*By Samantha Errico* Actress Samira Wiley has a promise for fans of her character Moira in "The Handmaid's Tale:" She's both in season three and alive. At least for now. "We should just be happy that's a thing," she told Cheddar Thursday. The same can't be said for her beloved "Orange Is the New Black" character Poussey, who died during the show's fourth season. "It was one of the innovators," Wiley told Cheddar of the wildly popular Netflix series that launched her career. When "Orange Is the New Black" premiered on the streaming service, "it was one of the first shows that really showed women \[differently\]," she said, adding that the show dramatically shifted the conversation about diversity on the small screen. Now Wiley is participating in a related conversation off screen ー body diversity. She, alongside model Iskra Lawrence and actresses Busy Philipps and Jameela Jamil, will be featured in American Eagle's #AerieREAL Role Model campaign to challenge unrealistic beauty standards. "It's about representing women of all shapes and sizes and colors," Wiley said. "I'm just excited to be part of the conversation." To Wiley, it's a privilege she doesn't take lightly ー on camera and off. "I do think that everyone has a path, and I do think I am somehow walking down the path has been laid out for me. And to know that includes being able to portray all these wonderful, strong women for the next generation ー that's awesome," Wiley said. What's next for the actress? Fans would never say no to a Poussey spin-off ー even one that takes place in the afterlife. "Poussey and Taystee, I don't know why that hasn't happened yet," Wiley said. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/actress-samira-wiley-on-why-she-loves-playing-strong-women).

Share:
More In Culture
'Them': A Digital Platform for the Entire LGBTQ+ Community
Sarah Burke, editor-in-chief of Them, spoke with Cheddar News about how its digital magazine offers a different setting for the LGBTQ+ community from other magazines. "From the very beginning, the intention was to create a platform that had a foundation of inclusivity and intersectionality across the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum," Burke said.
Exploring the Benefits of the Cold Plunge Fad on Social Media
Cold plunges are super hot on social media right now. Experts say they boost mental health, soothe sore muscles, and even promote weight loss.  Cheddar's Ashley Mastronardi visited Kardashian favorite, Remedy Place, to get the skinny on ice baths.
Exploring Getty's Collection Coming to Auction
An auction of artwork and furniture from philanthropists Ann and Gordon Getty is taking place at Christie's Wednesday with online sales set for Thursday. Cheddar News takes a peek at some of the arts and objects from the family's Temple of Wings home in Berkeley, Calif.
Load More