Amber Riley
Amber Riley is an American actress, singer, and author, best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the award-winning television series “Glee”.
Riley’s dynamic talent has found expression across numerous TV shows, films, and musical projects. Her breakout role in “Glee” from 2009 to 2015 set the tone for a bright and versatile career in entertainment. She furthered her musical career by releasing her debut self-titled EP in 2017, which showcased her impressive vocal prowess and songwriting skills. In 2016, she made a notable appearance in the NBC production “The Wiz Live!” where she played Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North.
One of the significant aspects of Riley’s career has been her collaborations with other celebrities. She’s shared the screen and stage with an array of artists, ranging from her memorable duets with “Glee” co-star Lea Michele, to winning the 17th season of “Dancing with the Stars” alongside professional dancer Derek Hough. In the world of music, she teamed up with John Legend for a soul-stirring cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Her West End debut in “Dreamgirls” saw her performing alongside co-stars Liisi LaFontaine and Asmeret Ghebremichael. Furthermore, in “The Wiz Live!” she worked with Queen Latifah, while in Tyler Perry‘s “House of Payne”, she acted alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Jasmine Guy.
Riley’s career is also defined by the recognition she has received for her work. She won the 17th season of “Dancing with the Stars”, making her the first African-American woman to do so. She also received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2017 for her exceptional performance in “Dreamgirls” on the West End. Moreover, her performance in “Glee” also earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.