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Actress Arisca Conner Discusses Comic Book Movies, Black Nerd Culture, Working With Sam L. Jackson

Conner has taken on projects dealing with weighty issues

Manny Otiko
5 min readSep 30, 2022
Arisca Conner (right) and Michael Keaton in “Dopesick.” (Courtesy Hulu)

Arisca Conner is a busy actress who broke into Hollywood later in life. She’s appeared in Hulu’s “Dopesick” alongside Michael Keaton, Apple TV+’s “Swagger” with O’shea Jackson Jr., and alongside Samuel L. Jackson in another Apple TV+ series, “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.” In a wide-ranging conversation, I talked to her about breaking into Hollywood as a middle-aged actress, working alongside Samuel L. Jackson, comic book movies, and the growing popularity of Black nerd culture.”

Otiko: What was it like working with Samuel L. Jackson?

Conner: Samuel L. Jackson is my favorite actor. I love his work and I admire his drive. To work with him was like a dream come true for me. I also not only got the chance to work with him, I had the opportunity to watch his artistry in action. Being on set with him was like being in a masterclass.

Otiko: DC or Marvel or both?

Conner: Both. I love all things action and fantasy! Superman was my fave growing up, and the Guardians of the Galaxy are my favorites now, and, just in case people don’t know, Captain America is my favorite Avenger.

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Manny Otiko
Manny Otiko

Written by Manny Otiko

Manny Otiko writes about race, politics and sports. He has been published in Salon and LA Weekly. Follow him at @mannyotiko.bsky.social

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