Since the incredible launch of the Saving Our Cinderellas program, co-Founded, by actress, singer and philanthropist, Keke Palmer; young powerful actresses in Hollywood, have become positive “Celebrity Godparent” mentors, such as Yara Shahidi, of “Black`ish”, Eris Baker of “This is Us”, and Storm Reid from Disney’s “Wrinkle of Time”, just to name the few.
As we enter in the 2019 new year, Saving Our Daughters (SOD) is excited to welcome, actress Saniyya Sidney from the newly anticipated FOX’s series, “The Passage”. At such a young age, Saniyya has already starred in many award-winning films such as “Fences”, opposite Academy Award-winning actors, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis and playing the daughter of actress Taraji P. Henson’s, in “Hidden Figures”. Her new lead role in FOX’s The Passage premieres on Monday January 14th, 2019 at 8pm.
For 2019, Saniyya will be empowering her Cinderellas to help deter bullying with her amazing gift of acting; as the core objective of the program is to use art to heal. The organization looks forward to Saniyya inspiring her Cinderellas while encouraging them to believe in the impossible; as what all the “Celebrity Godparents” strive to achieve. “It’s important for our youth to have diverse, positive role models, that can relate to the population we serve.” – Debbie Benjamin (Co-Founder of SOD).
About Saniyya Sidney
From a young age, destiny seemed to call upon Saniyya Sidney to work with some of the most respected actors and directors in the industry. Her first role was iconic. Filming five weeks in New Orleans, she played “Young Kizzy” in the new adaptation of Alex Haley’s “Roots.” She instantly bonded and formed an incredible artistic partnership with her director Mario Van Peeples.
Next she was off to Atlanta on another historic project. Playing Taraji P. Henson’s daughter in the feature “Hidden Figures.” The film also stars Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner. Taking place in the 1960’s, it tells true story of the three African American mathematicians who computed the trajectory for the first Apollo missions into space and moon landing.
Next she received the call that can catapult the trajectory of a career. It was from Denzel Washington who cast her as his and Viola Davis’ daughter in the film “Fences.” Another period piece, this one taking place in the 1950’s. Mr. Washington directs the story adapted from the August Wilson play, in which he and Ms. Davis reprise their Tony winning roles.
In 2016, she attended the Oscars for the first time for both “Hidden Figures” & “Fences.”
The next person who knocked at the door was the incomparable Ridley Scott. Saniyya was cast in the lead of Amy Bellafonte in the series “The Passage.” It is a role that she will forever treasure. And is thrilled to be back with her FOX family.