For example, even though Uncle Clifford is what most people would consider unconventional, he is still widely respected. While nonbinary people have been represented on TV here and there in the past, weve never seen a person like Uncle Clifford. Girl, where did you get that from? Nicco Annon is the type of actor who gives an unforgettable performance every time he steps foot on a set. Youre in Los Angeles. . Talking about Niccos rumors and his controversy, hes not a part of them until now. Katori dared to dream big with a character like Uncle Clifford, and in doing so, I think she hit the jackpot. So, all of that Crown Royal thats at the club, Uncle Clifford brought [some] home. That means that God smiled on you.. Due to Niccos popularity and success, he has managed to make a huge amount of money. He was reluctant to take the long plane ride, especially after a classmate told him hed be sleeping with animals. Instead, his energy is as warm and generous as it is regal and captivating. The former Dallas wide receiver is trying to clear his name after a hotel accused him of harassing a female employee. Former 'Sweetie Pies' Star Tim Norman Sentenced In Murder-For-Hire Killing Of Nephew. Starting with the first episode, you see Uncle Clifford in various parts of her life. Its for ALL women who are just as nerdy as we are and the men who love and appreciate us. Uncle Clifford and hypermasculine rapper Lil Murda play love interests. We have a full Biography, Photos, Theatre Credits, and more! But not so dominating that it engulfs. Nicco Annan was born on May 7, 1989. [4] When he was 17 he joined a dance troupe. Whatever this ride is, Im here for it. If this had happened in 2009, when we first started the project, it would be a very different experience. . Lionsgate Television produces P-Valley for STARZ. In order to successfully play a role, actors must do research on the character they will be playing. [8][7][3] He is also the choreographer for the series All American. Queen Latifah And Monie Love Reunite At De La Soul Tribute. Trap music meets film noir in this lyrical and atmospheric series that dares to ask what happens when small-town folk dream beyond the boundaries of the Piggly Wiggly and the pawnshop.Interviewer: Jeandra LebeaufVideo Editor: Kassandra Igbokwe#NiccoAnnan#PValley#StarzHelp grow Black Girl Nerds: https://www.patreon.com/blackgirlnerds\rSubscribe to BGN! I read that [in the script] and I knew that there was a depression going on. Im here for it. 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. That bite. Tell us what's wrong with this post? [2] He developed a detailed backstory for the character and portrayed the role in several smaller runs as well as the full production at Mixed Blood Theatre in 2015. 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. I never imagined playing a role as magnificent and fulfilling as Uncle Clifford. I was like, Oh, youre worth something. Clifford acts as a kind of den mother to the women of the club, helping to sort out their lives and keep them earning an income. His current age is 33 years old and belongs to the African-American ethnicity. A friend of mine and fellow writer Dominique Morisseau said, I think you should think about Nicco.. 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. You can look at all of that regalia and see thats really who this woman is. [5] Annan received his diploma from Cass Technical High School[6] and studied theater at State University of New York-Purchase, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. It was only one scene that Uncle Clifford was in. Not only did he appear in an episode of This Is Us, but he also choreographed it. What did it mean to showcase this queer Black relationship? He is originally from Detroit, Michigan but left the midwest to pursue his education in musical theatre at the State University of New York. Because everything is about flight or sink. Playing Uncle Clifford isnt anything new for Nicco Annon. Nicco Annan's full name is Nathaniel Nicco Annan. It was a gradual process, but Annan, whose first name translates to first-born son of a prince, began to come into himself. The Art Directors Guildannounced winners of its 25thAnnual ADG Awards in 11 categories of film, television, commercials, and music videos onSaturday night, April 10, 2021. He sat in the chiefs throne on a floor made of pure gold. She is Uncle Clifford, and she owns the Pynk. Theyd tell him he had to lose weight in order to make it on TV. Latest; Oldest . That is what this experience of life is truly all about.. P-Valley is an American drama television series released in early 2020. The 2023 NAACP Image Awards hosted by actress and producer Queen Latifah is officially underway.The first award has gone to actor Nicco Annan for his performance as Uncle Clifford on Starz's hit . [It was like] we were back in the 70s. Everyone just doesnt know.. Her story is about vulnerability, trials, triumphs and community care. Written by P-Valley creator, Katori Hall, the Alliance's production of The Hot Wing King marks Hall's first time directing the 2021 Pulitzer Prize-winning play for drama. 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.". 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. It has taught me that, Nicco Annan, you have a place.. Studio 54. Chris Brown Responds To Throwing Fans Phone During Onstage Lap Dance. Later in 2018, he got a chance to act in an episode of This is Us. 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. Nicco has appeared in several movies like Next Stop, August Ninth, Demons, Little Cousin, All about the Afterglow, and many others. The first award has gone to actor Nicco Annan for his performance as Uncle Clifford on Starzs hit television series P-Valley. her. Because normally when you would read a character breakdown, itll say, Black, male. Or itll say, 30s, male. Or, Black, gay, flamboyant. And it didnt say that., He recalled one of the best notes hed ever gotten from Hall in portraying Cliff. The actor received the award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Uncle Clifford in . His mother played a big role in raising him and Nicco said he is lucky to have a mother like her. According to online platforms, Nicco Annan has a height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and a body weight of 95 kg (209 lbs). Corresponding to his birthday, Nicco is of Taurus zodiac. I feel like the culture of the South is definitely laced in the show from the fashion to the food and to the language. Nicco has a very demanding career that often requires him to spend a lot of time away from home. NewFest, New Yorks leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization and one of the world's most respected LGBTQ+ film festivals, has announced the full lineup for its second annual NewFest Pride event - a summer film series returning this year from June 2-6 in a hybrid format featuring a mix of exclusive in-person premieres/panels and virtual screenings. Remember the name Nicco Annan. I was like, oh my gosh, what are people going to say? [Laughs] Doing the club was so much fun. Nicco Annan is a proud man of God and his faith is something that is very important to him. [1], Annan was raised in the North End area of Detroit, Michigan. The actor, who worked closely with Hall in molding Uncle Clifford, knows that this character represents the intersection of so many peoples real everyday life experiences. In the Midwest for a lot of people, especially Black people, their roots are in the South because of the Migration. That was a part of the draw. However, he doesnt have very many followers yet. The actress also chatted with BET about what she considers a red flag in a relationship. Going from the stage to screen, what changed about your portrayal?The play was really the genesis of the story Katori wanted to tell. Annan breathed life into Cliff. Nicco knows first hand that it can be like to be judged for who you are. Down deep in the Mississippi Delta lies an oasis. Southern language is very colorful and musical. I just want to be quiet. What it was like to do those club scenes where shes doing the most in the best way?Come on for doing the most! They told Annan, If I had seen a character on TV like Uncle Clifford when I was younger, I wouldnt have tried to take my life.. Serena Williams Named Jackie Robinson Sports Award Recipient For '54th NAACP Image Awards'. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Will Vin Sant Leave You Jacked or Scammed. Im originally from Detroit but left when I was 17. I feel like Ive been through this fire because Ive been trusted with a testimony. In Starzs new drama P-Valley, Nicco Annan (This Is Us, Shameless) is Uncle Clifford. Annan is making quite a mark in the entertainment industry through his natural acting and exceptional performances in movies like Demons. Annan has also appeared in films such as Sparkle, Black Panther, and Get Hard. The award was presented by Abbott Elementary stars and tonights nominees, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jenelle James. 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. Thats no surprise. Michael B. Jordan Shares Why He Wanted To Normalize ASL In Creed III. You can see all the complexities and the nuances these people have that sometimes you could overlook in real life. She just wanted to play around with this idea of masculinity and femininity in one character. Also, the medium. 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.. Nicco is a gay man, and as a result, he can relate to several elements of Uncle Cliffords storyline. But I still think, at the core, people are really more good than they are bad, especially when you meet them with your truth. That trip helped him embrace his dark skin, full lips and gap in his front teeth Back home, having a gap is distinguished. Nicco Annan was sharply suited at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, Calif., tonight. He is currently 31 years old and of African-American descent. You feel Nicco Annan's presence immediately when he walks in a room. As Annans dance and choreography career merged with an interest in acting, he met agents, executives and others along the way who didnt recognize his true worth. Meet Nicco Annan, P-Valley's Groundbreaking Uncle Clifford WERK Starz Entertainment On Starz's revolutionary drama "P-Valley," Nicco Annan plays gender-fluid, fashion-forward, "beat for the. In This Is Us, I played a dance teacher who was gay but their sexuality was never touched on. This has to be an event. Everything became an event. He moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue television acting. As a struggling actor, Annan took small roles in TV series and short films, including This is Us, Shameless . Annan also managed to hold on to his role in the adaptation from stage to series.P-Valley debuted on Starz July 12, introducing viewers to Nicco Annan and his character, Uncle Clifford. Experience at Webster Hall in New York City. While his name may not be that well-known at the moment, that definitely won't be the. While filming Season 1 of P-Valley, Annan recalled, a nonbinary production assistant thanked him for the work he was doing on the show. Although Nicco isnt nonbinary in real life, he still recognizes the power of femininity. We first read the first four pages she had written. Embodying this role has done a lot for Annan, reminding himself of the space that is rightfully his in this industry as well. Check out photos from from Megan Thee Stallions appearance in last nights penultimate episode of P-Valley season two. The description of Uncle Clifford in combination with the dialogue between dancers Mercedes, Mississippi and Gidget energized him. That inspired her to go down this road of research and exploration to give a narrative to the story of these women. He knew he wanted more out of life than to be the heir of his family-owned carwash. In Starz's new drama P-Valley, Nicco Annan (This Is Us, Shameless) is Uncle Clifford. Yes, there is homophobia out there. Moreover, Nicco has black eyes and curly black hair. His mother's name is Sandra Nicco Annan but his father's name is not available. 2023 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. 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). 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. One of the most engrossing new series of the year, P-Valley shows the dominance, athleticism and intelligence of adult performers and those who find solace and sensuality at strip clubs. Were you aware of all the nuances of it at the time?I was totally aware of it. But that trip to Ghana helped illuminate some things about Annan that the U.S. wanted to hide from him. Femininity is total strength. Movies And everyone just doesnt know. You do get glimpses of Uncle Clifford on the pole herself. And youd be hard pressed to find another character like her in TV history. Sometimes it is actually more in character when I am not in costume. You will hear it again. 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. When Annan told them he was just doing his job, the PA told him they were dressed in all black for the job but normally they dress like Uncle Clifford. [3] He wanted to pursue acting from a young age and studied improv and theater from youth. Thats really how I feel because there are people who look like me, people who come from the Midwest, there are people in this whole LGBTQ+ spectrum that have not had a level of visibility., He visited Ghana, his dads home country, for the first time when he was 10. WHO IS NICCO ANNAN? He had already passed 35 years of age by 2020. The announcement was made today by NewFests Executive Director David Hatkoff and Director of Programming Nick McCarthy. Prior, it felt like the conversations were happening and it was growing. [Then] regional theater, Broadway, Off Broadway and tours. Thats definitely one of the things thats most prominent in Katoris work. 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. The cast also chats about redemption and the difference between Jordan as a performer and a director. How would you rate this article? Being a dancer, I wanted to really get across to the audience how street dance is like club life. Really feel her. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Nicco Annan as Uncle Clifford, a genderqueer character like nothing TV has ever seen. Be the first to contribute! Executives for the network Starz heard about the play and eventually sought it out as a potential series. I just thought about my nails. Its the Frida Kahlo look. Still, he is proud of who he is and isnt afraid to express himself freely. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Annan is an actor, dancer and choreographer. You will hear it again.As a struggling actor, Annan took small roles in TV series and short films, including This is Us, Shame. The rising star beat out several equally talented actors, including Damson Idris for his role in FXs Snowfall, Kofi Siriboe for Queen Sugar, Sterling K. Brown for This Is Us, and Hollywood newcomer Jabari Banks for Bel-Air. 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. That wit. Its fun to hear you describe the character at the beginning. Annan originated the character, who uses she/her pronouns, in playwright Katori Hall's 2015 play Pussy Valley. Childhood of Nicco Annan. He has another credit as a choreographer for the play Expatriate. Even Uncle Cliff is still striving to be there in all the freedom that she has. Nicco also wears a shoe size of 9 and possesses dark brown colored eyes and black colored hair. The show is only one episode in so far, and people are already raving about Niccos amazing performance. You don't want to be left behind." As gay people, as black people marginalized communities you learn how to have activism and survival at the same time. Yes, there is the hypermasculinity and all of those things that exist in hip-hop culture. How could we improve it? Nicco Annan, full name Nathaniel Annan, celebrates his birthday every May 7. Even in all of that, I had not been able to play a character as nuanced, rich, truthful and raw as Uncle Clifford. How much does her appearance inform your performance? He had shown his talent in various popular series like This is Us, All About the Afterglow, and Half Sisters. Some of his work includes P-Valley, This Is Us, Snowfall, Claws, Family Reunion, Legendary, Tamron Hall, and All About the Afterglow. Remember the name Nicco Annan. The breakout star of Starz's strip-club drama talks about landing the role twice and the power . Looks like the famed talk show host is not done spilling tea just yet. Wendy Williams Announces Shes Formerly Retired And Wants To Be A Guest On This Show. The Best Moments From The 2023 NAACP Image Awards . I dont think that the world was ready, Annan said. But not so dominating that it engulfs. Annan dedicated his award to "every 40-, 50-, 60-, 70-year-old plus that did not have . Thats what Uncle Clifford always does to me. It was a cold-blooded murder, the sentencing judge said. Within a physical calendar year, I started to book roles on major shows where the characters were somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum. Besides that, there is no further information about Niccos past and present relationship. Nicco first worked as a choreographer in the TV show This is Us. How long have you lived there?Ive been in L.A. for six years. During his . On Starzs P-Valley, Nicco Annans Uncle Clifford, the proprietor of the Mississippi Delta strip club at the shows center, is part grounded caregiver and part bon vivant business owner. He told Digital Spy, Dont look at femininity as a sign of weakness. Maybe the fall of 2009. Octagon in New York. 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. Dante Di Loreto also serves as an executive producer on the series. When you were giving grandmother her insulin, you had a nice negligee, because you wanted to feel good. She always is walking in her truth of who she is. Caption: Nicco Annan as Uncle Clifford on the Starz drama series P-Valley (Source: Instagram). Nicco Annan has a muscular body with a weight of 85 Kg and a height of 5 feet 2 inches. Top Deals This Week: Save on Paramount+, Showtime, HBO Max, Fire TV, and Roku, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Is Now Available to Stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Slashed Prices on all Sorts of Fire TV Stick Models, Amazon Fire Tablets on Sale: Save up to 45%, The Ultimate Guide to What to Watch on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and More in March 2023, Amazon Prime Video's New Shows and Movies in March, 8 Shows Like The Last of Us to Watch While You Wait for the Next Episode, 9 Shows Like Ginny & Georgia to Watch After You Finish Season 2, 12 Intense Thriller Shows and Movies to Watch If You Like Squid Game, 9 Shows Like Fringe to Watch If You Like Fringe, Here's When Yellowstone Will Return for Season 5 Part 2, Pedro Pascal Has an Update for Last of Us Season 2 Filming, Everything to Know About The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2, Amazon Exec Teases a Release Date for Reacher Season 2, Everything You Need to Know About Euphoria Season 3. Ive seen the first two episodes. So I call Detroit Up South.. All the characters in this world are some form of sex worker. 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. There were things that, I cant lie, made me nervous. Thats awesome.Yeah, when I read that, I was like, okay, Im here. Nicco Annan is known for P-Valley (2020), This Is Us (2016) and Half Sisters (2014). You can follow Camille on Twitter @CamealAshley. I wanted to capture that when Uncle Clifford is performing. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. What was the scene that made you nervous?It was in two. 2020 Nominee, Best Featured Actor in a Play Off-Broadway. Keep reading for 10 things you didnt know about Nicco Annan. Annan, a Detroit-raised actor, dancer, and choreographer, says that the circumstances allow the show to get more intimate with the characters, as questions of mortality and ambition pile up along . She also has an eye for men, some of whom discreetly come to The Pynk to enjoy Uncle Cliffords company. Similar to Uncle Clifford, the beloved house mother he portrays on P-Valley, Annan feels like home. But at the same time, how there is still oppression. Not because its the face of debauchery and all of that. There are many people that have gone before me that I stand on their shoulders, and I love for all of us to be able to have time and shine. But with nods from legends like poet Maya Angelou and dancer George Faison, Annan knew he was destined for more. But she still had to put on her wigs. And I think that to embrace that level of femininity, it was empowering.. News. They started to talk to Uncle Clifford: All right. Considering Niccos success and popularity, we can assume that he will win some in upcoming years. The fan reportedly tried to record the R&B singer, MF DOOMs Handwritten Notebooks Should Be Returned, His Estate Again Argues. BGN sits down with actor Nicco Annan (Uncle Clifford) to discuss the new series P-Valley launching on STARZ.Down deep in the Mississippi Delta lies an oasis of grit and glitter in a rough patch of human existence where beauty can be hard to find. The Alliance Theatre has announced the cast of its upcoming regional premiere of The Hot Wing King. Moreover, Nicco likes to keep a distance from rumors and controversy. The transformation happens first in the makeup chair. Nicco Annan has been playing the role of Uncle Clifford well before the show hit our TV screens. It was a collective of artists. Besides that, Nicco also appeared in TV shows like Smosh, Half Sisters, Shameless, This is Us, Snowfall, and P-Valley. Which is revolutionary. September 11, 2017, was my first day shooting on Shameless. To play that, for me, I have to get very comfortable in the body that Im in. Clifford is perhaps the most mesmerizing of all in her stilettos and ascots, a queer person exploring intimate Black relationships and power in a conservative towns heteronormative space. It literally is about freedom. We are telling a new story. The relationship between Uncle Clifford and Lil Murda is such a beautiful and special one. This Is Us - Full Cast & Crew 76 Metascore 2016 -2022 6 Seasons NBC Drama, Family, Comedy TV14 Watchlist Where to Watch Several people begin to notice peculiar coincidences about each other in. RELATED: Serena Williams Named Jackie Robinson Sports Award Recipient For '54th NAACP Image Awards'. His birthplace is Detroit, Michigan. With the TV show, you were able to really grow outside of that club. He is 32 years old as of April 2022. Nicco Annan is known as an Actor. Theres a level of artistry, theres a level of appreciation for the sheen, for the stretch marks, for the tiger stripes and the sun rays.. Its not trying to be one of those shows that only speaks in, like, a white, literary dialect.It was important letting language and the music of the world, not just the tracks of music but the music of the language, really bring the audience into the realities of the world. Im not trying to be anyone else. Annan has black glowing skin, curly hair; which adds distinctive character to his personality, and black mesmerizing eyes. Uncle Clifford to me is just all things. Michael Irvin Case: What We Know About His $100M Defamation Lawsuit For Alleged Misconduct. 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. Ted Donaldson, Young Actor in Father Knows Best and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Dies at 89, Novelist Julianna Baggott Launches Production Banner, Awkwafina, Simu Liuto Star With John Cena in Action-Comedy Grand Death Lotto, 'P-Valley' Renewed for Third Season at Starz, Megan Thee Stallion Guest Stars as Tina Snow on Starz's 'P-Valley', Rachael Ray Daytime Talk Show to End After 17 Seasons, Shows and Podcasts Breaking Down the Murdaugh Family, Murder Investigation and Trial, Jon Stewart Brutally Confronts Republican Lawmaker Over Gun Deaths, Daisy Jones & the Six Showrunner on Song Switches, Fake/Real Concerts and Shutting Down the Sunset Strip, Rain Dogs Review: HBOs British Dramedy Offers Rewards for Those Who Brave the Bleakness, Vanessa Hudgens, Lilly Singh and Ashley Graham to Host Official Oscars Preshow, Star Hairstylist Jen Atkin Reveals Must-Have Hair Tools, Tutorials and Pro Tips In New MasterClass, Rihannas Puma x Fenty Is Coming Back Heres Where You Can Still Buy Those Cult-Fave Creepers, The Best Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Budget, From Under-$100 Gowns to Hollywood-Inspired Classics, BTS Army: Heres When and Where Legos Dynamite-Inspired Set Arrives Online and In Stores, The Big Lebowski Turns 25: People Didnt Get It, Jeff Bridges Recalls, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News.