Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is an Emmy-winning actress, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate best known for her role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black, which made her the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she studied at the Alabama School of Fine Arts before pursuing acting in New York City. Cox has been a trailblazer for transgender representation in media, using her platform to advocate for trans rights and visibility. She made history again as the first transgender person to win a Daytime Emmy as an executive producer for Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word. Beyond acting, she is a sought-after speaker and activist, working to challenge discrimination and promote inclusivity. She is also host of her own podcast by iHeartRadio and Shondaland: The Laverne Cox Show. She resides in New York City.