Top breakout TV actresses of 2021: From Hawkeye's Alaqua Cox to Young Royal's Nikita Uggla
If 2021 has proved anything to us, it is that good TV shows are indeed a blessing when dealing with a pandemic. While we still grapple with adjusting to this new normal, we know for a fact that at least there is something good on TV or to stream to chase away the boredom.
And while there were some exceptional shows, along with them came some interesting talent. Actresses that stood out on screen and demanded your attention entirely. Here's a look at some of these ladies who made their mark in 2021.
RELATED ARTICLES
Rolling Stone's 50 Best Songs 2021: K-pop acts BTS, Epik High, TWICE get listed
LeBron James vs Hwang Dong-hyuk: 'Squid Game' creator shuts down NBA star for dig at hit show
Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez / Echo in 'Hawkeye'
With the latest 'Hawkeye' series, fans saw Alaqua Cox take on the role of Maya Lopez / Echo. Born on February 13, 1997, Cox is a Native American actress. She was born deaf and is also an amputee with a prosthetic leg. She was raised in the Menominee Indian Reservation in Keshena, Wisconsin. Cox's performance received a highly positive reaction, and she'll even be staring in her spinoff series. Cox also opened up about how she is grateful for the opportunity to represent the deaf community. "It's just so crazy that I'm getting my own show after Hawkeye. That was like my first acting role, ever," she said while talking to Variety. "I don't know why they're giving me this opportunity, but I'm just grateful. I'm excited for the support and being able to advocate for the Deaf community. We want to have that equality and get more people involved. I'm just so grateful for all of the opportunities I've been given."
Frida Argento as Sara in 'Young Royals'
'Young Royals' certainly took viewers by storm, and with it came Frida Argento. Argento plays Sara in her debut role, a kind-hearted character who'd much rather spend time at the stables while chaos continues around her.
Nikita Uggla as Felice in 'Young Royals'
'Young Royals' has certainly given fans a few breakout stars to keep an eye out for, including Nikita Uggla. Uggla plays Felice, a social butterfly obsessed with the monarchy in the series. 2021 was a big year for Uggla, as she also strutted down the Copenhagen Fashion Week runway. In a conversation with Vogue Scandinavia, she spoke about her experience.
"I don't remember what happened on that stage, I just remember walking walking walking and then getting off," she said "I think I was acting. Channeling a super model, like Kendall Jenner. Someone gorgeous." she added.
Jung Ho Yeon as Kang Sae-byeok in 'Squid Games'
When you think about some of 2021's best series, Squid Games sits at the top. However, while the stories and art direction made it a fantastic watch, the actors took it to a whole different level. Playing the role of Kang Sae-byeok or player 067 was model Jung Ho Yeon. Born on June 23 1994, Jung Ho Yeon began modelling in 2010. She later competed on Season 4 of 'Korea's Next Top Model' in 2013, where she was a runner-up.
Julia Mayorga as Lee English in 'American Rust'
Based on the novel by Philipp Meyer. 'American Rust' is a slow drama, one that grips you, thanks to its intrigue and the secrets that slowly come to light. Taking on a pivotal role in the series is Julia Mayorga, who plays Lee English. Torn between her old life and her new one, Mayorga wonderfully adds depth to her character.
Zión Moreno as Luna La in 'Gossip Girl'
Gossip Girl may have opened to mixed reviews, but it certainly gave fans talent to watch out for. And Zion Moreno certainly stands out. Born on February 23, 1995, Moreno is an actress and model. She was born in El Paso, Texas and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Jordan Alexander as Julien Calloway in 'Gossip Girl'
Casting for the 'Gossip Girl' was not easy, and going with fresh faces seems to have paid off, as the series, at best, introduced fans to new talent. Among said talent is Jordan Alexander who played Julien Calloway. A Canadian actor and singer-songwriter, Jordan Alexander's works include 'Unbury the Biscuit,' 'Please Kill Mr. Know It All', and 'Sacred Lies'. As reported by W Magazine, Alexander relocated to Toronto at the age of 12 from the Canadian west coast. Her passion for acting began at a young age when she played baby Jesus in a church play and ultimately, she decided to become an actor and moved to the city at 18.
Jaylen Barron as Trish in 'Blindspotting'
Barron has been on the scene for a while now, but her role as Trish, the lead character in 'Blindspotting' has certainly made her a star to keep on eye out for. Barron was born August 31, 1997, in Reno, Nevada. Her family later moved to Los Angeles, where she began acting. She has played multiple recurring roles over the years, including Dominique Winslow in 'Shameless'. She also starred in the 'Free Reign' movies on Netflix.
Marta Kessler in 'The Mysterious Benedict Society'
The youngest actress to make it to the list, Kessler performance and comedic timing in 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' is certainly something to look out for. In Moscow, Russia, she was born Marta Andreevna Timofeeva on August 8, 2009. But don't let her age fool you, the young talent has been acting since 2015.
Emilia Jones as Kinsey Locke in 'Locke and Key'
Emilia Annis I. Jones reprised her role as Kinsey Locke for Season 2 of 'Locke and Key' and gained critical acclaim for her work in the 2021 film 'CODA' as Ruby Rossi. Born on February 23 2002, Jones is a Welsh actress. Season 2 of 'Locke and Key' saw Jones in the front and centre of the series, as Kinsey played a pivotal role in the chain of events.