Actor / Actress

Pernell Walker

Born September 19, 1980 15 credits available

Biography

Pernell Walker (born September 19, 1980) is an American actress known for her impactful performances in film, television, and theater. Hailing from the South Bronx, Walker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from City College and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School. Walker first garnered attention with her breakout role as Laura in Pariah (2011), an award-winning Focus Features film directed by Dee Rees. Her performance earned critical acclaim and established her as a compelling presence in independent cinema. She further showcased her versatility with roles in television series such as The Deuce (2017–2019), where she portrayed Ruby "Thunder Thighs," and City on a Hill (2021–2022), in which she played Grace Campbell.

Her Off-Broadway debut came with the world premiere of SEED (2011), and she has participated in stage readings like Accept/Except, directed by Tony and Emmy Award-winning George Faison. Her stage performances, including roles in Singin' Wid a Sword in Ma Hand and Post Prison Playdate, reflect her commitment to powerful storytelling across mediums.

Walker’s television credits include notable appearances in When They See Us (2019), directed by Ava DuVernay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2018), and Dietland (2018). She has also appeared in films like Lost Cat Corona (2017) and Ambition’s Debt (2017). In recent years, her work has continued to expand, with roles in the Netflix series Ripley (2024) and the feature film Weekend in Taipei (2024).

Pernell Walker is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 15 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Weekend in Taipei (2024), City on a Hill (2019), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), The Equalizer (2021), The Leftovers (2014), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015), The Deuce (2017), The Night Of (2016). The recorded credits span 1999 to 2024, including 6 movies and 9 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.