Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley: biography

Rutina Wesley is an American actress, best known for her role as Tara Thornton on the HBO series "True Blood."

Childhood and youth

Rutina Wesley was born on December 21, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her parents divorced when she was very young, and she was raised by her mother, Cassandra Wesley, a tap dancer and showgirl. Her mother's career in the entertainment industry greatly influenced Wesley's love for the arts and inspired her to pursue a career in acting.

Wesley grew up in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she attended a performing arts high school. During her youth, she was very involved in dance and was trained in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. She also attended summer programs at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

After graduating from high school, Wesley attended the University of Evansville in Indiana, where she studied theater before transferring to the Juilliard School's Drama Division in New York City. At Juilliard, she honed her acting skills and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Movie career

Rutina Wesley began her movie career in 2007, with a supporting role in the independent drama movie "How She Move." In the movie, Wesley portrayed a high school student named Raya Green, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. The film received positive reviews and Wesley's performance was praised by critics.

In the hit HBO series "True Blood", which was released in 2008, Rutina Wesley played the role of Tara Thornton, one of the main characters of the show. Tara was introduced as the best friend of protagonist Sookie Stackhouse, and her character went on to become an integral part of the series.Throughout the show, Tara's storyline was marked by a series of traumatic events, including physical abuse, sexual assault, and the loss of several loved ones. Wesley's portrayal of Tara was praised for its authenticity and depth, as she brought to life the character's struggles with grace and vulnerability. Despite the challenges that Tara faced, Wesley's performance imbued the character with strength and resilience, making her a fan favorite and earning Wesley critical acclaim. Her role in "True Blood" helped to establish her as a talented and versatile actress, and remains one of the most iconic performances of her career.

In addition to her movie work, Wesley has also appeared in a variety of television shows. She has had recurring roles on shows such as "Hannibal," "Arrow," and "Queen Sugar." In 2019, Wesley was cast in a lead role in the OWN drama series "Queen Sugar," which explores the lives of the Bordelon family in Louisiana. Her portrayal of Nova Bordelon, a journalist and activist, has been praised for its depth and complexity.

In 2023 Wesley appeared in the HBO series "The Last of Us" in the role of Maria.

In conclusion, Rutina Wesley has had a diverse and accomplished movie career, showcasing her range as an actor in a variety of genres and mediums. Her talent, dedication, and advocacy for important causes have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Personal life

In 2005 Rutina got married to her former classmate from Julliard called Jacob Fishel. Their marriage lasted till 2013 when they divorced because of the irreconcilable differences.

In 2017, Wesley came out publicly as bisexual, posting a photo on Instagram with the caption, "Happy Pride Day y'all! From a proud bisexual woman who's been in relationships with both men and women. I've never been in any 'closet,' I just wanted to feel clear myself and be honest with you folks. I love you. Always have, always will." Her candid revelation was met with support from fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Same year she announced her relationship with Shonda, a chef from New Orleans, though their ways parted in 2019.

Outside of her acting career, Wesley has been an advocate for various causes. She has been vocal about her support for the Black Lives Matter movement and has used her platform to speak out about police brutality and racial injustice. She has also worked with organizations such as the Innocence Project and the National Black Theatre to raise awareness and support for social justice issues.

Overall, Rutina Wesley's personal life has been marked by a commitment to honesty and openness, both in terms of her struggles with mental health and her sexuality. Her bravery in sharing her experiences has helped to raise awareness and reduce stigma around important issues.

Filmography

Film:

• How She Move (2007)
• California Winter (20012)
• 13 Sins (2014)
• Last Weekend (2014)
• The Perfect Guy (2015)
• Outsiders (2021)

TV:

• Numb3rs (2008)
• True Blood (2008-2014)
• Family Guy (2009)
• The Cleveland Show (2009-2012)
• Generator Rex (2010-2011)
• Hannibal (2015)
• Arrow (2015-2017)
• Queen Sugar (2016-2022)
• The Walking Dead (2019)
• The Last of Us (2023)

Awards

• 2009: won 14th Satellite Awards for Best Cast - Television Series for "True Blood"
• 2017: won 17th Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for "Queen Sugar"
• 2019: won 19th Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for "Queen Sugar"