Tag Archives: Poussey Washington

Samira Wiley Is a Conflicted Mother In New Kitty Genovese Movie ’37’

Samira Wiley may have exited Orange Is the New Black this season, but the actress – who played fan favourite Poussey Washington – is moving on to a new challenge.

Wiley’s new film 37 is a powerful drama and a fictional account of the 1964 rape and murder of Kitty Genovese, and the 37 people who “did nothing” as it happened.

Directed by Danish actress and filmmaker, Puk Gratsen, the film’s retelling is told entirely from the perspectives of her apathetic neighbours.

Wiley plays Joyce Smith who, with her husband and son, fled the race riots in Harlem and have just moved into the Queens neighbourhood.

37-744x496

Talking about the movie to Hollywood Life, Wiley said

As an actor, I want to do a lot of different roles and different from the things people know me for. So that was the first thing that definitely attracted me to the role.

The Kitty Genovese story, which I actually wasn’t familiar with before this film. Researching and figuring out the particulars of what happened that night was definitely — I felt like — a story that needed to be told. To be able to have the opportunity to not only tell that story but also working with such an amazing cast and especially Michael Potts, I just felt like I learned so much to better myself as an actor.

37-2-744x475

She added

Honestly, I really do think something like that is possible in happening today. I think people are so afraid of speaking up because I think there’s this notion of: “If I’m the first one to say something, then I’m going to be the first person that suspicion is cast on.”

In Her Own Words ‘Orange is the New Black’ Star Samira Wiley On Why We Love Poussey Washington

This story discusses plot points from the current season of “Orange is the New Black” that’s now on Netflix.

Yes, we’re still reeling after the gut-wrenching end of the show’s fourth season.

(Last chance to stop reading if you’re not caught up!)

Throughout the fourth season, we’re reminded of Poussey Washington’s potential as her relationship with Soso blossoms and she makes friends with her idol, celebrity chef Judy King.

Orange Is The New Black S4

But at the end of the season, things take a very sad turn.

Washington, played by Samira Wiley, is suffocated by a prison guard — one of “the good ones” — during a peaceful protest.

Now that the episode has aired, Wiley is discussing the tough issues that the finale scene forces into light, such as race, violence, and incarceration.

I just see so much potential in Poussey Washington. I root for her. I want to see her outside of prison, making it.”

The season’s final episode was penned by the actor’s real life girlfriend Lauren Morelli.

Wiley, who’s currently filming her next role, playing a therapist on the upcoming third season of FXX’s dramedyYou’re the Worst, sums up why everyone loves Poussey, and why her death will continue to resonate into Season 5 and beyond.

She’s honest, she’s funny, she puts a smile on your face. I’m so, so, so happy to have the opportunity to give life to someone like Poussey.”