DeWanda Wise

DeWanda Wise is a versatile actress celebrated for her portrayal of Nola Darling in Netflix’s "She’s Gotta Have It," the television adaptation of Spike Lee's film.

Born in Jessup, Maryland, Wise grew up with an interest in the arts, starting with music lessons at the age of four. She studied at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she honed her acting skills and graduated with honors. She initially considered becoming a psychotherapist but found her true passion in acting after a life-changing experience in high school​.

Wise's career spans both television and film. Early roles included appearances in popular shows such as "The Good Wife," "Boardwalk Empire," and "The Twilight Zone." However, it was her portrayal of Nola Darling that truly propelled her into the spotlight, earning her critical acclaim. She has continued to build her career with significant roles in "Jurassic World: Dominion," "Fatherhood," "Someone Great" and "The Weekend." Additional film credits include Spinning into Butter,” "Precious" “How to Tell You’re a Douchbag,” and "Imaginary" -- the latter two in which she both starred and executive produced, In 2016, Wise ventured into screenwriting and wrote the short-film, “Where You Go,” which premiered at Cannes.

In addition to her acting career, Wise is an advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken publicly about her struggles with depression and has written for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), helping to combat the stigma surrounding mental health.