Joaquina Kalukango
Biography
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.
Known For
TV
Sherri
Self - Guest
2022
TV
When They See Us
Adelle
2019
TV
Lovecraft Country
Hanna
2020
TV
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Esme
2023
Film
One Night in Miami...
Betty X
2020
Film
Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens
Nonkosi
2020
Film
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
Mildred Falls
2021
Film
Robin Roberts Presents: I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story
Gloria Gaynor
2025
Film
Steal Away
Sarah Sheppard
Film
Chained for Life
Michelle
2019
Film
Cynthia Erivo & Friends: A New Year's Eve Celebration
Self
2023
Film
Bring Me to Light
Performer
2021
Filmography
2025FilmRobin Roberts Presents: I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Storyas Gloria Gaynor2023FilmCynthia Erivo & Friends: A New Year's Eve Celebrationas Self2023TVLawmen: Bass Reevesas Esme2022TVSherrias Self - Guest2021FilmBring Me to Lightas Performer2021FilmRobin Roberts Presents: Mahaliaas Mildred Falls2020FilmOne Night in Miami...as Betty X2020FilmElegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queensas Nonkosi2020TVLovecraft Countryas Hanna2019FilmChained for Lifeas Michelle2019TVWhen They See Usas Adelle—FilmSteal Awayas Sarah Sheppard