Kimiko Glenn, born on June 27, 1989, is an accomplished American actress and singer who has garnered widespread acclaim for her versatile performances across live-action television, film, Broadway, and voice acting. She is best known for her portrayal of the earnest and often idealistic inmate Brook Soso in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, a role she played from 2014 to 2019 that earned her three ensemble Screen Actors Guild Awards. Beyond this breakout part, Glenn has built a dynamic career that spans major film franchises, animated series, and the Broadway stage, establishing her as a distinctive and sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.

Glenn’s journey into the performing arts began in her youth, though details of her early life remain relatively private. She pursued her passion for acting and singing, eventually training at prestigious institutions before making her mark on the stage. Her big break came with her casting as Brook Soso in Orange Is the New Black, where her character’s arc from a naive newcomer to a more hardened inmate resonated with audiences and critics alike. The role not only showcased her dramatic range but also her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to a complex character, leading to the ensemble SAG Awards that highlighted the show’s outstanding cast.

Transitioning from television to film, Glenn appeared in the 2016 thriller Nerve, starring alongside Emma Roberts and Dave Franco. She also ventured into voice acting, landing the role of Peni Parker, a young anime-inspired version of Spider-Man, in the groundbreaking animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018. She reprised this role in the 2023 sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and is set to continue in the upcoming third installment, cementing her place in one of the most celebrated animated trilogies of the decade. Additionally, she voiced the character of Chang’e in the 2020 Netflix animated musical Over the Moon, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

On the theatrical front, Glenn demonstrated her musical theater prowess by originating the role of Dawn Pinkett in the Broadway production of Waitress, based on the 2007 film. Her performance in the show, which featured music by Sara Bareilles, was praised for its warmth and vocal skill, adding a significant milestone to her career. In television animation, Glenn has been a prolific voice actor, lending her talents to series such as DuckTales (2017–2021), where she voiced the character of Lena, and Voltron: Legendary Defender (2017–2018). She also voiced roles in Summer Camp Island (2018–2023), the Disney Channel series Kiff (2023–present), and the adult animated musical series Hazbin Hotel (2024–present), further expanding her reach across genres and audiences.

Throughout her career, Kimiko Glenn has been recognized for her ability to bring authenticity and energy to every role, whether in live-action drama, blockbuster animation, or live theater. Her work in Orange Is the New Black remains a defining achievement, but her continued success in voice acting and on Broadway underscores her versatility and dedication to her craft. As she continues to take on new projects, including the ongoing Spider-Verse films and animated series, Glenn remains a prominent and respected figure in contemporary entertainment, admired for her talent and the breadth of her contributions to film, television, and stage.