Born and raised in New Paltz, New York, Obsidian comes from a rich cultural background with roots in both the West Indies and Eritrea. Her family sought refuge in Sudan after fleeing Eritrea during the civil war, a journey that shaped her perspective and resilience.

Though storytelling was always a passion, she initially explored other career paths before fully committing to acting. Despite her small-town upbringing, she had big Hollywood dreams and worked tirelessly to make them a reality.

Before landing major TV roles, the breakthrough star sank her teeth in independent films. The first role she ever booked was in a film called “The Vixens.” She starred as the assistant to a lawyer, and essentially, “there was all this crazy stuff going on, and we were just kind of running around. It was a lot, it was a lot going on,” she shared. 

She also starred in critically acclaimed projects like “If Beale Street Could Talk,” where she played Adrienne Hunt, the sister of Fonny, portrayed by Stephan James. The Barry Jenkins-directed film helped introduce Ebony to a broader audience and showcased her ability to deliver raw, emotionally charged performances.

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Acting isn’t the only artistic talent the star possesses—she’s also a singer. she’s released three singles since 2016. In 2021, she debuted a track titled “EIL (Everything Is Love).

During an interview with Numéro Netherlands the actress opened up about working with “many of my inspirations,” including fellow NAACP Image Award winner Kerry Washington on “Six Triple Eight.” 

“Aunjanue Ellis, Regina King, Angela Basset, to name just a few Black women who have paved the way. Then to learn that I would be sharing the screen with Kerry Washington, of course, I was in awe,” she shared. “Her body of work is beyond beautiful, not simply in quantity, but in diversity. The way in which she has transformed time and time again is a lesson in and of itself. In addition to leading us, she was also an executive producer on the project so it was wonderful to watch the balancing act of it all.”

The star isn’t just making an impact on screen—she’s using her platform to advocate for global change. As an Ambassador for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), she’s dedicated to raising awareness about humanitarian issues worldwide. In 2023, she traveled to South Sudan, where she witnessed firsthand the country’s growing humanitarian crisis and the devastating effects of climate change. Her advocacy work shines a light on communities in need, proving that her influence extends far beyond Hollywood.

With two NAACP Image Award wins and more exciting projects on the horizon, Ebony Obsidian is solidifying her place in Hollywood. Whether she’s leading a drama, bringing depth to a TV series, or stepping into new creative ventures, one thing’s for sure—this is just the beginning for her.