*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).
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Vision Marine Technologies CEO discusses how e-boats will play a role in the fight against the climate crisis; Lasso CEO breaks down how the design behind these compression socks can prevent injuries and improve performance; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Tombs Of Egypt.'
Catriona Campbell, CTIO, UK and Ireland, EY, joins Cheddar News to discuss how business leaders can bridge the gap between their technology investments and their aspirations, and breaks down the human aspects of A.I.
Tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine in attempts to escape the Russian Invasion. According to the U.N. neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and even Romania have seen half a million refugees. While the hospitality is being welcomed by many, it also highlights the mistreatment of migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Africa. Professor of Philosophy and Director of Politics at Northeastern University Serena Parekh, joined Cheddar, to discuss more.
New York's MTA unveiled a new plan to boost the safety for the Big Apple's public transit system to go into effect on the heels of a violent weekend on the subways. The six separate attacks follow a rise of 60 percent in violent subway crimes year to date. The plan will attempt to address the surge in violence, as well as separately offer services to the homeless found within the system, according to the transportation authority. Cheddar's Chloe Aiello explains.
On this episode of Cheddar Reveals, Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent, The New York Times, dives into some of the top trends in the food industry for the upcoming year; Renowned Harlem chef & restaurateur Melba Wilson discusses her inspirations and rise in the food industry, and giving back to her community through food; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'The History of Food.'
Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent, The New York Times, joins Cheddar Reveals to dive into some of the top trends in the food industry for the upcoming year.
Renowned Harlem chef & restaurateur Melba Wilson joins Cheddar to discuss her inspirations and rise in the food industry, and giving back to her community through food.
A Gallup poll finds that now 7.1% of American adults identify as LGBTQ, jumping from 3.5% in 2012. The increase is driven by Generation-Z – those born between 1997 and 2003 – of whom one out of five identify as LGBTQ. Cheddar News speaks with Washington Blade reporter Chris Johnson about the significant shift.
