*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
Be Well: The Rise of the Mocktails
Nora Minno, a registered dietician, spoke about the rise of the mocktail and explained the benefits of this non-alcoholic mixed beverage that can be made with fruits, seltzer or with non-alcoholic spirits.
In Case You Missed It: Swedish Singer Winds Eurovision Competition
Swedish singer Loreen won this year's Eurovision competition on Saturday night with her song "Tattoo." The singer beat acts from 25 other countries and became the second performer to take the prize twice after winning previously in 2012, but it was the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton who stole the show before the competition got started.
Load More