Pernell Walker (born September 19, 1980) is an American actress known for her impactful performances in film, television, and theater. Hailing from the South Bronx, Walker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from City College and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School. Walker first garnered attention with her breakout role as Laura in Pariah (2011), an award-winning Focus Features film directed by Dee Rees. Her performance earned critical acclaim and established her as a compelling presence in independent cinema. She further showcased her versatility with roles in television series such as The Deuce (2017–2019), where she portrayed Ruby "Thunder Thighs," and City on a Hill (2021–2022), in which she played Grace Campbell.