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United States Mariann Aalda is an acclaimed actress, comedian, and motivational speaker, inspiring audiences with her insights on embracing aging and personal resilience.
Personal brand for Mariann Aalda's work in prosecuting ageism, focusing on diversity, candor, humor, and a fresh perspective on aging.
Mariann Aalda took a break from social media to plan new directions for her 'An Appetizing Life' brand, which includes co-hosting a video podcast.
Mariann Aalda is recognized by AARP as an 'Age Disruptor' and has contributed to their initiatives promoting positive aging.
Mariann Aalda delivered a TEDx Talk titled 'Ageism Is a Bully...Stand Up to It!' and is recognized for her advocacy for positive aging.
Mariann Aalda is a contributor to CrunchyTales.com.
Mariann Aalda started her company Seekila, featuring crocheted jewelry and handbags that celebrate heritage, healing, and handmade beauty after exploring new opportunities.
Mariann Aalda's biography is hosted on Wikipedia, a project of the Wikimedia Foundation.
Mariann Aalda has been a guest on top podcasts, aggregated on Listen Notes.
Mariann Aalda was featured in an article by Soap Opera Digest discussing her work as an age disruptor.
Featured in an article by Winston-Salem Journal regarding her use of humor to discuss aging.
Featured in an article by Blacknews.com highlighting her historic soap opera role and continued career.
Article published in The New York Times featuring Mariann Aalda.
Mariann Aalda's work on Clubhouse has opened doors to new opportunities.
Mariann Aalda, born on May 7, 1948, in Harvey, Illinois, developed an early passion for acting, performing in school plays and a children’s performing arts program at Roosevelt University. After graduating from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, she honed her craft at the renowned Negro Ensemble Company conservatory program in New York City. Her theatrical career began with an Off-Broadway debut in Woody King’s New Federal Theater production and continued with the Off-Center Theatre Company and The Proposition improvisational comedy troupe, touring the country.
Aalda achieved significant recognition in television, notably as DiDi Bannister on the ABC soap opera “Edge of Night” in the early 1980s, portraying a professional African-American female character. Following this, she moved to Los Angeles and secured a recurring role as Ellen Parker in HBO’s “First & Ten.” Her sitcom career included guest-starring roles on “Designing Women” as Lita Ford and “Family Matters” as Lois Keller. She also held a series regular position on the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family.” In 2021, Aalda was invited to perform a virtual excerpt at the Silver Sirens Redefining Aging Summit in Sydney, Australia, highlighting her international recognition in the positive aging movement.
Aalda’s career experienced a turning point due to ageism in Hollywood, leading her to become a hypnotherapist and advocate for positive aging. She is now recognized by AARP as an ‘Age Disruptor’ and a thought leader in the positive aging movement, delivering a TEDx Talk titled ‘Ageism Is a Bully…Stand Up to It!’. She has also created and starred in the web series “Talk To Me, Ginger!” and a solo show, “Gettin’ Old Is a Bitch…But I’m Gonna Wrestle That Bitch to the Ground!”, which set a 30-year box office record at the 2019 National Black Theatre Festival. Her commitment to advocating for older women has led to recent lead roles, including Opal Banks in “Spawns” (2024), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and the inscrutable matriarch Violet Givens in the Emmy-winning streaming soap “The Bay” since 2022.
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