Facts From a TV Junkie: 'Orange Is the New Black'

Hello all! Chances are if you're reading this it means you, much like myself, are addicted to TV. You just can't ever get enough of that small screen action! Well, I'm here to tell you that I feel your pain and would like to help you in your noble quest for TV knowledge, which is why I've taken it upon myself to create this fun, weekly feature. Every week, I will dig up new and interesting facts about a show and share them with you right here. So sit back, relax, and let the trivia madness commence!

This week, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the cast of one of Netflix’s breakout shows, ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ Full of interesting characters with diverse and complex backstories, it’s no surprise this prison-based series became the biggest TV binge-craze of the summer. It’s almost impossible to stop watching. (But really, why would you ever want to?) And while you may think you’ve got a pretty good handle on the men and women of Litchfield prison, there may be a few things you’re not quite yet aware of. Such as…

Did You Know:

1. Jodie Foster directed the show’s third episode, "Lesbian Request Denied."

Foster was apparently in the process of developing a mob drama for Showtime and wanted to dip her toes into the TV waters before her series went into production. The cast was more than happy to oblige and took to Twitter with photos of Foster on set. (I guess prison has really good WiFi.)

2. Laverne Cox’s real-life twin brother played her character pre-transition during the flashback sequences.

Remember when we caught a glimpse of Sophia Burset’s backstory as Marcus Burset, before her gender-reassignment surgery? Well, that was all done by the actress’s actual brother, musician M Lamar. Initially, Cox was going to play the role herself, but when Jodie Foster (who I mentioned above had directed the episode), didn’t think she looked masculine enough, they decided to hire her brother to play the part.

3. Actress Constance Shulman, who plays Yoga Jones, is also the voice of Patti Mayonnaise on ‘Doug.’

So if hearing her voice kept making you recall parts of your childhood, now you know why. Who could forget the object of Doug Funnie’s affection? Now let’s get Billy West on the show for a little reunion!

4. Yael Stone, who plays Lorna Morello, is actually Australian.

We all know and love Lorna. But while her character is perpetually planning her wedding, Stone has been keeping herself pretty busy by successfully hiding a very distinguishable accent. The actress apparently spent hours wandering the streets of Boston with a tape recorder to help perfect Lorna’s cocktail of east coast sounds.

5. Pablo Schreiber, who plays George “Pornstache” Mendez, is actually Liev Schreiber’s half-brother in real life.

So if you were thinking his face looked somewhat familiar, then there you have it! Or it could have something to do with his other recognizable TV roles. Schreiber also played desperate dockworker Nick Sobotka on HBO’s ‘The Wire’ as well as Nancy’s Russian mobster dude on ‘Weeds.’

6. This is what Crazy Eyes looks like in real life.

Quite a difference, huh? She is played by actress Uzo Aduba, who has also done work on Broadway in the production of ‘Godspell.’ We really should’ve known there was some serious vocal talent behind that ‘Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl’ song.

7. This is the real Piper and Larry.

And just like the series describes, Larry really did write a Modern Love piece for The New York Times where he talked about his and Piper’s long-distance relationship. You can read the full article here.

8. There is an ‘American Pie’ reference in the first episode of the series.

If you don’t understand this reference, then we may no longer be able to be friends. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it has to be.

9. Red is portrayed by actress Kate Mulgrew, who also played Captain Kathryn Janeway in ‘Star Trek.’

There was even a ‘Star Trek’ reference between her and Nicky where she didn’t know who Spock was. Nicky: “I thought I was like your Spock…” Red: “My what?” LOL.

10. Actress Taryn Manning, who plays Pennsatucky, is cousins with Eli and Peyton Manning.

This just goes to show you just never know who's related to who in Hollywood, do you? (Maybe there's a cameo in their future?) Manning was also in the 2002 movie ‘Crossroads’ with Britney Spears. *mind blown*

11. Matt McGorry, who plays Officer John Bennet, used to be a body builder and personal trainer.

Clearly, I saved the best for last. As you know, McGorry currently plays the show’s adorably sweet and insanely attractive correctional officer. But BEFORE that, he was really into working out and I do mean REALLY. You can see plenty more of him here. You’re welcome.

I hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Facts From a TV Junkie. Check back next week for another fix!

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