She’s a screenwriter and producer, best known as a staff writer for the wildly popular Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Before she made her mark in Hollywood, she attended Marymount Manhattan College, where she studied dance with dreams of turning it into a full-time career. Unfortunately, a serious back injury derailed her path as a dancer. But sometimes, life has other plans—thanks to the encouragement of a supportive professor, she shifted her focus toward writing, a move that would ultimately define her future.
As she worked on Orange is the New Black, she began exploring her identity more deeply and came to understand that she was openly lesbian. This personal journey led to major life changes, including filing for divorce from her husband, Steve Basilone, after two years of marriage. It was during this transformative time that she connected with Samira Wiley, one of the show’s standout actresses. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple tied the knot in 2017, marking a new chapter both personally and professionally.
Throughout her journey, she’s remained true to herself, using her voice not just in storytelling, but in living authentically. Her work continues to inspire, and her name remains closely tied to groundbreaking moments in television and representation.
She’s not only a talented playwright but also an accomplished screenwriter, and her work has made quite an impact in the theater world. One of her standout pieces, Roach & Rat, was featured in Lesser America’s production of Just Right Just Now—a moment that truly highlighted her skill and creativity. Her name continues to gain recognition among contemporary writers, and with good reason. Her name stands out for its originality and depth, especially in how she brings complex characters to life. It’s clear that her name is one to watch in both stage and screen writing circles.