Aunjanue Ellis

Biography

Aunjanue L. Ellis is an American actress recognized for her performances in notable films and television series, including Ray, Undercover Brother, The Mentalist, and The Help. Born in San Francisco, California, she was raised on her grandmother's farm in Mississippi. Ellis pursued higher education at Tougaloo College before transferring to Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in African-American studies while studying acting. She further honed her craft in the Graduate Acting Program at New York University. In January 2004, she appeared in Regina Taylor's play Drowning Crow at the Manhattan Theatre Club. In the Spring 2012 semester, she was scheduled to teach entertainment industry courses at Hampton University and participate in a production by Hampton Players and Company titled "Through the Crack." Ellis is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.