Danielle Deadwyler is in her element. From the Atlanta stage to captivating screens worldwide, the Till star has proven herself a master of her craft.
In The Piano Lesson, the film adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play, Deadwyler delivers a performance that cements her status as one of today’s most versatile and compelling actors.
Directed by Malcolm Washington, the film stars Deadwyler as Berniece Charles, a woman locked in a battle with her brother, played by John David Washington, over the fate of their family’s cherished heirloom: a carved wooden piano that carries the weight of generational trauma and legacy.
Deadwyler’s portrayal of grief, resilience, and tradition has earned her nominations at the Critics Choice Awards and the Film Independent Spirit Awards, firmly placing her in the awards-season spotlight.
A Homecoming to August Wilson’s World

For Deadwyler, stepping into Berniece’s shoes felt like a homecoming.
“I was reared as an actor among the August Wilson Century Cycle,” she shares.
Having grown up immersed in Wilson’s work, she recognized the play’s emotional resonance and its power to connect with audiences.
The theater remains her artistic foundation.
“Theater is my route—it is everything that made me the kind of artist I am,” Deadwyler says.
Although her recent success in television and film has taken her away from the stage, the actor embraces every opportunity to return to her theatrical roots.
A Connection to the Spiritual World
In The Piano Lesson, Berniece grapples with the presence of spirits—an element that resonates deeply with Deadwyler.
“I wholeheartedly believe in spirits and in the work and protection of ancestors,” she reveals. For her, the language of spirits is “multitudinous, gestural, and symbolic,” enriching her understanding of her character’s emotional journey.
The Versatility of a Star
Deadwyler’s talent transcends genre and medium. From her heart-wrenching role in Till to her commanding performances in Station Eleven and The Harder They Fall, she showcases an unparalleled range.
Her next aspiration? To explore dance, a form she considers a universal language. “Dance is a spirituality, a ritual,” she says.
Beyond the Screen
Off-screen, Deadwyler is just as intriguing. A proud Taurus, she keeps a diary to document her thoughts and daily life, a practice that grounds her creative process.
She’s also mastered holding her breath for up to three minutes—a skill she learned for a scene in Till that didn’t make the final cut.
Deadwyler is unapologetically herself, with a sharp sense of humor and a commitment to authenticity. Whether riding horses or honing her sharpshooting skills, she approaches every challenge with determination and grace.
A Legacy in the Making
With The Piano Lesson adding another lauded performance to her repertoire, Deadwyler’s journey is far from over. As she continues to navigate film, television, and theater, her artistry remains a beacon of excellence and inspiration.