In a touching revelation that bridges Hollywood glamour with the immigrant experience, Emmy Award-winning actor Uzo Aduba has penned a poignant memoir dedicated to her late mother, Nonyem Aduba. The book, aptly titled The Road Is Good, echoes the meaning of Aduba’s Igbo name and chronicles her journey from a Massachusetts suburb to stardom.
Aduba, best known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” opens up in an interview with npr.org about growing up as the child of Nigerian immigrants in predominantly white Medfield. She recalls wearing green and white beads in her hair, proudly representing her heritage despite occasional taunts from classmates. These experiences, along with more severe instances of racism, were often kept from her parents to spare them further battles.
The actor’s voice brims with emotion as she discusses the profound influence of her mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2020. “My cup is ultimately filled with her,” Aduba says, crediting her mother’s wisdom and work ethic for shaping her approach to life and career. She shares how her mother’s mantra, “I’ve never heard of nothing coming from hard work,” became a guiding principle in her pursuit of acting success.
In a surprising revelation, Aduba discovered through her mother’s journals the depth of prayers and concern for her daughter’s well-being and dreams. This discovery has given her a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by her parents, including her mother’s stint working at McDonald’s to support the family.
Aduba’s memoir also touches on the challenges of maintaining cultural identity in America. She recounts a childhood incident where a neighbour’s comment about her hair first made her aware of her differences, a moment that resonates with many first-generation immigrants.
As Aduba promotes her new film, “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” she reflects on the legacy of her mother’s love and determination. Her story serves as a testament to the immigrant experience and the power of familial support in achieving the American dream.
With The Road Is Good, Uzo Aduba not only celebrates her mother’s life but also offers an inspiring narrative of perseverance, cultural pride and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter that transcends fame and fortune.
