from independent films to television series. She gained recognition for her roles in acclaimed films like “The Visitor” and “Mother of George,” earning awards and critical acclaim.
Gurira’s versatility was evident in her portrayal of Afeni Shakur in “All Eyez on Me.” In 2020, she signed a deal with ABC Studios, indicating her ongoing commitment to the entertainment industry.
Filmography
Some of her notable filmography include:
- 2007: The Visitor
- 2008: My Soul to Take
- 2008: Ghost Town
- 2010: 3 Backyards
- 2011: Restless City
- 2013: Mother of George
- 2015: Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast
- 2017: All Eyez on Me
- 2018: Black Panther
- 2018: Avengers: Infinity War
- 2019: Avengers: Endgame
- 2022: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Personal Life
Danai Gurira keeps her personal life under wraps, remaining tight-lipped about her romantic relationships. Norman is the only man she’s been linked with publicly, as she maintains a secretive stance regarding her personal affairs.
Despite rumors, Gurira has never confirmed a relationship or been married. She appears to be single, and her dating life is kept private.
Awards
- 2006: Obie Award – Special Citation
- 2006: Outer Critics Circle Awards – John Gassner Memorial Playwriting Award
- 2007: Helen Hayes Awards – Best Lead Actress, Non-Resident
- 2008: Method Fest – Best Supporting Actress
- 2012: Satellite Award – Best Cast
- 2012: Whiting Awards – Writing in Drama
- 2013: Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award – Best Writing
- 2013: Eyegore Awards – Best Ensemble Cast Award
- 2014: Black Reel Award – Best Actress
- 2014: Saturn Award – Best Supporting Actress on Television
- 2014: Lilly Awards – Outstanding Playwriting
- 2016: Drama Desk Award – Sam Norkin Award
- 2016: TCG Gala – Honoree
- 2016: ImageNation Revolution Awards – Revolution Award for Artistic Excellence
- 2016: Black Girls Rock! Award – Star Power Celebrant
- 2017: Saturn Awards – Best Supporting Actress
- 2018: People’s Choice Awards – The Action Movie Star of 2018
- 2019: Guild Awards – Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
- 2019: Saturn Awards – Best Supporting Actress on a Television Series
Net Worth
Danai Gurira is a renowned Zimbabwean-American actress, playwright, and social activist with an estimated net worth of $5 million. best known for her role as Michonne in the popular television series The Walking Dead. Born on February 14, 1978, in Grinnell, Iowa, Danai Gurira holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Macalester College and an MFA in Acting from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. As of 2024, her
FAQs
How old is Danai Gurira?
She is 46 years of age. She was born on February 14, 1978.
Are Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira friends?
In real life, the two costars are also close friends and their silly yet adorable camaraderie is the definition of a lovefest.
Does Danai Gurira have an accent?
Danai Gurira is multilingual and speaks English, French, Shona, and basic Xhosa.Â
How long was Danai Gurira in The Walking Dead?
She was there for eight seasons.
where was danai gurira born?
She was born in Grinnell, Iowa; her parents migrated to the United States in 1964.