D'Baby Adams - Wikipedia

D'Baby Adams' portrayal of Dr. Johnson earned widespread acclaim, with critics highlighting her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability. Her performance won her the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress in 1990, as well as the Royal Television Society Award for Best Performance. The series ran for five successful seasons, concluding in 1994.

1995–2000: Independent Films and This Girl is So Crazy Revival

Following the success of Your Eyes, D'Baby Adams shifted her focus to independent films, seeking out challenging and unconventional roles. Between 1995 and 2000, she worked on a series of critically acclaimed projects, including:

• Shadows on the Congo (1995): Directed by Mike Leigh, this British drama explored the lives of a group of immigrants living in London during the 1990s. D'Baby Adams played Marlene, a single mother and aspiring poet struggling to balance her dreams with the harsh realities of life. Her performance earned her the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama.
• Echoes of a Creole Heart (1997): In this American indie drama directed by John Sayles, D'Baby Adams starred alongside Alfre Woodard and David Strathairn. She portrayed Grace, a jazz singer in 1950s New Orleans grappling with racial segregation and personal loss. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Cast, with D'Baby Adams' performance singled out for its raw intensity and musicality.
• The Edge of Tomorrow (1998): Directed by Lynne Ramsay, this experimental British film followed the story of a young girl (played by Samantha Morton) and her relationship with her estranged aunt, played by D'Baby Adams. Her role as Eleanor, a free-spirited artist battling addiction, showcased her versatility and earned her a London Film Critics' Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
• Beneath the Surface (2000): In this psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky, D'Baby Adams starred opposite Ellen Burstyn. She played Dr. Naomi Carter, a psychiatrist investigating a series of mysterious events in a small New England town. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography, with D'Baby Adams' performance described as "mesmerizing" by critics. D'Baby Adams also co-directed the film, marking her debut as a filmmaker.

In 1999, after filming The Edge of Tomorrow, D'Baby Adams teamed up once again with Cameron Mackintosh for a commemorative revival of This Girl is So Crazy: A 25th Anniversary Celebration. During the limited run, D'Baby expertly reprised her role as Audrey Whitaker, and the play was expanded with an additional act, entirely written by her. The revival was a huge critical and commercial success, and it became a key moment in D'Baby’s return to the theater in the following decade, further solidifying her position as one of the most important figures in British theater and reinforcing her claim to the title of Dame of British Theatre.

2000s: Return to Mainstream Theater and Television

After her independent film era, D'Baby Adams returned to mainstream theater, taking on iconic roles in Shakespearean and classical plays. Her performances during this period were widely celebrated, earning her numerous awards and cementing her status as one of the greatest stage actresses of her generation.

• Medea (2002): D'Baby Adams starred as the titular character in Medea, a modern adaptation of Euripides' tragedy, which premiered in London's West End before transferring to Broadway. Her portrayal of the vengeful sorceress was described as "electrifying" and "heartbreaking" by critics. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress for her Broadway performance.
• The Wire (2005): D'Baby Adams guest-starred in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire, playing Dr. Lenora James, a compassionate but no-nonsense school principal in Baltimore. Her performance, though brief, was widely praised and earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. This marked her first major television award in the United States.
• Hamlet (2008): In a groundbreaking production of Hamlet at the National Theatre, D'Baby Adams played Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the production reimagined Gertrude as a more active and complex character. The final performance of Hamlet earned D'Baby Adams a record-breaking 135-minute standing ovation, an unprecedented achievement in world theater. Adams' performance earned her the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress.

2010s: Continued Acclaim and Writing

D'Baby Adams wins Best Actress award for Coriolanus

In addition to her acting career, D'Baby Adams became a prominent theater producer and writer. She founded D'Baby Productions, a company dedicated to developing new works and reviving classic plays with a focus on diversity and innovation. Notable productions include:

• The Black Fire Within (2010): A play she wrote and produced, exploring the lives of Caribbean immigrants in 1950s London. The production won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Play.
• Black Voices of the Windrush (2014): A documentary theater piece she co-produced, based on interviews with members of the Windrush Generation. It received the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre.

D'Baby Adams also returned to acting during this period, starring in productions such as:

• Coriolanus (2016): D'Baby Adams took on the role of Volumnia, the formidable mother of Coriolanus, in a critically acclaimed production at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her performance was praised for its "commanding presence and emotional depth," earning her the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress.
• Your Eyes II: The Musical (2019): Based on her iconic 1989 TV series, Your Eyes II: The Musical premiered in the West End, with D'Baby Adams reprising her role as Dr. Amara Johnson. The musical, which she also co-produced, was a commercial and critical success, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and earning D'Baby Adams the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Tony Award for Lead Actress in its Broadway run.

In 2018, D'Baby Adams was awarded an Honorary Academy Award for her "extraordinary contributions to film, theater, and television, and for her unwavering commitment to diversity and representation in the arts."

2020s: Continued Success and Upcoming Projects

D'Baby Adams as Queen Margaret in Richard III

In the 2020s, D'Baby Adams continued to receive acclaim for her performances in productions such as:

• Richard III (2024): D'Baby Adams played Queen Margaret in Richard III, directed by Sam Mendes at the Old Vic. Her performance was hailed as "a masterclass in Shakespearean gravitas," earning her the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Evening Standard Theatre Award, and the Critics' Circle Theatre Award.
• Black and Powerful (2025): D'Baby Adams is set to star in the highly anticipated A24 film Black and Powerful, directed by Barry Jenkins. The film tells the story of Lashonda Williams, a fiercely independent woman who challenges systemic oppression in a small Southern town during the 1970s. Early buzz suggests that D'Baby Adams' performance could earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
• Crown & Conflict (2025): D’Baby Adams will star as Queen Elizabeth II in Crown & Conflict, a biographical film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The casting of Adams, a Black actress, has sparked debate, with some praising its innovative approach while others question historical accuracy. The production emphasizes artistic interpretation over strict realism. The first official image shows Adams in a white gown and an African-inspired tiara, signaling a distinctive portrayal of the British monarch.
• Euphoria (2026): Set for release in 2026, D'Baby Adams is slated to join the cast of HBO's global phenomenon Euphoria, portraying the madam Aunt LaChanze. Her character will take in the protagonist Rue (Zendaya) at her brothel after Rue loses everything to drug addiction.

D'Baby Adams is also set to release her memoir, This D'Baby is So Crazy: Why I Speak and People Sit and Listen, in 2025. The rights to the book have been acquired by Searchlight Pictures, with a biopic adaptation in development starring Angela Bassett as D'Baby Adams.

Music Career

In 1976, following the success of This Girl is So Crazy, D'Baby Adams ventured into music with the release of her single "D'Baby is Speaking." The song, which featured the now-iconic chorus "sit, sit, sit, when D'Baby speaks, everybody sit (sit, sit, sit)...," was a direct reference to her famous line from the play. The single reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 following a controversial performance on Saturday Night Live. However, the song was met with mixed reactions, with some critics calling the lyrics self-indulgent and gimmicky. D'Baby Adams later expressed regret about the song, describing the experience as "exploitative" and "out of alignment with my artistic values." She has since forbidden any commercial sale or streaming of the song, making it a rare and sought-after piece of her legacy.

D'Baby Adams recorded jazz classics for Echoes of a Creole Heart (1997), in which she portrayed Grace, a jazz singer in 1950s New Orleans. Among the re-recorded songs were "Ain’t Misbehavin’," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," and "St. Louis Blues." The soundtrack was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK charts and the Billboard 200 in the United States, where it remained for weeks.

In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2010, D'Baby Adams revealed that she had recorded jazz songs about the experience of Black women from St. Lucia in Europe, but was still waiting for the right moment to release them, stating that the world wasn't yet ready for the Black excellence the project represented.

In 2022, she recorded jazz classics alongside Tony Bennett, her close friend since 1991 when they were neighbors in Ohio. After Bennett's death before the project was completed, D'Baby announced on social media in 2023 that the recordings would be released in the future, but not at that time, as she was still grieving.

Video Games

D'Baby Adams has also lent her voice to select video game titles over the years, including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, God of War Ragnarök, as well as Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. For her voice acting work, Adams has won three Game Awards and one BAFTA Games Award.

Activism and Advocacy

Black Activism

D'Baby Adams visiting a refugee camp for Black displaced persons

D'Baby Adams has been a prominent advocate for diversity and racial representation in the arts. Since the 1990s, she has been a leading voice in the fight against systemic racism in the entertainment industry, particularly in the UK. Her activism has earned her widespread respect as a pioneer who has broken down barriers for Black artists and challenged the status quo.

One of her most notable campaigns has been her longstanding effort to eradicate blackface and other racially insensitive practices in theater, film, and television. Beginning in the early 1990s, D'Baby Adams publicly called out productions that perpetuated harmful stereotypes or used blackface, urging theaters and studios to adopt more inclusive casting practices.

D'Baby Adams has also been a vocal supporter of initiatives to increase opportunities for Black artists behind the scenes, including writers, directors, and producers. She has mentored emerging talent through programs like The D'Baby Foundation, which she established in 2005 to provide scholarships, training, and resources for underrepresented artists. The foundation has supported over 200 individuals in pursuing careers in the arts, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields.

Trans Rights Advocacy

In 2001, D'Baby Adams wrote a series of reflections at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, in which she addressed issues related to trans women, particularly those living on the streets. These writings were later shared as part of her activism for trans women's rights.

Personal Life

D'Baby Adams attending the 2025 Academy Awards

D'Baby Adams has been married multiple times, with her personal life often making headlines due to tumultuous relationships. Her first marriage was to British musician Edward "Teddy" Fairbanks in 1981, but the union ended the same year amid allegations of infidelity. She then wed Portuguese businessman Hugo Silva Neto, but their marriage dissolved in 1983 due to irreconcilable differences.

In 1984, she briefly married Scottish actor Alistair Naismith, but their relationship was marked by public arguments, leading to a swift divorce. Later that year, she married Italian theater director Paolo Aversani, a relationship that lasted until 1988 when reports surfaced of emotional and financial disputes.

After a hiatus from marriage, D'Baby Adams tied the knot with Trinidadian poet Desmond Cruz-Rose in 1994, but the relationship ended in 1996 due to his controlling behavior. She then married Venezuelan painter Rafael Zago in 1996, though their fiery romance ended just a year later.

In 1998, she wed British aristocrat Rupert Cavendish, but their marriage ended in 2001 amid rumors of his numerous affairs. She later married Russian ballet dancer Dmitri Cezimov in 2002, but the cultural differences between them led to a divorce in 2003.

Her 2004 marriage to Jamaican musician Lennox Abia was short-lived, ending in 2005, reportedly due to his struggle with addiction. She then married English guitarist Graham Whitmore in 2006, but their conflicting careers led to a split in 2007.

D'Baby Adams married Nigerian filmmaker Adeyemi Okafor in 2007, and while their relationship seemed stable, it ended in 2010 amid accusations of physical abuse. She then wed Japanese sculptor Kenji Aoki in 2010, but their marriage ended within a year.

D'Baby Adams and former husband Sebastian Langley in 2011

In 2011, she had two short-lived marriages—first to British businessman Sebastian Langley, then to Portuguese chef Tomás Sottomayor, both of whom allegedly engaged in extramarital affairs.

Her longest marriage was to French fashion designer Laurent Marchand, whom she married in 2013. Their relationship lasted until 2020, with D'Baby Adams later revealing that while he was her most stable partner, they grew apart over time. She is currently married to Welsh jazz musician Gareth Vaughan, whom she wed in 2020.

Despite her numerous marriages, D'Baby Adams has never wanted to have children. She has famously stated, "My only child is theater itself."

Religion

D'Baby Adams identifies as Anglican but has also embraced elements of the Rastafari movement, owing to her Saint Lucian heritage. Additionally, she has expressed a deep connection to the Yoruba religion, believing that worshipping the Orisha brings her closer to her ancestors. Her spiritual beliefs are a central aspect of her identity, influencing both her personal philosophy and artistic endeavors.

Political Views

D'Baby Adams is known for her strong support of the Labour Party, advocating for policies that promote social welfare, workers' rights, and equality. However, her political views have come under scrutiny due to controversial comments regarding immigration. Despite her own immigrant heritage, with her parents hailing from the Caribbean, D'Baby Adams has expressed opposition to the immigration of Muslims, claiming that, in her view, Caribbean immigrants brought a strong work ethic, while, in contrast, Muslim immigrants were responsible for bringing "chaos" and contributing to what she called a "culture of laziness."

Controversies

D'Baby Adams is known for her blunt and unfiltered honesty, which has often led to public feuds and controversies throughout her career. Her outspoken nature has made her a polarizing figure, with some praising her for her authenticity and others criticizing her for being overly confrontational.

• Feud with Oprah Winfrey: During the production of Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple in 1985, D'Baby Adams and Oprah Winfrey became embroiled in a highly publicized feud that nearly derailed D'Baby Adams' career. The feud escalated to the point where D'Baby Adams directed sharp, sassy comments at Winfrey, including calling her "a glorified talk show host trying to act" and quipping, "Some people need a microphone to be heard, but I don’t—when D'Baby speaks, everyone listens." The conflict became so intense that D'Baby Adams later admitted it nearly drove her to quit acting altogether. Years later, when D'Baby Adams won the Tony Award for Lead Actress in a Musical for Your Eyes II: The Musical in 2019, she felt a sense of vindication. In her acceptance speech, she delivered a pointed remark: "When D'Baby speaks, everyone sits and listens," a clear nod to her past struggles and a moment where Winfrey, seated in the audience, had no choice but to listen.
• Accusation of Xenophobia: In an interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2000, D'Baby Adams sparked controversy when she claimed she was ready to leave the United States after filming Beneath the Surface (2000). Although she made the comment in a joking tone, she reiterated that her focus was on the UK and Europe, where, according to her, art was more vibrant and intense. Her statements, including jokingly calling Americans "basic and tacky," led to backlash in the United States and were criticized by Joan Rivers. In response, D'Baby sarcastically remarked that she didn't even know Rivers was still alive.
• Conflict with Barbra Streisand: In 1995, during an interview on the BBC’s Radio 2’s Afternoon Show, D'Baby Adams caused discomfort by directly telling Barbra Streisand that she was a singer from the 70s, a time when D'Baby was still a child. The comment created tension, with Barbra being photographed leaving the studio angrily, which was widely covered by tabloids in the UK.

• Incident with Elton John

  Dispute with Elton John: In the 90s, D'Baby Adams had a falling out with Elton John after D'Baby criticized his behavior at Lady Diana’s funeral, a personal friend of Adams. In an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, D'Baby stated that Elton acted as if he were the star of the event. Elton responded in NME, suggesting that D'Baby should focus more on acting rather than giving unsolicited opinions. The tension between them culminated at the 1999 BAFTA Awards, where Elton presented the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category, in which D'Baby was nominated for her performance in The Edge of Tomorrow (1998). Upon receiving her award, D'Baby commented, “Seems there’s only room for one Dame in this country,” sarcastically referencing her rival, who left the stage before the end of her speech, visibly irritated.
• Criticism of Viola Davis: D’Baby Adams sparked controversy with dismissive remarks about Viola Davis’s performance in the 2011 film The Help. In an interview with Vogue UK, Adams stated, “I would never waste my talent playing some random maid just to serve white performative empathy.” She further described Davis’s acting as “over-the-top” and “embarrassing.”
• Feud with Dame Judi Dench: D'Baby Adams has publicly clashed with Dame Judi Dench over the title of "Dame of British Theater." In a 2022 interview, D'Baby Adams claimed that the title rightfully belonged to her, stating, "I’ve broken barriers that others couldn’t even imagine. Some people climbed their way to the top on the backs of white privilege, while I had to fight for every inch of my space." While she did not name Dench directly, the comments were widely interpreted as a critique of Dench’s career, sparking a heated debate about race and privilege in the arts.
• Criticism of Cynthia Erivo: D'Baby Adams has been vocal in her disapproval of comparisons between herself and Cynthia Erivo, whom many have called "the new D’Baby." In a 2020 interview, D'Baby Adams dismissed Erivo as a "lesser version" of herself, stating, "There’s only one D’Baby. Imitations will always fall short." The comments caused a rift between the two actresses, with Erivo later stating that she admired D'Baby Adams but found her remarks "disheartening."
• Oscar Feud with Fernanda Torres: In 2025, D'Baby Adams publicly criticized Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres’ Oscar nomination for Best Actress, calling it "unfair" given the snub of her close friend Marianne Jean-Baptiste. D'Baby Adams also brought attention to Torres’ involvement in a blackface scandal earlier in her career, calling her performance "basic" and actively supporting Demi Moore in the category instead. She further escalated the feud by highlighting similar controversies involving Torres’ mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who had also been involved in a blackface scandal. D'Baby Adams’ comments were seen as an attempt to undermine Torres’ Oscar campaign, sparking backlash from some in the industry and Brazilian fans.
• Comments on Music Icons: D'Baby Adams has not shied away from criticizing musicians who venture into acting. In the early 90s, Madonna and Cher were frequent targets of the actress's biting remarks. Regarding Madonna, D'Baby compared her to a cheap, generic version of Marilyn Monroe. As for Cher, D'Baby claimed that her Oscar for Best Actress was the biggest disgrace in the Academy’s history, the result of sheer lobbying and an aggressive campaign. She has called Lady Gaga’s performances "overwrought" and described Beyoncé’s acting attempts as "unconvincing." Her comments have often made tabloid headlines, with fans of both artists accusing D'Baby Adams of being unnecessarily harsh. In response, D'Baby Adams has stated, "Acting is a craft. Not everyone can do it."

Despite the controversies, D'Baby Adams has remained unapologetic about her opinions, often stating that she values honesty over diplomacy. While her feuds have occasionally overshadowed her work, they have also cemented her reputation as a fearless and uncompromising figure in the entertainment industry.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her career, D'Baby Adams has received numerous honors, including:

Academy Honorary Award

• 2018: In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to film, theater, and television, and for her unwavering commitment to diversity and representation in the arts.

BAFTA Award

• 1999: Best Actress in a Supporting Role for The Edge of Tomorrow.

BAFTA Games Award

• 2022: Performer in a Supporting Role for God of War Ragnarök.

BAFTA TV Awards

• 1990, 1991, 1992: Best Actress for Your Eyes.

British Independent Film Awards

• 1995: Best Actress for Shadows on the Congo.

Critics' Circle Theatre Award

• 2024: Best Actress for Richard III.

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

• 2010: For her services to the arts and her work in promoting racial equality.

Evening Standard Theatre Award

• 2008: Best Actress for Hamlet.
• 2010: Best Play for writing The Black Fire Within.
• 2019: Best Musical Performance for Your Eyes II: The Musical.
• 2024: Best Actress for Richard III.

Game Awards

• 2019: Best Performance for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
• 2022: Best Performance for God of War Ragnarök.
• 2023: Best Performance for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

Golden Globe Awards

• 1995: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for Shadows on the Congo.
• 1998: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for The Edge of Tomorrow.

Grammy Awards

• 1977: Nominee for Best Urban Contemporary Performance for "D'Baby is Speaking".

Laurence Olivier Award

• 1974: Best Actress in a Play or Musical for This Girl is So Crazy.
• 2014: Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre for producing Black Voices of the Windrush.
• 2016: Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Coriolanus.
• 2019: Best New Musical for writing/producing Your Eyes II: The Musical.
• 2024: Best Supporting Actress in a Play or Musical for Richard III.

London Film Critics Circle Awards

• 1998: British Supporting Actress of the Year for The Edge of Tomorrow.

Primetime Emmy Awards

• 2005: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for The Wire.

Royal Television Society Programme Awards

• 1990, 1995: Female Actor for Your Eyes.

Sundance Film Festival

• 1997: Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Cast for Echoes of a Creole Heart.

Tony Awards

• 1977: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for This Girl is So Crazy.
• 1999: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for This Girl is So Crazy: A 25th Anniversary Celebration.
• 2002: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for Medea.
• 2019: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for Your Eyes II: The Musical.

Acting credits

• Theater:
• 1974: This Girl is So Crazy
• 1978: Oh My Gosh
• 1981: Someone is Sexing
• 1983: Baby, Please
• 1999: This Girl is So Crazy: A 25th Anniversary Celebration
• 2002: Medea
• 2008: Hamlet
• 2010: The Black Fire Within (Writer and producer only)
• 2014: Black Voices of the Windrush (Writer and producer only)
• 2016: Coriolanus
• 2019: Your Eyes II: The Musical
• 2024: Richard III
• Television:
• 1989: Your Eyes
• 2005: The Wire
• 2026: Euphoria
• Cinema:
• 1985: The Color Purple
• 1995: Shadow of the Congo
• 1997: Echoes of a Creole Heart
• 1998: The Edge of Tomorrow
• 2000: Beneath the Surface
• 2025: Black and Powerful

Legacy

Désirée "D'Baby" Adams is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British theater and film. Her work has broken barriers for Black artists and reshaped the cultural landscape. She is often referred to as "Dame of the British Theatre", "Baroness of the British Arts" and "Living Legend of the British Theatre".