Aiyana Goodfellowmay not be a Hollywood A-lister yet, but judging from her impressive work across film and television, she’s on her way to becoming a household name. The fact that her very first screen credit was in an episode ofSteve McQueen’s critically acclaimed anthology seriesSmall Axespeaks to her talent. She has also delivered impactful work in short films likeEarly TwentiesandNight Light, showcasing her ability to convey nuanced emotions and deliver powerful performances in a shorter format.
The actress' talents and passions aren’t just limited to the big and small screen. OnGoodfellow’s website, she describes herself as an “actor, author, filmmaker, poet, and screenwriter.” She is also a passionate activist, and shares her many causes on her site, most involving youth. Between her podcast appearances, activism, authoring two books, and more, Goodfellow could teach a course on multitasking. Fortunately for audiences, she finds time to act as well, and has delivered some powerful performances in the early part of her career.
10 Best True Crime TV Shows Like Under The Bridge
Since Hulu’s Under the Bridge has concluded, viewers can check out these ten true crime TV shows with similar themes, stories, and narrative styles.
6Invasion (2021-Present)
Fara Aminah (4 Episodes, 2021)
In the Apple TV+ sci-fi seriesInvasion, Aiyana Goodfellow plays Fara Aminah, one of the students on a class field trip. While on the bus, Casper (Billy Barratt) has a seizure causing Mr. Edwards (Tom Cullen) to become distracted and drive the bus off a cliff. Luckily, the class escapes the crash with minor injuries, except for Mr. Edwards who is severely hurt. The students set up camp, start a fire, and choose who their leader will be.
As the students adjust to their new circumstances, finding scattered pieces of a satellite that has crashed in the process, there is a quarrel between Monty and Casper. This divides the group in half, and Fara chooses to stay behind while Casper leads the others home. In such a high-stakes sequence full of actors,Goodfellow stands out among the ensemble, proving her screen presence even in smaller supporting roles.
5I Used To Be Famous (2022)
Nadira
InI Used to Be Famous, Aiyana Goodfellow plays Nadira, a significant character, a talented young girl who encounters Vince (Ed Skrein), a former boy band star trying to rekindle his music career. Nadira adds depth to the film’s exploration of personal redemption and relationships, as she is pivotal in Vince’s journey of self-discovery and healing.
As a bright and perceptive young individual, Nadira’s interactions with Vince challenge him to confront his past mistakes and reassess his priorities. Her character’s genuine passion for music and her own struggles create a powerful connection with Vince, catalyzing his emotional growth. Goodfellow’s portrayal of Nadira is both heartfelt and nuanced, bringing a sense of authenticity to the character.Through her performance, Nadira becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration, influencing Vince’s path and highlighting the film’s themes of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection.
4The Outlaws (2021-Present)
Esme (11 Episodes, 2021-2022)
The Outlawsis a British crime comedy-drama series created by and starring Stephen Merchant, who also stars as Greg Dillard. The show revolves around a diverse group of seven strangers in Bristol who unwittingly find a bag of cash. But little do they know, the owners of that money are dangerous criminals. Aiyana Goodfellow plays Esme Eastwood, the sister of Ben (Gamba Cole).
While Esme is a supporting character,Goodfellow keeps her fresh and engaging in every scene she’s in, which is no small feat consideringThe Outlawscast includes veteran actors like Merchant and Christopher Walken, along with new up-and-comers like Jessica Gunning. Gunning delivered an award-nominated performance as the troubled Martha in Netflix’s smash-hitBaby Reindeer, and based on Esme’s performance inThe Outlaws, it won’t be long before she too is in the awards conversation.
The Outlaws
Cast
Created by Elgin James and Stephen Merchant, The Outlaws is a Comedy and Thriller television series created for the Amazon Prime streaming service. Starring Merchant himself, along with Christopher Walken and Rhianne Barreto, the story follows a group of criminals that are forced to work community service with one another and band together when one of them ends up in trouble.
3Small Axe (2020)
Nina (1 Episode, 2020)
InSmall Axeseason 1, episode 5,“Education”, Aiyana Goodfellow plays Nina, a crucial character in this powerful episode. Directed by Steve McQueen,“Education”addresses the systemic issues within the British educational system in the 1970s, focusing on the experiences of Black children facing racial discrimination. Nina’s role, while part of a larger ensemble, is significant in illustrating the impact of educational neglect on young Black students.
As a student who navigates a flawed and biased educational system,Nina’s interactions and experiences help to highlight the broader theme of systemic racism and its effects on the lives of Black children. Goodfellow’s portrayal of Nina is marked by its emotional depth and authenticity. Through her character, she contributes to the episode’s exploration of the struggles faced by Black students, adding a personal and impactful dimension to the narrative.
Small Axe
Small Axe is an anthology series created by Steve McQueen, chronicling the lives and struggles of London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Featuring a stellar cast including John Boyega and Letitia Wright, each episode presents a distinct narrative, focusing on themes of racism, resilience, and solidarity within the Caribbean diaspora, providing a poignant examination of the socio-political landscape of the time.
2The Great (2020-2023)
Tula (4 Episodes, 2021-2023)
In the critically acclaimed Hulu seriesThe Great, Aiyana Goodfellow plays Tula, a recurring character in the historical dramedy.The Great, created by Tony McNamara, offers a satirical anddramatized retelling of the rise of Catherine the Greatin 18th-century Russia. Tula is introduced as a member of the court and serves as a confidante and ally to the show’s protagonist, Catherine, portrayed by Elle Fanning.
Goodfellow’s portrayal of Tula is marked by a blend of sophistication and intrigue, fitting seamlessly into the opulent and politically charged environmentof the Russian court. As Tula, Goodfellow contributes to the intricate dynamics of the court, providing both support and nuanced interaction with Catherine and other key characters. Her role involves navigating the complex web of court politics and personal alliances, offering insight into the power struggles and interpersonal relationships that define the series.
The Great
A drastic departure from the true story, The Great tells the story of Catherine The Great, who went from being an outsider to the most powerful and longest-ruling woman in Russia’s history. But, after assuming the throne from a coup against her husband, she soon discovers enacting her form of liberation of the country will be a challenge - and she’ll have to fight everyone she knows to get it done.
1Under the Bridge (2021-2023)
Dusty Pace (2021,2023)
Under the Bridgeis a Hulu drama miniseries that took audiences by storm when it was released in 2024. StarringKillers of the Flower Moon’s Lily Gladstone,Under the Bridgetells the true story of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old girl in British Columbia who was brutally murdered in 1997 following a bullying incident. Aiyana Goodfellow plays Dusty Pace, a member of a girl clique called the CMC.
Under the Bridge’s Dusty is based on a real person, and Goodfellow’s powerful performance certainly makes her feel layered. Dusty was one of the girls closest to Reena, but she also played a role in her death, and Goodfellow drives home her young character’s inner turmoil. The exceptional performances of the cast garnered notable recognition, withUnderthe Bridgereceiving a nomination for the 2024 INOCA TV Best Ensemble in a Limited Series or TV Movie. This isAiyanna Goodfellow’s only award nomination thus far, but given the strength of her performance here, it certainly won’t be her last.
Under the Bridge
Based on the book by Rebecca Godfrey, Under the Bridge is a 2024 true crime series that explores the murder of a teenaged girl named Reena Virk through the testimonies of her accused killers.
