Danielle Brooks is bringing soul food to the small screen.
Deadline reports that Brooks will star and executive produce Apple TV+’s “American Comfort.” The comedy is inspired by Melba Wilson, the legendary Harlem restaurant owner. It’s written and executive-produced by Kenya Barris.
According to the description, “American Comfort explores the heart, humor, and hospitality that has transformed Wilson’s eponymous Harlem restaurant Melba’s from a neighborhood eatery into a soul food landmark deeply embedded into the cultural fabric of its community for over 20 years.
BROOKS’ CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Brooks has built an acclaimed career spanning television, theater, and film. Brooks gained prominence playing Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in Netflix’s hit series Orange Is the New Black. She achieved immense critical success for her portrayal of Sofia in The Color Purple. Brook played the character across two mediums making her Broadway debut in the 2015 musical revival. She went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and earned a Tony Award nomination. In 2023, she reprised the role. She garnering nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award.
Additionally, Brooks starred in the HBO Max superhero series Peacemaker. She was also an executive producer for the biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia. Recently, she starred in the massive box-office hit A Minecraft Movie acelebrated her return to Broadway in August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. Beyond her artistic accolades, Brooks is a dedicated advocate for representation in the arts, co-founding “Black Women on Broadway” to honor and elevate the contributions of Black women to the theater.
WILSON IS A CULINARY ICON
An acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality, Wilson is a leading figure in soul food cuisine. She built her early culinary foundation working at her aunt’s iconic landmark, Sylvia’s Restaurant. At Sylvia’s, she launched Sunday Gospel Brunch. In 2005, Wilson opened Melba’s Restaurant in West Harlem. Since then, the brand has grown into a multi-location enterprise with venues across major New York and New Jersey landmarks.