British-Nigerian Actress SOPE ALUKO Won’t Back Down in Recurring Role on USA Network’s “GRACELAND”

ALSO, STARS IN PROVOCATIVE INDIE SHORT FILM “JOY”

AND APPEARS ON CBS’s “ZOO” AND USA’s “SATISFACTION”

GRACELAND is a high-stakes serialized drama from creator Jeff Eastin (“White Collar”), which follows a group of elusive undercover agents who operate in a web of lies while living under the same roof. Beginning with the episode “Savior Complex” and sprinkled throughout the remainder of Season 3, Aluko steps in as Avery Stanwood, a highly competent, no-nonsense agent for ATF. Able to separate her personal feelings from her duties as an accomplished officer of the law, Stanwood becomes the perfect foil for Charlie (Vanessa Ferlito) over in Florida when their respective goals clash.

Aluko is thrilled to be part of this gritty drama, and for the opportunity to work with directors Timothy Busfield, Lucy Liu and director/executive producer Larry Teng at the helm. Aluko adds, "It was such a blessing when I landed the role, as I was a fan of the show from season 1. My entire experience on set was wonderful and I felt truly embraced by the 'Graceland production Family'. Fingers crossed my character gets to come back next season!"

Aluko has also been gaining attention on the festival circuit for her starring role in the highly provocative indie short film, JOY. The film tells the story of a Nigerian woman (Aluko) now living in America, struggling to convince her traditionalist husband not to circumcise their ten-year-old daughter. The film has been gaining momentum since premiering recently at the American Black Film Festival (New York) and will head this month to the BlackStar Film Festival (Philadelphia), Black Harvest Festival (Chicago) and the SAG Foundation Short Film Showcase (Los Angeles). In addition, HBO picked up the film with plans to air it on the network beginning next February during Black History Month.

Up next, Aluko will be making an appearance in an upcoming episode of CBS’s new drama, ZOO, based on a James Patterson novel; and return to the USA Network for an all-new Season Two episode of SATISFACTION.

Aluko has been building a solid resume and reputation in the industry for years. Her most recent on-screen credits include the films: AMERICAN ULTRA, PITCH PERFECT 2, THE GOOD LIE and IDENTITY THIEF. On the small screen, her credits include: BURN NOTICE, ARMY WIVES, ZOO, SATISFACTION, RECKLESS, RAVENSWOOD, LAW & ORDER: SVU, PARKS AND RECREATION and numerous others.

Born in Nigeria, West Africa, Aluko is a multilingual, dual citizen of both the U.S. and the U.K. With a father in the diplomatic service, her family moved often throughout her early years, living in France, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, and Indonesia. Eventually settling in the U.K., Aluko cultivated her acting skills primarily on Shakespearean stage plays certified by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). She earned an Undergraduate Honors Degree in Manufacturing Engineering at Nottingham Trent University, and her Master’s Degree in Marketing & Product Management at Cranfield University. She had a successful corporate career in England and America for several years before returning to her acting career.

Sope Aluko is represented by Prestige Talent Agency and Acuity Entertainment Management.

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