Javicia Leslie made history as the world’s first Black actress to play DC’s iconic Batwoman on the CW’s hit series Batwoman, introducing the new character into the DC fandom spotlight with Ryan Wilder.
The bisexual actress has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter, who named her as their “Next Big Thing” and Los Angeles Magazine, who named her as one of “Hollywood’s New A-List” stars.
In season three of Batwoman, Ryan Wilder (Leslie) has shed her parole for the Batsuit and her van for the Batcave to carry out the legacy of Batwoman and protect Gotham’s underserved communities. Her journey continued as she and the Bat Team focused on finding Batman’s scattered trophies, a collection of objects seized from Gotham’s most infamous villains, before they land in pernicious hands.
Above: Javicia Leslie recently made history as the first Black woman to play Batwoman in the CW series of the same name, but she revealed to Ellen that both she and her mom were convinced she wasn’t going to get the part. Javicia also talked about wanting to represent fans in the LGBTQ+ community with her role, and what to expect in upcoming episodes of season two!
In Season 3 episode 8 (premieres 1/12/2022) Luke Fox (Batwing / Camrus Johnson) and Ryan Wilder face Ryan’s half-brother, Marquis Jet (Nick Creegan), the Joker. Meanwhile, Dr. Mary Hamilton (Nicole Kang), one of the beloved members of the Bat team, has become possessed by Poison Ivy.
Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible and very much not your stereotypical All-American hero. The role allows Javicia to show off her real-life martial arts training while also inspiring little brown and black girls everywhere to follow their dreams.
Leslie has been featured in Women’s Health and Emmy Magazine for her breakout series regular role on CBS’ #1 drama, God Friended Me. A light, hour-long procedural from Alcatraz co-creators Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt, the uplifting series explored questions of faith, existence, and science. Centered on Miles Finer (Brandon Micheal Hall), an outspoken atheist whose life is turned upside down when he is “friended” by God on Facebook, he unwittingly becomes an agent for change in the lives and destinies of others around him. Javicia played Miles’ sister, Ali,who identifies as a lesbian, encouraging and mending the relationship between he and his father, Reverend Arthur Finer (EMMY Award-winning actor Joe Morton).
Leslie captivated an audience of over 10 million people each week in the US as the “…most watched freshman series last year” and was seen in 265 countries around the globe in over 65 different languages.
On the feature film front, Javicia recently tackled the lead role of Corina’in the hilarious comedic feature film, Always a Bridesmaid, penned by NAACP nominated, Yvette Nicole Brown, and now streaming on Netflix. While always being a bridesmaid in a whirlwind of weddings, Corina questions if love and marriage can coexist and what that means for her future as she bravely re-enters the dating scene. Time will only tell if Corina will Always Be A Bridesmaid or if the love of her life is around the corner. Additionally, Leslie has also begun stretching her muscles behind the camera as well, directing two short films, Black Excellence (won BEST Short film at the DC Black Film Festival) and Howl, which made their rounds on the festival circuit last year.
Born in Augsburg, Germany to military parents, Leslie was primarily raised in Prince Georges County, Maryland, with a passion for performing early on. Following school, she took on a job while working in D.C. helping soldiers and their families all while producing her own play and starting to test the waters with hosting. When she landed her first agent, wanting to pursue acting and the performing arts as a career she left her job, packed up, and set out to Los Angeles. Leslie gained major visibility with the Lifetime Movie Killer Coach, the TV series Chef Julian and her recurring appearances on the CBS MacGyver reboot. Her first lead role was starring on BET’s The Family Business alongside acting vet, Ernie Hudson. The series consistently ranked as one of the top 10 cable shows on TV during its run.
When Leslie isn’t working, she splits her time between Los Angeles and New York and combines her passion for fitness and philanthropy to orchestrate events periodically with all funds raised being donated to a local or national charity. An ardent vegan, she also enjoys cooking new vegan recipes and spending time with her rescue dog Judah.
Season 3 of Batwoman will return on January 12th 2022 at 9/8c on The CW.
