Joaquina Kalukango
Joaquina Kalukango is an American actor and singer best known for playing Nelly O'Brien in the Broadway musical Paradise Square, for which she won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Play in 2020 for portraying Kaneisha in Slave Play. In addition to her theatre work, Kalukango has appeared in One Night in Miami..., When They See Us and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Kalukango is a 2007 YoungArts alumnus. She graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Juilliard School. Kalukango is of Angolan descent, and her parents arrived in the United States as political refugees. Due to her heritage, Kalukango wants to work on roles that showcase the Black experience.
Acting
TV
When They See Us
as Adelle
2019
TV
Lovecraft Country
as Hanna
2020
Movie
One Night in Miami...
as Betty X
2020
TV
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
as Esme
2023
Movie
Chained for Life
as Michelle
2019
Movie
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
as Mildred Falls
2021
TV
Sherri
as Self - Guest
2022
Movie
Cynthia Erivo & Friends: A New Year's Eve Celebration
as Self
2023
Movie
Steal Away
as Sarah Sheppard
Movie
Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens
as Nonkosi
2020
Movie
Bring Me to Light
as Performer
2021
Movie
Robin Roberts Presents: I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story
as Gloria Gaynor
2025