Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie (also credited as Nikki Beharie) is an American screen actress born on January 3, 1985, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Known for emotionally precise performances and thoughtful role choices, she has built a career that moves confidently between independent cinema, studio features, and television.

Beharie first drew wide attention with her lead turn in American Violet (2008), playing Dee Roberts in a story rooted in real-world injustice. She expanded her range with the psychological drama Shame (2011) as Marianne, and later appeared in the biographical sports film 42 (2013) as Rachel Robinson. Her filmography also includes Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day (Beth Hutchins), My Last Day Without You (Leticia), and the TV movie Sins of the Mother (Shay).

On television, Beharie became a familiar face from 2013 to 2016 as a series lead on Fox’s supernatural drama Sleepy Hollow. She has also taken on documentary-style work, including Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches as herself, underscoring her interest in projects with cultural and historical weight.

Whether anchoring a character-driven indie or elevating a major release, Nicole Beharie remains a compelling presence—recognized for performances that balance intensity, intelligence, and heart.