Danielle Deadwyler, 2000, Actress
October 12, 2022
“Expand. Expand. Expand.” That’s the mantra Danielle Deadwyler carried with her throughout her time at Grady and later in her career. As an adult, Deadwyler has made a name for herself on screen, starring in multiple feature films, and off-screen as a seasoned director.
“I was pushed to the next level of practice as a thinker and creator while there, from literature to debate and theater,” Deadwyler said. “My teachers, peers and creative opportunities leaders believed in me, and I was encouraged to expand daily.”
From her start as a student at Grady, Deadwyler was involved in an array of extracurricular activities and was recognized by the student body as an outstanding member of the school community.
“I was voted best all around upon graduation, so I did everything — sports (track, softball, soccer), drama, debate, GNN (Grady News Now), MindBusters,” Deadwyler said. “These were opportunities I embraced as a student.”
Deadwyler went on to earn several honors. Since her debut in 2012, Deadwyler has garnered critical acclaim for her notable performances as Lemon Cassidy in “The Devil to Pay”, where she was recognized as Best Actress in a Feature Film by GenreBlast Film Festival, and as Cuffee in the 2021 western film “The Harder They Fall,” which was nominated for 12 and won 5 national film awards. In Oct. 2022, she will star as Mamie Till-Mobley in the upcoming biographical drama film, “Till.”
After high school, Deadwyler continued her education at Spelman College before receiving a Master’s of Arts in American Studies from Columbia University. Deadwyler accredits her latter success to the foundation in her youth.
“Grady instilled a rigor to learning, a joy to explore and create,” Deadwyler said.
As a multi-talented teenager, Deadwyler was constantly pushing herself and overcoming obstacles. She has carried those principles into her career, where she works to educate and support social equity through various arts educational projects.
“My experience encouraged me to be well-rounded and introduced me to a community of lifelong friends and chosen family,” Deadwyler said.
Additional Reporting by Lily Rachwalski.