Joy Keys chats with Actress Ilfenesh Hadera from Epix’s Godfather of Harlem

Ilfenesh Hadera plays Mayme Johnson on Epix's Godfather of Harlem opposite Forest Whitaker. 
 

Ilfenesh Hadera recently wrapped Season 2 of Spike Lee’s Netflix hit series SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT, the reboot of his iconic film.  She reprises her role as ‘Opal Gilstrap,’ one of Nola Darling’s love interests.  Ilfenesh also recently starred as FBI Agent ‘Kay Daniels’ in the ABC series DECEPTION, produced by Greg Berlanti.  She appeared in the award-winning HBO mini-series SHOW ME A HERO opposite Oscar Isaac.  This poignant true story about the Yonkers 1980’s housing crisis featured Ilfenesh as ‘Alma Febles,’ a single mother from the Dominican Republic struggling to keep her family together.  Ilfenesh is also known for her recurring role on Showtime’s hit show BILLIONS playing ‘Deb Kawi,’ Damien Lewis’ smart and steadfast assistant. Additional television credits include FX’s Emmy Award winning MASTER OF NONE opposite Aziz Ansari, DIFFICULT PEOPLE (HULU) starring Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner, Marvel’s THE PUNISHER, ABC’s CONVICTION opposite Hayley Atwell, NBC’s CHICAGO FIRE, and NBC’s THE BLACKLIST. 

Ilfenesh starred as ‘Stephanie Holden’ – Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s love interest – in the Paramount reboot of BAYWATCH.  A frequent collaborator with Spike Lee, Ilfenesh also appeared in his films CHIRAQ opposite Samuel L. Jackson and OLDBOY opposite Josh Brolin.