Joaquina Kalukango (born ) is an American actor and singer best known for playing Nelly O'Brien in the Broadway musical Paradise Square, for which she won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Play in 2020 for portraying Kaneisha in Slave Play. In addition to her theatre work, Kalukango has appeared in One Night in Miami..., When They See Us and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Early life Born in Atlanta, Kalukango is of Angolan descent, and her parents arrived in the United States as political refugees. She has three siblings. In 2007, Kalukango became a YoungArts alumnus. She attended the Juilliard School. Due to her heritage, Kalukango wants to work on roles that showcase the Black experience.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes2015I Had a DreamBetty ShabazzShort film2019Chained for Life Michelle2020One Night in Miami... Betty Shabazz
Television Year Title Role Notes2019When They See Us AdelleEpisode: "Part Three"2019Instinct AngelaEpisode: "Trust Issues"2020Lovecraft Country Hanna4 episodes2021Robin Roberts Presents: MahaliaMildred FallsTelevision film2023Lawmen: Bass Reeves Esme6 episodes
Theatre credits YearTitleRoleVenue2011RagtimeSarah Hangar Theatre2011–2012GodspellEnsembleCircle in the Square Theatre2012Hurt VillageCookieRomulus Linney Courtyard Theatre2012Emotional CreatureRomulus Linney Courtyard Theatre2014Antony and CleopatraCleopatraAnspacher Theater2014Holler If Ya Hear MeKamilah, EnsemblePalace Theatre2014Our Lady of KibehoMarie-Clare MukangangoIrene Diamond Stage2015The Wild PartyKateNew York City Center, Encores!2015–2016The Color PurpleNettieBernard B. Jacobs Theatre2017The Red Letter Plays: Fucking ACanary MaryRomulus Linney Courtyard Theatre2018How to Succeed in Business Without Really TryingSmittyKennedy Center2019–2020Slave PlayKaneishaJohn Golden Theatre2021Paradise SquareNelly O'BrienNederlander Theatre2022Ethel Barrymore Theatre2022–2023Into the WoodsThe WitchSt. James Theatre2024Jelly's Last JamAnitaNew York City Center, Encores!2025Saturday ChurchAunt RoseNew York Theatre Workshop2026The HeartMarianne Lamar Laura Pels Theatre, Off-Broadway
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResult2012Drama Desk AwardOutstanding Featured Actress in a PlayHurt Village2020Tony AwardBest Performance by a Leading Actress in a PlaySlave Play2021Screen Actors Guild AwardOutstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureOne Night in Miami...2022Tony AwardBest Performance by a Leading Actress in a MusicalParadise SquareDrama Desk AwardOutstanding Actress in a Musical Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Actress in a Musical
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