Deborah Ayorinde

Deborah Olayinka Ayorinde (born 13 August 1987) is a British-Nigerian actress raised in the United States. She is known for her role in the Amazon Prime horror series Them.

Early life and education Ayorinde was born in London, England to Yoruba Nigerian parents. She spent her childhood in London before relocating to San Jose, California when she was 8.

In May 2009, she graduated with honors from Howard University's John H. Johnson School of Communications with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Production. During her time at Howard, she won the coveted Paul Robeson Best Actress award for her performance in a short film she wrote and directed. The film also won the award for Best Cinematography.

Acting career Ayorinde's resume includes her work on Netflix's popular Marvel series Luke Cage, and as Simone (the “other woman”) in the American comedy film, Girls Trip. She starred opposite Cynthia Erivo and Janelle Monáe in Harriet, a biopic of African American abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman, and she also starred in a season of HBO's True Detective.

In 2019, it was announced that she had joined the cast of Amazon Prime's Them for which Ayorinde received rave reviews for her portrayal of the character, Livia "Lucky" Emory. She received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her performance.

In the same year, it was also announced that she had been added to the cast of Fatherhood. In June 2021, Fatherhood debuted at Number 1 on Netflix in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

She gained further popularity through her work on the ITV series Riches which debuted in 2022 to much acclaim. It resonated with audiences due the storyline being centered around the black British experience.

In 2024, it was announced she would appear as the lead female in a play Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White in Lyric Theatre in London.

Filmography

Film and TV Movies Year Title Role Notes 2014 She Believes Pearl Short 2015 Bad Asses on the Bayou Taryn Video 2016 Barbershop: The Next Cut Marquita Bad Dad Rehab Regina TV movie 2017 Where Is Kyra? DMV Attendant The Wizard of Lies Salon Receptionist TV movie Girls Trip Simone 2019 Harriet Rachel Ross 2020 Always and Forever Sommer 2021 Fatherhood Liz 2023 Chasing the Night Fatimah Short 2024 Sense and Sensibility Elinor Dashwood Hallmark

Television Year Title Role Notes 2010 Meet the Browns Chloe Episode: "Meet the Consequences" 2011 Necessary Roughness Rochelle Episode: "Spinning Out" 2012 The Game Jennifer Episode: "Grand Opening, Grand Closing" 2014 Survivor's Remorse Heather Episode: "How to Build a Brand" Constantine Officer Sullivan Episode: "Rage of Caliban" 2015 Sleepy Hollow Michelle Episode: "Awakening" Complications Kate Episode: "Relapse" 2016 Game of Silence Young Nurse Amy Reese Episode: "Blood Brothers" & "Ghosts of Quitman" Luke Cage Candace Miller Recurring cast: Season 1 2017 The Affair Jessa Episode: "Episode #3.8" 2019 True Detective Becca Hays Recurring cast: Season 3 The Village Dana Recurring cast 2021–2024 Them Livia 'Lucky' Emory / Detective Dawn Reeves Main cast 2021 Truth Be Told Rose Recurring cast: season 2 2022 Riches Nina Richards Main cast 2026 Fightland Joy Marshall 2027 Wahala 6 episodes

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Independent Spirit Awards Best Female Performance in a Scripted Series Them