[3] He wanted to pursue acting from a young age and studied improv and theater from youth. Her story is about vulnerability, trials, triumphs and community care. It all started from doing the play when I understood that, as a gay man, there were certain freedoms that I was afforded, even in my own marginalized experience. Besides that, Nicco has a TikTok account with over 202.8K followers and over 489.1K likes. And youd be hard pressed to find another character like her in TV history. I always want to tell gritty, hard, beautiful, complex stories because in there is light. I walked out onto the floor of the club, and there was this murmur of people. [Laughs] Doing the club was so much fun. With it, hes been able to create a framework thats allowed his TV dreams to come true. Its fun to hear you describe the character at the beginning. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Lizzy Caplan, Five Things You Didnt Know About Clerkenwell Films, Why Boba Fett Fans are Outraged with New LEGO Set, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Desi Lydic, Remembering Joan Weldon: Sci-Fi Star Dies at 90, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Jimmy Havoc. Within that year, I was like, Hollywood is opening up. Will Vin Sant Leave You Jacked or Scammed. September 12, 2018, was when we shot the pilot for P-Valley. Then, for me, the wardrobe is when it really turns all the way up. Chris Brown Responds To Throwing Fans Phone During Onstage Lap Dance. This is not a site exclusively for Black women. Some things have changed in the 10 years since he originally played the role, but the overall essence of Uncle Clifford has remained the same. When Annan auditioned in 2009, Hall invited him to read for the part of Uncle Clifford in her apartment. He has another credit as a choreographer for the play Expatriate. Caption: Nicco Annan with his mother Sandra Nicco Annan (Source: Instagram). I wanted to capture that when Uncle Clifford is performing. But at the same time, how there is still oppression. Annan originated the character, who uses she/her pronouns, in playwright Katori Hall's 2015 play Pussy Valley. [4] When he was 17 he joined a dance troupe. Moreover, Katori Hall created the series. He was raised in the North end area of Detroit, Michigan by an African-American mother named Sandra Nicco Annan and a Ghanian father whose name is unknown at this time. WHO IS NICCO ANNAN? And everyone just doesnt know. Seeing those relationships work and dance together in such a healthy and realistic way, it was refreshing, and it was absolutely intentional. Octagon in New York. That was a part of the draw. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Its really dope to be around, especially on a pop culture kind of show, and bringing this level of artistry and integrity to the characters. Theyd tell him he had to lose weight in order to make it on TV. I had never played a gay character on camera before. I did not want people to just be enamored by the fashion. [2] The series, P-Valley, premiered in 2020 and Annan received critical acclaim for his season one performance. Browse Nicco Annan movies and TV shows available on Prime Video and begin streaming right away to your favorite device. Early on, I had some heavy nerves coming into one scene. What did it mean to showcase this queer Black relationship? In the show, Uncle Clifford, a genderqueer entrepreneur that prefers the pronoun she, runs The Pynk, a small-town strip joint in rural Mississippi. Plus, Keke Palmer welcomes her first child with boyfriend Darius Jackson. Annan originated the character, who uses she/her pronouns, in playwright Katori Halls 2015 play Pussy Valley. The description of Uncle Clifford in combination with the dialogue between dancers Mercedes, Mississippi and Gidget energized him. Nicco Annan has been playing the role of Uncle Clifford well before the show hit our TV screens. Movies The 2023 NAACP Image Awards hosted by actress and producer Queen Latifah is officially underway. While his name may not be that well-known at the moment, that definitely won't be the. [2] I feel like the culture of the South is definitely laced in the show from the fashion to the food and to the language. When I felt that and when I understood that, I knew that there was a level of truth that had to be in not only the show, but in my performance. [8], Annan played a lead role in Hall's play The Hot Wing King, which premiered March 2020 off-Broadway. He is 32 years old as of April 2022. Caption: Nicco Annan body measurement (Source: Instagram). The Roxy back in the day. He moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue television acting. For two seasons strong, the Detroit-born actor has invited TV viewers down to The Pynk, a legacied stripper joint in the fictional Chucalissa, Mississippi, where you can get a lap dance, lemon pepper wings extra wet and a brush with seduction in one fell swoop but only if you follow Cliffs rules. Shes taking care of everyone her grandmother, her dancers, her clubs legacy but has neglected taking care of her heart as she fights the honest, raw love she shares with a rising local rapper half her age, Lil Murda. In Starzs new drama P-Valley, Nicco Annan (This Is Us, Shameless) is Uncle Clifford. When Janine Carthone is doing my makeup, its a part of the transformation, even when Uncle Clifford is bare. I was like, Oh, youre worth something. But not so dominating that it engulfs. He had already passed 35 years of age by 2020. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Latest. Add a photo or add a quote . By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. Dare to bore me, she told Annan. Katori dared to dream big with a character like Uncle Clifford, and in doing so, I think she hit the jackpot. Embodying this role has done a lot for Annan, reminding himself of the space that is rightfully his in this industry as well. Its rare to see on TV how queer peoples dress changes depending on the setting!Let me tell you something. Camille has a master's degree from Saint Joseph University's Writing Studies program, and she currently works as the Writing Center Assistant Director at a small university in western Pennsylvania. He was teased for having dark skin and Ghanaian roots and being heavyset. He was reluctant to take the long plane ride, especially after a classmate told him hed be sleeping with animals. Annan is making quite a mark in the entertainment industry through his natural acting and exceptional performances in movies like Demons. I went to college and studied at the Conservatory at Purchase College in New York. When you were giving grandmother her insulin, you had a nice negligee, because you wanted to feel good. As gay people, as black people marginalized communities you learn how to have activism and survival at the same time. Then you see Uncle Clifford at her most confident in the club. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Wait a Second, Yvonne Strahovski is Australian? You definitely will see them on their journey, but I think it would be a more normalized journey than you may be accustomed to. It reminded me how accepting people can be when you have pure joy. I knew that I was going to a place that did not understand Uncle Clifford fully and that would ridicule her. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Emerging from the shadows, eyelashes like butterflies and acrylic nails like eagle talons. There were times where we would shoot things and Katori would say, Hey, we dont do that in this world because love is possible. Everyone just doesnt know.. Considering Niccos success and popularity, we can assume that he will win some in upcoming years. Nicco Annan is an actor known for his roles in movies and tv shows such as Tyler Perry's The Haves and the Have Nots, For Better or Worse, and Love Thy Neighbor. Baller Alert caught up with Nicco Annan and J.Alphonse on the NAACP Awards carpet where they shared what P-Valley viewers can expect from their on-screen rom. Thats awesome.Yeah, when I read that, I was like, okay, Im here. Nicco Annan is an actor who is best known for his work on the television show . With her flashy fashions, unique prowess, country twang and grandmother-like phrases that make you chuckle and think at the same time, its hard not to feel Uncle Clifford. I know I feel like Ive hit the jackpot because there are no limitations on where she can go. This is why it took time for me to even be comfortable in my body and to be able to walk in that light, to stand in that sun; its an honor.. Season 2 finds Uncle Clifford at risk of losing The Pynk, yet again, while navigating the weight of a world plagued by COVID-19. Black Girl Nerds 11.6K subscribers BGN sits down with actor Nicco Annan (Uncle Clifford) to discuss the new series P-Valley launching on STARZ. Check out photos from from Megan Thee Stallions appearance in last nights penultimate episode of P-Valley season two. You don't want to be left behind." How, you know, healthy relationships between communities can coexist. This Is Us (TV Series 2016-2022) - Nicco Annan as Mr. Davis - IMDb This Is Us (2016-2022) Nicco Annan: Mr. Davis It looks like we don't have any photos or quotes yet. TV Features 'P-Valley' Star Nicco Annan on Taking on Non-Binary Role: "I Did Not Want Her to Be a Joke" Receiving the actor award for Uncle Clifford at Critics Choice Awards' Celebration of. I read the first four pages. her. Although Nicco isnt nonbinary in real life, he still recognizes the power of femininity. Moreover, Nicco likes to keep a distance from rumors and controversy. These are some old-school clubs people would go to just be their free and unbanded selves. Check out Nicco Annan's Bio Now In Shameless, I played a gay preacher who was in support of speaking out against conversion therapy. Nicco hopes that P-Valley will help people become more open minded and less judgemental towards people who are different. And, you know, possibly might not give her a loan because of how shes dressed, who she is and how she identifies and moves through the world. She was going to, like, a pole fitness class and all of this stuff. [2] His mother is African American and was raised in the south, and his father is Ghanaian. [8][7][3] He is also the choreographer for the series All American. That bite. To play that, for me, I have to get very comfortable in the body that Im in. Uncle Clifford is one of the few examples of nonbinary representation in a major series. In a Dirty Delta strip club lives one of TVs baddest queer characters. In the category of Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, Nicco Annan took the award for his role in P-Valley. Nicco Annan was born on May 7, 1989, in Detroit, Michigan. Her story is about learning to choose love, despite what the world believes a Black nonbinary person should experience. Sometimes our stories can be oversimplified, and I appreciated the show tackled head-on so many different topics and the intersect of Black love, LGBTQ community and the Black community. [5] He was named to THR's list of Best TV Performances of 2020 and received nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and the Independent Spirit Awards. Thats why the breakout character has been able to keep viewers enraptured in all her glory. All the characters in this world are some form of sex worker. That trip helped him embrace his dark skin, full lips and gap in his front teeth Back home, having a gap is distinguished. Much of the focus of Niccos career has been put on acting, but hes also a choreographer. I noticed a change within a year. From the beard to the hair to the nails, Uncle Clifford cuts a striking onscreen image. I did not want her to be a joke. Luckily, though, Nicco comes from a supportive family that has always had his back. Moreover, Nicco has a sister named Kellee Stewart. [2], When the play was ordered for a television adaptation by Starz, Annan again auditioned for the role of Uncle Clifford and was re-cast. Nicco Annan - "P-Valley" *WINNER. Signature Theatre, which makes an extended commitment to producing a playwright's body of work, announces its 2022 Gala in the sweeping lobby of its own Frank Gehry-designed home, The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street). That means that God smiled on you.. She always is walking in her truth of who she is. In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, Nicco revealed that he talked to several nonbinary people while preparing for the role to gain some insight. Hopefully well get to see some of his moves in P-Valley. [7], In 2009, Annan's friend recommended him for a role in Pussy Valley, a play by Katori Hall centered on a strip club in the Mississippi Delta. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Nicco Annan as Uncle Clifford, a genderqueer character like nothing TV has ever seen. The actor discusses playing Uncle Clifford for over a decade, persevering as a Black queer man in Hollywood and creating space for others to be. What was the scene that made you nervous?It was in two. Common, Chuck D, Dave Chappelle, and others attended The DA.I.S.Y. Getting dressed to go to that loan office was really heavy. Although the entertainment industry can be a very distracting place, and it can be hard to maintain your beliefs, he has managed to keep faith at the forefront of everything he does. Which is revolutionary. Lionsgate Television produces P-Valley for STARZ. After that, Nicco played the character of Uncle Clifford in P-Valley in early 2020. Mank (Donald Graham Burt), Tenet (Nathan Crowley), Da 5 Bloods (Wynn Thomas), and Soul (Steve Pilcher), won Best Production Design for Feature Film. Is Black southern culture something you feel is more than physical space?Absolutely. View more / View less Facts of Nicco Annan, Purchase College, State University of New York. 2020 Nominee, Best Featured Actor in a Play Off-Broadway. What it was like to do those club scenes where shes doing the most in the best way?Come on for doing the most! The Grammy winner, who also wrote and recorded the original song featured in the episode, entitled Get It On The Floor, was seen in the role of Tina Snow on the critically acclaimed STARZ drama. So those women are flying around the polls, and Uncle Clifford is flying around that club, just dancing through the people. Over the course of his career, Nicco has appeared in shows like Shameless and This Is Us. Latest; Oldest . Nicco Annan's Ascent From Off-Broadway to Television as Uncle Clifford in 'P-Valley'. What have you seen? Thats definitely one of the things thats most prominent in Katoris work. My nails emotionally kind of took me out because I felt like I was having to remove. Childhood of Nicco Annan. Read about film archivist Maya Cade, internet stars Keyon Elkins and Drew Afualo, rapper Latash, music historian Katelina Eccleston, artist Kay Rufai, filmmaker Alika Tengan and actor Rhoyle Ivy King. Im like, oh, this is why the SlimFast didnt work for you when you were a kid. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Tags: this is us, nbc, jack pearson, milo ventimiglia, chrissy metz, kate pearson, sterling k brown, randall pearson, susan kelechi watson, beth pearson, mandy moore . Her hair is perfectly shined and curled. The breakout star of Starz's strip-club drama talks about landing the role twice and the power . Nicco Annan (@AllDayNicco) / Twitter Log in Sign up Follow Nicco Annan @AllDayNicco Man of God, Actor/Choreographer/Host Uncle Clifford on hit show P-Valley on STARZ Booking Inquiry: Artist & Brand lori@artistandbrand.com Los Angeles, CA artistandbrand.com/clients/nicco- Joined July 2012 407 Following 53.2K Followers Tweets Tweets & replies Media Niccos character Uncle Clifford, is a non-binary person and strip club owner who will definitely one of the most impactful people in the series. The transformation happens first in the makeup chair. Ever? [9][10], He appeared as a guest judge on season 2 of Legendary. Instead, his energy is as warm and generous as it is regal and captivating. Nicco Annan is an American actor better known as Uncle Clifford's role in the movie P-Valley, an adaption of the Katori Hall play Pussy Valley. Nia Long Reveals Her Relationship Status After Walking The Red Carpet With Omarion! It resonates with me when plus-size or full-figured women and full-figured men that are straight, that are gay, that are nonbinary, and everybody kind of identifies with her in a way. This is Us produced by Dan Fogelman is an American romantic family drama series. She literally just had like a little nugget, but I was like, this is interesting because whats on the page is described as masculine and feminine in equal measure. For two seasons strong, the Detroit-born actor has invited TV viewers down to The Pynk, a legacied stripper joint in the fictional Chucalissa, Mississippi, where you can get a lap dance, lemon pepper wings extra wet and a brush with seduction in one fell swoop but only if you follow Cliffs rules. Dante Di Loreto also serves as an executive producer on the series. She just wanted to play around with this idea of masculinity and femininity in one character. Looking dashing in a two-piece royal blue suit, Annan glided to the stage, where he graciously accepted his trophy before dedicating it to older generations of individuals that did not have space to be themselves. This win marked the actors second nomination in the major category and his first win. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, Receiving the actor award for Uncle Clifford at Critics Choice Awards' Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, Annan says, "I hope that this is a signal to dream big.". In order to successfully play a role, actors must do research on the character they will be playing. You will hear it again. The estimated net worth of Nicco is around $2 million US dollars as of July 2022. Nicco loves his parents and share photo of them on his Instagram. I really had armor that sometimes you have to have as an LGBTQ person to move in the world. With her flashy fashions, unique prowess, country twang and grandmother-like phrases that make you chuckle and think at the same time, its hard not to feel Uncle Clifford. The former Dallas wide receiver is trying to clear his name after a hotel accused him of harassing a female employee. But not so dominating that it engulfs. We first read the first four pages she had written. I remember being in the pandemic of it all, when we were coming up with options, I would tell [costume designers Alita McGhee Bailey and Tiffany Hasbourne], This isnt enough. Youre in Los Angeles. But I still think, at the core, people are really more good than they are bad, especially when you meet them with your truth. I read that [in the script] and I knew that there was a depression going on.