— Peter Nichols
Ebony Obsidian is marching into black entertainment with emphatic strides. She is known for her roles, versatility and emotional performances. Ebony is navigating the ups and downs of rising stardom, she plays characters that resonate with audiences.
We unravel her mystique, influences, roles, and aspirations that chart a future brimming with potential. She is an inspiration in black TV and cinema, and she is only just starting.
Early Life and Background
Ebony Obsidian’s rise began in New Paltz, New York. Obsidian was a curious and imaginative child. It was evident to family and friends she possessed a flair for storytelling and a deep love for the arts. “I kind of fell into acting actually. I’m a singer, always have been,” says Ebony.
Eboni Obsidian Chats About “The Six Triple Eight”
Ebony continues, “But I had been listening to the radio one day, which I never do, when I was like 12 and there was an audition in a nearby city which then sent me to Philadelphia. I found myself on a stage in front of just over 1,000 people acting out a monologue, which was new and scary but a major high.”
“I knew I needed to be better though, so I graduated high school early, saved up, packed up, and moved to NYC from upstate NY. There I studied at The William Esper Studio, a phenomenal conservatory,” said Ebony.
Rise to Stardom: Key Roles and Breakthrough Performances
Ebony says, “I’ve been quite fortunate to have worked with a string of incredible independent film directors and actors these past years. Where Hearts Lie is a film with Malik Yoba, Clifton Powell, Taral Hicks and it premiered at Ocktober Film Festival. My character is Sheila, the enemy of sorts to the lead character, which gets a bit, crazy.”
Her breakthrough came with critically-acclaimed web series Tough Love. Where she played the role of Alicia Davis. It explores the lives and relationships of six (6) young African Americans friends in NYC. Obsidian’s portrayal of Alicia is lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth. It established her as a presence in the independent film industry.
The Official Trailer Tough Love Web Series
Her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk, by Barry Jenkins, further placed her status as a rising star. She played Adrienne Hunt with warmth and strength. The film’s success and her nuanced performance opened more doors. A significant milestone in her career is her role in Sistas, by Tyler Perry. As Karen Mott, Ebony brought vulnerability and resilience, earning her praise from critics and fans. The show’s popularity made her visible to audiences.
Acting Style and Influences
Ebony explains, “The William Esper Studio teaches the Meisner technique. In essence it’s an acting style derived entirely from your imagination. You don’t use your past to create emotion, you create memories or current situations to create emotion. Because you can never run out of imagination you have complete freedom. You could do the same play over and over and it would never be exactly the same.”
She is very grateful to have worked with a lot of actors who just get it. “They understand that acting is hard work, they constantly fine tune their instruments (themselves), because they know they can’t fake it” says Ebony. It isn’t everyone who gets in front of a camera that qualifies to be an actor, and that’s not the case.”
Tyler Perry’s ‘SISTAS’ (BET Series)
Any actor knows, that you can never judge your character. Any of their (an actor’s) decisions must be justified and no matter what they (actors) have done in a film, they should always be able to justify why.
“I can always understand that human decision that may have been their downfall and why they didn’t see it coming a mile away. That makes it real, when it’s real to you,” says Ebony. She continues, “Once I am committed to a character, it isn’t hard to stay in character. Everyone on set is in their zone, so I can easily stay in mine.”
Behind the Scenes: Life Off the Screen
Away from the spotlight, she is an individual with a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. Obsidian values her privacy and strives to maintain a healthy balance between her professional and personal life, ensuring that she remains grounded in the demands of her career.
Ebony Obsidian is committed to her community through charitable efforts that support the arts, education, social justice and gender inequalities. Through her efforts, she seeks to empower and uplift others, using her platform to advocate for positive change. Obsidian exemplifies the qualities of a true role model, both on and off the screen.
Ebony Obsidian visits IRC women’s programs in South Sudan | International Women’s Day 2024
Ebony is an IRC ambassador. In 2023 she was in South Sudan where she witnessed the country’s mounting humanitarian needs and the impacts of the climate crisis.
Awards and Recognition
Over 8-10 years, Ebony has received awards that celebrate her contributions to entertainment. These honors are a testament to her skill as an actress and her ability to captivate audiences. The most significant recognitions in her career came with her role The Six Triple Eight and If Beale Street Could Talk. These films received critical acclaim, including nominations and awards for its ensemble cast.
Her role in the series Sistas keeps earning her a loyal fan base. The show’s popularity and Ebony’s performance is solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry. These accolades are a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent, and they serve as a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for this remarkable actress.
In 2015, on Punkin Pie (a short film), her role as Katrina Richardson earned her an IndieFEST Film Award of Merit Special Mention. In 2018 on If Bearle Street Could Talk” was nominated for Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Ensemble, Georgia Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble, Seattle Film Critics Society Award for Best Ensemble Cast, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble. In 2019, in Swipe, a short film, she earned the Independent Horror Movie Award for Best Actress
In 2024, playing Lena Derriecott Bell King, who she met in person before she died, on The Six Triple Eight, she won NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture.
Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
Ebony Obsidian will return as series regular in her role as Karen Mott in Tyler Perry’s Sistas (2019–present). She will also return as regular on the Hunters, which has been on Amazon since 2020 as Carol Lockhart, a recurring role which she has held for 6 episodes
Hunters: In 1977 New York City, a troubled young Jewish man bent on revenge is taken in by a secret group of Nazi hunters fighting a clandestine war against a cell of high-ranking Nazi officials in hiding who work to create the Fourth Reich. In Sistas: A group of single black females from different walks of life who bond over their one common thread: why am I single?
Obsidian’s role in both TV series is compelling and multi-dimensional, allowing her to showcase her range and depth as an actress. These project is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike and is expected to further elevate her career to new heights.
Impact on Pop Culture and Representation
Ebony Obsidian’s rise is imprinting on pop culture and representation in the entertainment industry. Obsidian’s talent in singing is gradually resonating deeply with audiences.
In addition to her on-screen work, Obsidian is also a vocal advocate for gender inequality and inclusion in the industry. She uses her platform to speak out on important issues and to support initiatives that promote equal opportunities for actors of all backgrounds.
Fan Base and Community Engagement
Ebony Obsidian has cultivated a growing loyal and passionate fan base that spans the globe, with followers who admire her talent, dedication, and genuine personality.
Obsidian actively engages with her fans through social media, where she shares glimpses of her life, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on her latest projects. This direct interaction allows her to build a strong and supportive community, fostering a sense of closeness and mutual appreciation.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Ebony Obsidian
As we look to the future, it is clear that Ebony Obsidian’s legacy is one of inspiration, talent, and trailblazing achievement. Her journey from a young girl with a passion for storytelling to a celebrated actress in Hollywood is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in her craft.
Her ability to embody complex characters and bring their stories to life with authenticity and emotional depth has earned her widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Ebony Obsidian is a beacon of inspiration for all those who dare to dream and pursue their passions. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and the transformative power of the arts. As her career continues to unfold, there is no doubt that Obsidian’s legacy will be one of profound impact and enduring significance, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
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