40 Facts About Laverne Cox

Early Life and Background

Laverne Cox's journey to stardom is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early life and background.

1. Laverne Cox was born on May 29, 1972, in Mobile, Alabama.
2. She has an identical twin brother, M. Lamar, who played the pre-transitioning Sophia in "Orange Is the New Black."
3. Raised by a single mother and grandmother, Cox faced bullying and harassment for being different.
4. She attempted suicide at the age of 11 due to the intense bullying.
5. Cox attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, where she studied creative writing before switching to dance.

Education and Early Career

Education played a significant role in shaping Cox's career. Her academic journey is filled with interesting twists and turns.

6. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City with a degree in acting.
7. While at Marymount, she switched her major from dance to acting, which set her on the path to becoming an actress.
8. Cox worked as a drag queen at various New York City nightclubs to support herself during her early years.
9. She appeared on the first season of the reality show "I Want to Work for Diddy" in 2008.
10. Cox became the first African-American transgender woman to produce and star in her own TV show, "TRANSform Me," in 2010.

Breakthrough with "Orange Is the New Black"

"Orange Is the New Black" was a game-changer for Cox, catapulting her into the spotlight and making her a household name.

11. Cox was cast as Sophia Burset, a transgender inmate, in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" in 2013.
12. Her portrayal of Sophia earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.
13. In 2014, Cox became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category.
14. She won a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast of "Orange Is the New Black."
15. Cox's role in the series helped raise awareness about transgender issues and the struggles faced by transgender individuals.

Advocacy and Activism

Cox is not just an actress; she is also a passionate advocate for transgender rights and social justice.

16. She has spoken at numerous events and conferences about transgender rights and issues.
17. In 2014, she was featured on the cover of Time magazine, making her the first openly transgender person to achieve this milestone.
18. Cox has worked with organizations like GLAAD and the Anti-Violence Project to promote LGBTQ+ rights.
19. She produced the documentary "The T Word," which explores the lives of transgender youth.
20. Cox has been a vocal advocate for the rights of transgender inmates, drawing from her experiences on "Orange Is the New Black."

Awards and Recognition

Cox's talent and advocacy work have earned her numerous awards and accolades over the years.

21. In 2015, she received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the GLAAD Media Awards.
22. She was named one of Glamour magazine's Women of the Year in 2014.
23. Cox received an honorary doctorate from The New School in New York City in 2016.
24. She was included in the 2015 Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
25. Cox has been honored with several other awards for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and her work in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her public persona, Cox has a rich personal life filled with interesting hobbies and passions.

26. She is an avid fan of Beyoncé and often cites her as a source of inspiration.
27. Cox enjoys dancing and often shares videos of herself dancing on social media.
28. She is a fitness enthusiast and practices yoga regularly.
29. Cox is a fan of science fiction and fantasy genres, with "Star Trek" being one of her favorite series.
30. She has a deep love for fashion and has been featured in several high-profile fashion magazines.

Impact on Pop Culture

Cox's influence extends beyond her acting and advocacy work, making a significant impact on pop culture.

31. She was the first transgender person to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
32. Cox has been a guest on numerous talk shows, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The View."
33. She has appeared in music videos for artists like John Legend and Taylor Swift.
34. Cox has been a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race."
35. She has been featured in various high-profile advertising campaigns, including one for Beyoncé's Ivy Park clothing line.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Cox continues to break barriers and set new goals for herself. Her future projects and aspirations are just as exciting as her past achievements.

36. She is set to star in the upcoming Netflix series "Inventing Anna," created by Shonda Rhimes.
37. Cox has expressed interest in directing and producing more projects in the future.
38. She is working on a memoir that will detail her life experiences and journey.
39. Cox aims to continue her advocacy work, focusing on issues like healthcare and legal protections for transgender individuals.
40. She hopes to inspire future generations to embrace their true selves and fight for equality.

Laverne Cox: A Trailblazer

Laverne Cox has shattered barriers and redefined what it means to be a trailblazer in Hollywood. From her groundbreaking role in "Orange Is the New Black" to her advocacy for transgender rights, she's made an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and society. Her journey from Mobile, Alabama, to becoming an Emmy-nominated actress and producer is nothing short of inspiring. Cox's influence extends beyond the screen; she uses her platform to educate and advocate for marginalized communities. Her story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of authenticity. As we celebrate her achievements, let's remember the importance of representation and continue to support voices that push for equality and change. Laverne Cox isn't just a star; she's a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress.