Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Uzo Aduba Can Do Anything... Except for the Butterfly Stroke

Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin, NPR's acclaimed host Rachel Martin sits down with the versatile and talented actress Uzo Aduba. Recognized for her powerful performances in Orange Is the New Black, Mrs. America, and the latest Netflix series The Residence, Uzo delves deep into her personal journey, creative processes, and profound beliefs. This long-form summary encapsulates their engaging conversation, highlighting Uzo's reflections on childhood, career, motherhood, and her unique approach to storytelling.

Early Life and Childhood Memories

Uzo opens up about her imaginative childhood and the influence of her Nigerian immigrant parents. She shares a vivid memory from around [03:01], describing how her creativity led her to build tree houses despite having no formal training:

"I had a wild imagination as a child... I would build tree houses and have no contractor background." ([04:05])

This spirit of innovation and perseverance was instilled by her parents, who were the first in their families to immigrate to America. Uzo recounts her parents' emphasis on dreaming big and believing in oneself:

"There was no community for them when they came... they filled my siblings and I up with the idea that we can do anything." ([06:35])

Her childhood adventures, though sometimes reckless, were a testament to her boundless creativity and the supportive foundation her parents provided.

Navigating a Career in Acting

Rachel Martin provides a poignant overview of Uzo's career trajectory, emphasizing how close she came to abandoning acting for law school. On the exact day she considered this shift, Uzo received the life-changing news of landing her role in Orange Is the New Black. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her ascent in the acting world.

Uzo reflects on the authority and competence she brings to her characters, whether portraying Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America or Detective Cordelia Cuppa in The Residence. She discusses her collaboration with Shonda Rhimes and the unique challenges of bringing Cordelia to life:

"Cordelia Cupp is a woman of her own cast or of her own type. She is quirky. She's the world's greatest detective." ([13:19])

Uzo describes Cordelia's meticulous nature and unwavering focus, traits that set her apart in a male-dominated environment:

"She doesn't miss a beat. She serves the job. Her only focus, her only priority is to be in service to the case." ([17:10])

Insights into Personal Growth and Motherhood

Transitioning into the "Insights" round, Uzo discusses personal qualities she admires but doesn't possess. She humorously mentions her aspiration to master the butterfly stroke in swimming, despite her acknowledged lack of stamina and wingspan:

"They look like they're flying in water or like actual dolphins. I wish I could do that. I can't do it." ([18:16])

Addressing the sacrifices of adulthood, Uzo candidly shares her decision to give up junk food to lead a healthier lifestyle, influenced by her becoming a mother:

"It's modeling good choices... I want to be around as long as possible to see those remarkable things." ([20:43])

Her reflections on motherhood reveal a deep-seated desire to be present for her daughter's milestones, emphasizing the profound impact of parenthood on her life's trajectory.

Beliefs and Reflections on Mortality

In the "Beliefs" segment, Uzo contemplates mortality and the enduring presence of her late mother in her life. She conveys a sense of peace with the concept of death, finding comfort in the belief that loved ones watch over us:

"I do believe heaven is closer than we think... they get to see everything that we're doing and they don't miss a birthday, a Christmas." ([25:38])

Uzo shares a heartfelt moment when her mother expressed no fear of death, only a wish for more time:

"No, I just wish I had a little more time." ([26:52])

This perspective underscores her acceptance and the continuation of her mother's influence through her own life and parenting.

Memory Time Machine: Cherished Moments

Concluding the episode, Rachel invites Uzo to revisit a treasured memory. Uzo chooses her senior portrait day in high school, a moment that marked a turning point in her self-perception:

"He said to me, I think you have a beautiful smile. And my mom had been saying that to me my whole life... I never believed it. But that day, for some reason, I believed him for the first time." ([34:38])

This memory symbolizes Uzo's journey towards self-acceptance and the lasting impact of affirmations from others.

Conclusion

Rachel Martin and Uzo Aduba's conversation on Wild Card offers a profound exploration of resilience, creativity, and the human experience. From building tree houses as a child to navigating the complexities of motherhood and embracing one's beliefs, Uzo's stories are both inspiring and relatable. Her ability to balance professional success with personal growth serves as a testament to her strength and authenticity.

For those who haven't tuned into this episode, the conversation provides valuable insights into the life of one of today's most talented actresses, showcasing her depth both on and off the screen.

Notable Quotes

• "I had a wild imagination as a child... I would build tree houses and have no contractor background." — Uzo Aduba ([04:05])

• "There was no community for them when they came... they filled my siblings and I up with the idea that we can do anything." — Uzo Aduba ([06:35])

• "Cordelia Cupp is a woman of her own cast or of her own type. She is quirky. She's the world's greatest detective." — Uzo Aduba ([13:19])

• "They look like they're flying in water or like actual dolphins. I wish I could do that. I can't do it." — Uzo Aduba ([18:16])

• "I do believe heaven is closer than we think... they get to see everything that we're doing and they don't miss a birthday, a Christmas." — Uzo Aduba ([25:38])

• "He said to me, I think you have a beautiful smile. And my mom had been saying that to me my whole life... I never believed it. But that day, for some reason, I believed him for the first time." — Uzo Aduba ([34:38])

This summary captures the essence of Uzo Aduba's episode on Wild Card with Rachel Martin, providing a comprehensive overview for both fans and new listeners alike.