Danielle Pinnock is no stranger to speaking things into existence. Before she became a fan-favorite on CBS’ hit comedy "Ghosts," she had already visualized herself in the industry’s most prestigious rooms—including the NAACP Image Awards. But, she actually had to sneak into the show the first time.

“I was with my friend Bria Samoné Henderson, and we didn’t have tickets at all,” Pinnock tells BET. “It had been on my vision board for decades. Being in that room with all those incredible icons? It was like, ‘This is exactly where I want to be.’”

These days, Pinnock doesn’t have to sneak in—she’s earned her seat at the table. She’s been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the NAACP Image Awards, a recognition that holds deep significance for her. Her reaction to the news, captured in a heartfelt TikTok video, says it all. “This is family,” she says. “It’s for us, by us.”

Her journey to this moment has been one of persistence and passion. Long before she was playing Alberta, a Jazz Age singer-turned-ghost haunting the mansion where she met her untimely demise, Pinnock was honing her craft. She starred in plays as early as fifth grade, participated in performing arts groups through middle school, and pursued theater in high school. She went on to study theater at Temple University before earning a graduate degree from the prestigious Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the U.K. Still, even with her impressive credentials, she spent years grinding in Los Angeles, taking on small roles before landing her breakout part on "Ghosts" in 2021.

“I have never been on a series where I felt like a fully realized human,” she says. “I've played little bit parts—a sexy truck driver, a librarian. Even in those small roles, I always tried to bring depth, but playing Alberta has been an honor because they really care about Black stories on this show.”

One of the standout aspects of "Ghosts" is its rich storytelling, delving into how each of the eight spirits in the house died and exploring their past lives. Alberta’s backstory is layered with history and depth, shedding light on the lived experiences of a Black woman in the 1920s. In Season 3, Alberta connects with a love interest who played in the Negro Leagues, further anchoring her story in the realities of Black history. Season 4 takes it even further, with an episode flashing back to Tulsa, Oklahoma—ground zero for one of the most devastating massacres of Black communities, often omitted from history books.

“I like to say she’s a hidden figure,” Pinnock explains. “The 1920s was such a rich time for us as Black people.”

Beyond historical context, "Ghosts" examines the emotional lives of its characters—yes, even the dead ones. For Alberta, that means confronting a struggle that resonates deeply with many Black women: carrying the weight of the world while neglecting their own needs.

“In the Season 4 finale, there’s a moment where she really has to tap into vulnerability in a way that’s extremely uncomfortable for her,” Pinnock reveals. “And that’s been her journey across all four seasons. As Black women, we get labeled the ‘Strong Black Woman,’ and we feel like we have to keep everything together. But for Alberta, we finally get to see her let go emotionally—and I’m so excited for fans to see it.”

While "Ghosts" keeps viewers laughing, Pinnock brings that same comedic energy to social media, where she shares hilarious skits and promotes body positivity. But beneath the humor, her character’s journey—and her own—has given her a deeper perspective on life and legacy.

“I’ve had an intense fear of death ever since I was a kid,” she shares, recalling a dark period in 2011 when she attempted to take her own life, struggling with grief after losing her father at 16. “When it was unsuccessful, I remember asking, ‘God, why am I still here?’ Looking back at the past 10 to 15 years, I understand why. I’m here to break generational curses. I’m here to experience true joy and love. I’m here to inspire, encourage, and create community.

“Being on "Ghosts" has taught me that you never want to leave anything on the table. You want to live life to the fullest. I don’t want to wait until the afterlife to start living—I need to live right now.”

"Ghosts" airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.