On HBO's Insecure, Yvonne Orji plays Molly, a career-driven badass with killer style and a sharp tongue. In reality, Yvonne Orji still exemplifies all of these traits, but instead of making her mark at a high-end law firm, she's making waves in the comedic industry.
Raised in a Nigerian household, Yvonne explained that her parents had strict expectations for her life, none of which included stand-up comedy. In an interview with Stephen Colbert, she said:
"Well, I was on my way to med school. My parents are Nigerian immigrants and they are like 'you must be a doctor' and I was like 'I will try'. I took organic chemistry and I was like maybe no. It was the first time I got an F."
Despite her disinterest in her studies, Yvonne pressed on and eventually earned her master's degree. She even went as far as traveling to Africa to evade her parent's wishes to pursue a career as a medical professional.
"I couldn't tell my parents I didn't want to go to med school so instead I got my masters in public health and still couldn't tell my parents, so I went to Liberia post-conflict because it was easier to work in a war-torn country than tell my parents I don't want to go to med school.
"I entered this Miss Nigeria in America pageant. And I didn't know you needed to have a talent. I was like I was not going to tribal-dance on stage. So I prayed, and I was like 'God I need help', and the loudest I heard was 'do comedy' and I was like 'no'."
Eventually, Yvonne listened to that voice and shared with her parents that she wanted to pursue a career in comedy. She was recently on The Breakfast Club and explained that the fear of her parents' disappointment and her inability to listen to God's plans almost cost her the life of her dreams.
"I had to get a whole master's degree before I could do comedy bruh. I couldn't even bring up the word comedy until I was like, 'Ma, I got two degrees. I owe Sallie Mae a lot of money, can I please now go do this other thing I love?' I know people in med school, like I wanna be a doctor first, but I really want to do graphic design. Well you can go do that now!"
Now, Yvonne can proudly say that she's paid Sallie Mae back (in full), submitting to God's will for her life have offered possibilities that she could have never imagined.
"I feel like God is just… melodies from heaven, are just raining down on me. I feel like I'm in a good place but because I'm so African, I feel like it's not even enough. I feel like I'm just getting started, I'm just scratching the surface. I have that leave nothing on the court mentality. Like what's next?"
Along with filming for the newly confirmed Season 4 of Insecure, the young actress is also writing a new book. She told Charlamagne:
"It's personal and also relational, in terms of God and how God like ruins every plan that you had, in the best way. You plan it, and He laughs at it. He's like, 'Oh, that's the best you can do? 'When the bible says, 'Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard,' it's like if you can see it, it's like, 'Well, I told you I was gonna do stuff that you can't even see or imagine, why would you think that [your plan] would be good enough? Because I got some stuff you can't even imagine."'
You better preach, Yvonne because Lord knows that was a word we all needed to hear today!
Take a note from Yvonne's book and but some trust in your gut and faith in your talents. Sometimes what we have planned for ourselves is minuscule compared to what God has in store for our lives. Check out the interview in full by pressing play on the vid below.
Yvonne Orji Talks ‘Insecure’, Strict Parents, Stand-Up Comedy + Morewww.youtube.com
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Lenny quickly explained why he named his home after The Jeffersons star. “It was her dream to come live in Paris,” he explained. “She wanted to retire after doing 11 seasons of The Jeffersons and she never got to do it. So I’m doing it for both of us.”
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
The “American Woman” artist, Lenny, revealed that he had been residing in the house for 22 years. During this time, he has amassed a collection of unique pieces and crafted custom furniture that adorns every corner of the home.
From African artwork to Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Lenny’s home is a true spectacle. “This house continuously pays tribute to my ancestors,” he said.
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
Most rooms in the house feature photographs of prominent Black figures, such as the renowned photographer Gordon Parks and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The petit salon, which he refers to as the Roxie room, is adorned with his mother's photos.
“I found a bunch of photographs my father had taken of my mother in the late ‘60s and got them framed by the same framer that does a lot of framing for the Louvre," he said. “I just wanted to have a room that was surrounded by her image.”
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
He shared that one of the first pieces he designed under his company, Kravitz Design, was the Swarovski crystal chandelier in his grand salon. He often finds many of his unique pieces by browsing the local flea market and small boutiques.
When it comes to his bedroom, the “Fly Away” artist takes a minimalistic approach. Focusing more on creating a calming vibe. He finds comfort in the Moroccan rugs that cover the floor, occasionally even sleeping on them.
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
The father of one ended his tour in the basement, which was designed to be a club. Check out the full tour below.
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