Actress

Natasha Ofili

With her breakout role in Ryan Murphy’s new critically acclaimed Netflix series, The Politician, deaf actress Natasha Ofili has now become a recognizable face in the entertainment industry. In September 2019, O The Oprah Magazine announced that Natasha “commands every scene she’s in” playing Payton Hobart’s no-nonsense principal Karen Vaughn, a woman losing her patience with her privileged students.

Having lost her hearing when she was 18 months old due to a high fever, Natasha never succumbed to her challenges, only believing they served as a positive driving force. With sheer determination, Natasha is passionate about inclusivity and representation of deaf entertainers in TV, film, and theater, and is truly excited to help break barriers for the deaf community with her newly growing platform.

“My goal is to become successful and break down barriers for others and future generations,” Natasha says. “This uncomfortable truth journey has been difficult, especially as a POC Deaf Woman, where very few of us get the recognition we deserve. Regardless, I keep on trucking. I remind myself to appreciate my being, those who support me, and continue being the light for myself and others. I will break down the barriers, no matter how difficult it will be.”

Having first began a professional career as a fashion designer, Natasha transitioned to acting when a friend recognized her potential and urged her to try out for a play. In her debut acting job, Natasha performed a monologue, where she faced a sensitive subject that pushed her out of her comfort zone. She then went on to play the lead as an African American gay teenager dealing with life changes in the short film, Words Not Spoken. Around the same time, Natasha landed a national commercial for 7UP, which opened up other opportunities for her including the feature film You and Me, as well as a production of Our Town at Pasadena Playhouse.

This past year, however, Natasha has finally broken through to the big leagues with supporting roles in monumental shows like Amazon Prime’s Undone, and of course Netflix’s The Politician. She even co-directed and produced a play in honor of Black History Month called Reflection: What Do You See?.

In addition to her passion for acting, Natasha is also a talented writer and enjoys nature, hiking, and reading drama/fantasy fiction novels.