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Entity explores Jerrika HintonPhoto via Instagram/@hellojerrika

Jerrika Hinton is best known for her ongoing role as Stephanie on “Grey’s Anatomy.” And if you’ve seen her on the show, you’d know she’s a rockstar.

But we’re also sure that you wouldn’t be surprised to know she’s just as badass off-screen as she is on-screen.

From her acting career to her personal life, here are five things you should know about one of our favorite Women That Do, Jerrika Hinton.

1 She is moving beyond Stephanie Edwards and is instead embracing Jerrika Hinton.

After five seasons on “Grey’s Anayomy,” Hinton has decided she wants to expand her artistic horizons. She may be leaving the show come Season 13, but it is not without reflection and gratitude.

Hinton took to Instagram to pay homage to her character, Stephanie, and to her experience at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Entity talks Jerrika Hinton

Photo via Instagram/@hellojerrika

According to Hinton, Stephanie’s freedom inspires her. 

2 She is helping pave the way for black women in television.

In an Instagram post, Hinton stated, “To the ones who look like me – it is for you that my heart burns brightest. I hear what you say, I represent you. Thank you for your warmth and patience. I see you sis!”

As diversity in entertainment is becoming more accepted, Hinton plays a crucial role. Essentially, the more women of color that are brought to the forefront in television and film, the better. But thankfully, Jerrika is showing her fans what it looks like to be proud of who you are. 

Entity looks at Jerrika Hinton

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/p/6nZbhLI3AP/?taken-by=hellojerrika&hl=en

Her Instagram is piled high with posts of self-love, including but not limited to loving her natural hair.

In addition, Jerrika Hinton simply being seen on TV sends a strong message to African American girls and women. This is beyond television. It is about women of color seeing that they are beautiful enough and worthy enough to make it in the entertainment industry.

Thank you, Jerrika Hinton. We see you, and we appreciate you.

3 “Grey s Anatomy” isn t her only experience with performance art.

Her first appearance was in the film “Rain” where she plays the beloved sister of Rain Arnold, Beni.

She has also starred in numerous plays, including “Chicago,” “Henry IV” and “A Raisin in the Sun.”

In 2011, Jerrika Hinton also played Tressa in the film “A Christmas Kiss.” Additionally, she has made guest appearances in “Scandal,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Zoey 101,” to name a few. 

4 To Hinton, Shonda Rhimes is more than just a boss-lady.

Rhimes was completely supportive when Jerrika Hinton decided to leave “Grey’s Anatomy.”

In an interview with Variety, Hinton said, “Every private conversation I’ve had with her has left me feeling heard and seen and respected as a human being and an artist.”

They have maintained a professional relationship and friendship since her first days at “Grey’s Anatomy.” And when asked about Hinton’s departure from the show Shonda Rhimes told Variety that, “Actors evolve differently and when an actor like Jerrika comes to me and says she wants to try something new creatively, I like to honor that.”

Entity explores Jerrika Hinton

Photo via Giphy

Rhimes went on to say that though she is sad to see Hinton leave, she is excited for where this new journey may take her.

5 Where is she now and where is she going?

Even though Hinton is no longer on “Grey’s Anatomy,” she is still a part of the Shondaland family. She was planning to star in the series “Toast,” which would’ve been an upcoming Shonda Rhimes production. However, ABC didn’t pick up the series.

However, Hinton is carving out plans to join the HBO original series “Here, Now,” which is written by Alan Ball.

The premise of the show is to portray a contemporary multi-racial family in the United States. Hinton plays Ashley who is the adoptive mother of a boy from a Somali refugee family in the U.S. When the boy’s mother dies and his father is deported, she ultimately adopts him. As the series goes on, she grapples with her racial identity and where she really fits in the world.

Long story short?

Hinton is a multi-dimensional actress that’s sure to thrive in whatever direction she may go. As her entertainment career shifts, she leaves fans with many reasons to follow her into this new stage.

We’re with you girl, and we support you all the way!

Entity speaks Jerrika Hilton

Photo via Giphy

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