Born on May 23, 1958, Lea DeLaria is a multifaceted American performer who has made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. As a comedian, actress, and jazz singer, she has showcased her exceptional talents to a wide range of audiences.
DeLaria's groundbreaking appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1993 made her the first openly gay comic to appear on American television, paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ comedians.
Her most notable role to date is undoubtedly her portrayal of inmate Carrie "Big Boo" Black on the hit Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black, which she played from 2013 to 2019.
In addition to her work on television, DeLaria has also made a significant mark on the world of Broadway. She starred in the 2000 revival of The Rocky Horror Show and more recently appeared in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive in 2022.
Throughout her illustrious career, DeLaria has consistently demonstrated her versatility and range as a performer, earning her a special place in the hearts of fans and critics alike.