DeWanda Wise (née Jackson; born May 30, 1984) is an American actress. She starred in Spike Lee's Netflix comedy-drama series She's Gotta Have It (2017–19), a contemporary adaptation of his 1986 film.
Early life Wise was born in Jessup, Maryland and raised in Woodlawn, Laurel, and Baltimore. In high school, she thought she wanted to be a therapist until she took AP Psychology and decided it was not for her. She began acting during her sophomore year at Atholton High School when her high school theatre director offered her a part in a production in lieu of detention.
In 2006, she graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a bachelor's in fine arts in drama and urban studies, where she befriended Gina Rodriguez. During her undergraduate years, Wise worked as a resident assistant and a stocker at Trader Joe's.
Career Wise first appeared in episodes of television series including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Good Wife and Boardwalk Empire. She made her film debut in the 2007 drama Spinning into Butter starring Sarah Jessica Parker, then had secondary roles in Steam (2007) and Precious (2009). In 2016, she starred in the independent romantic comedy film How to Tell You're a Douchebag that premiered at Sundance Film Festival. The next year, she had a recurring role in the WGN period drama series Underground, and starred opposite Sanaa Lathan in the Fox miniseries Shots Fired.
In 2017, she had a leading role in the Netflix comedy-drama series She's Gotta Have It, which was canceled after two seasons in 2019. In 2018, she was cast in Disney's Captain Marvel, but left the project due to scheduling conflicts with her Netflix series. That year, she appeared in the comedy film The Weekend directed by Stella Meghie.
In 2019, she starred with Gina Rodriguez and Brittany Snow in the romantic comedy film Someone Great for Netflix.
She later appeared opposite Kevin Hart and Alfre Woodard in the comedy-drama Fatherhood (2021), and co-starred in Jurassic World Dominion.
Personal life Wise married actor Alano Miller in 2009 after three months of dating. She is a vegan. She lives in Pasadena, California.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes2006Super PowersMrs. ElliotShort filmWho's CallingVal2007PariahMikeSpinning into ButterClaudia ThompsonSoul MatesPsycheAfrican Booty ScratcherIsatuShort filmSteamLynn2009PreciousMiriamUncreditedUs: A Love StoryScowling Woman Short filmBeyond Words Paige2010TrainPour aimer, encoreSyl2011A Walk in the ParkSmoking NonsmokingReporterBlack Swan Theory Short film2012FriskG2015KnuckleheadCharlotte2016How to Tell You're a DouchebagRochelle Marseilles 2018 The WeekendMargo Johnson 2019 Someone GreatErin Kennedy 2021 Fatherhood Lizzie aka Swan The Harder They Fall Eleanor Love 2022 Jurassic World Dominion Kayla Watts 2023 Poolman June Del Rey 2024 Imaginary Jessica Also executive producer2025 Love, Brooklyn Nicole Killing Faith Sarah
Television Year Title Role Notes2007Law & Order: Criminal IntentAngelaEpisode: "World's Fair"2008One Life to LiveJuliannaEpisode: "Jumpin' Jehosophat"2009The UnusualsNurseEpisode: "42" (S01E05)2011The Good WifeJenni SalernoEpisode: "Breaking Up"2011Law & Order: Special Victims UnitLakeisha WatkinsEpisode: "Dirty"2011Tokens the SeriesKeisha/Karen2011Boardwalk EmpireHenny WalkerEpisode: "What Does the Bee Do?"2012FirelightTerry EasleTV movie2014The MentalistTanya DeanEpisode: "Blue Bird"2015Sorta My ThingAndreaTwo episodes2017UndergroundClara5 episodes2017Shots FiredShameeka CampbellMain cast, 10 episodesNominated—Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series2017–2019She's Gotta Have ItNola DarlingMain cast, 19 episodesNominated—Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, Comedy Series2019The Twilight ZoneAlexa BrandtEpisode: "Six Degrees of Freedom"2021InvasionDeputy GradyEpisode: "Last Day" 2023 Three Women Sloane Main cast, 10 episodes2025Murderbot (TV series)Nav 7Reoccurring cast, 4 episodes
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