Danai Jekesai Gurira (born February 14, 1978) is a talented Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright recognized professionally as Danai Gurira. She’s best known for her role as Michonne on the popular television series “The Walking Dead.” Gurira has also gained recognition for her work in theater, particularly for writing the critically acclaimed play “Eclipsed,” which premiered Off-Broadway in 2015 and later moved to Broadway.
Additionally, she has appeared in films such as “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” Gurira is not only celebrated for her acting skills but also for her advocacy work, particularly for issues affecting women and girls around the world.
Facts & Wiki
- • Full name: Danai Jekesai Gurira
- • Nickname: Danai Gurira
- • Citizenship: Zimbabwean-American
- • Age: 46 years
- • Date of birth: February 14, 1978
- • Birthplace: Grinnell, Iowa, United States
- • Father: Roger Gurira
- • Mother: Josephine Gurira
- • Siblings: Shingai Gurira, Choni Gurira, Tare Gurira
- • Marital status: Single
- • Height: 1.70 m (5 feet 7 inches)
- • Weight: 54 kg
- • Ethnicity: African-American
- • Religion: Christian
- • Language fluency: English, French, Shona, Xhosa
- • Education: Dominican Convent High School, Macalester College, New York University Tisch School of the Arts
- • Profession: Actress, playwright
- • Net worth: $5 million
Early Life
Danai Jekesai Gurira was born on February 14, 1978, in Grinnell, Iowa, United States, to Roger Gurira and Josephine Gurira. She spent her early years in Iowa before her family relocated to Zimbabwe when she was just five. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Gurira experienced a childhood deeply immersed in African culture, which greatly influenced her later work as an actress and playwright. She was raised alongside her siblings, including sisters Shingai Gurira, Choni Gurira, and brother Tare Gurira.
Gurira attended Dominican Convent High School in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she developed a passion for storytelling and performance arts. After completing high school, she returned to the United States to pursue higher education. Gurira enrolled at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she continued exploring her acting and writing interests.
Following her undergraduate studies, Gurira pursued further training in theater at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While in New York City, Gurira honed her acting and playwright career. She immersed herself in the city’s vibrant theater scene, drawing inspiration from the diverse stories and voices surrounding her.
Career
Danai Gurira is a remarkable talent whose journey encompasses acting, writing, and activism. Her love for storytelling ignited her path to fame. After delving into psychology at Macalester College, she honed her craft at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, paving the way for her breakthrough role as Michonne in AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” where she held audiences spellbound for eight seasons.
Gurira’s impact transcends the small screen, notably with her portrayal of Okoye in Marvel’s “Black Panther” and subsequent films. Her talents extend beyond acting; she’s also acclaimed for her playwriting, with works like “Eclipsed,” which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Play.
Continuing her journey into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gurira reprised her role as Okoye in blockbuster hits like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” Her versatility is further showcased in her upcoming appearance in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which was set to deepen her character’s narrative.
In 2020, Gurira broadened her horizons with a deal with ABC Studios, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to diverse projects.
Looking ahead, Gurira is set to grace the screen once more in the revival movie of “The Walking Dead,” in 2024, a significant milestone in her career.
Throughout her illustrious journey, Gurira has collaborated with esteemed actors, including Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, and Norman Reedus, solidifying her status as a versatile force in entertainment.
Her activism, particularly in advocating for women’s rights and global health issues, reflects her commitment to using her platform for positive change. Danai Gurira continues to inspire audiences with her talent, integrity, and unwavering dedication to social progress.
Filmography
- Avengers: Endgame
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Black Panther
- All Eyez on Me
- Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast
- Mother of George
- Restless City
- My Soul to Take
- 3 Backyards
- Ghost Town
- The Visitor
- Americanah
- The Walking Dead
- Robot Chicken
- Treme
- Lie to Me
- American Experience
- Life on Mars
- Law & Order
Personal Life
Danai Gurira has remained discreet about her relationship status and has kept her personal life away from the public eye. She was occasionally rumored to be in a romantic relationship with Norman Reedus, with whom she acted alongside in the TV series ‘The Walking Dead.’ However, neither Gurira nor Reedus publicly addressed these rumors, and it turned out to be just speculation.
As of now, Gurira is believed to be single and not married.
Social Media
- Instagram: @DanaiGurira
Net Worth
Gurira has an estimated net worth of about US$5 million.
