You probably know her as Malika Williams. If you've spent any time watching Good Trouble, the Freeform spin-off of The Fosters, you’ve seen Zuri Adele basically embody the heart of modern activism. She's the one living in the Coterie, fighting for Black liberation, and navigating some of the most complex relationship arcs on television today. But here’s the thing: while Malika is her breakout role, Zuri Adele's filmography and her journey to that screen are a lot deeper than just one long-running show.
Honestly, the way she landed the role is a story in itself. She didn't just walk into a room and get it. She had to audition four separate times. At one point, she was genuinely starting to think that maybe the acting business just wasn't going to happen for her. Imagine that—one of the most compelling faces on Freeform almost calling it quits right before her big break.
The Good Trouble Era and Malika Williams
When we talk about zuri adele movies and tv shows, everything centers around Good Trouble. From 2019 to 2024, Zuri played Malika in nearly 90 episodes. This wasn't just a "supporting best friend" role. Malika’s character was deeply influenced by real-world activists. In fact, the showrunners were inspired by Patrisse Cullors, one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter, who eventually even became a writer for the show.
For Zuri, this wasn't just a gig; it was personal. She’s talked about how playing Malika actually pushed her to be more active in real life. While she used to prefer the "backstage" side of activism—like fundraising or signing petitions—because crowds gave her a bit of anxiety, stepping into Malika’s shoes forced her to the front lines.
The character also broke ground by exploring polyamory. It’s a topic that doesn't get much nuanced screen time, especially within Black relationships. Zuri handled it with a kind of grace that made it feel human rather than sensationalized. She’s mentioned in interviews that while she doesn't practice polyamory herself, she leaned on the experiences of people close to her to make sure Malika’s journey felt authentic.
Breaking Down Her Television Credits
Before she was a series regular, Zuri was putting in the work in guest spots.
- Under the Dome (2013): If you go back to the first season of this CBS sci-fi drama, you'll spot her. She played an unnamed "Mother" in several episodes during the show's initial run. It’s one of those "blink and you'll miss it" starts that every great actor has.
- The Real (2013): She actually appeared on this talk show as a guest way back in the day, showing that she’s been comfortable in front of the camera for a long time.
- Good Trouble (2019–2024): Obviously, the crown jewel. This is where she became a household name for fans of Freeform’s brand of social-justice-focused drama.
The Short Films and Indie Projects
A lot of people don’t realize that Zuri’s roots are in theater and independent short films. Her debut actually happened way back in 2010.
Russian Roulette (2010) This was a short film where she played a character named Michelle. It was her first real step into the professional world after years of training.
The Social Worker (2014) In this short, she played Margo Winters. It’s interesting to see her early roles often centered around social issues or community-driven characters, which eventually mirrors her work on Good Trouble.
Plenty (2016) She played a character named Rae in this project. By this point, her style was really starting to solidify. She has this way of being incredibly still on camera while still conveying a massive amount of emotion.
C.R.E.A.M. & Butter (2018) Another short where she played Vawn. This was just a year before Good Trouble changed her life.
Split Milk (2019) Released right as her TV career was taking off, she played Lena in this short film.
A Career Built on Serious Training
Zuri Adele isn't one of those actors who just got "discovered" at a mall. She is classically trained to the teeth. We’re talking Spelman College for her BA in Drama, the British American Drama Academy in London, and then an MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television.
She was actually part of the inaugural class for UCLA's interdisciplinary graduate acting program. While she was there, she was doing heavy-hitting stage work, like playing Josephine Baker in the world premiere of La Perle Noire. She even taught acting workshops at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
This background is why her performances feel so "heavy" in a good way. She’s not just saying lines; she’s bringing a whole history of griot storytelling (West African traveling storytellers) into her work. She’s explicitly said that she views herself as a modern griot.
Under the Lantern Lit Sky (2021)
One of her most notable film projects outside of the TV world is Under the Lantern Lit Sky. This was an independent feature directed by Michelle Bossy.
The film is sort of a "theatre-film hybrid." It’s a period piece set in 1920s Mississippi, heavily inspired by the works of Tennessee Williams (specifically the backstory of Blanche DuBois from A Streetcar Named Desire). It explores some really tough themes: female trauma, sisterhood, and the complexities of sexuality in a time when you couldn't be open about it. Zuri was part of this diverse ensemble that brought a very poetic, almost haunting energy to the screen.
What’s Next?
If you're looking for what Zuri Adele is doing now that Good Trouble has wrapped up, it's a mix of artistry and activism. She’s very into "wellness as resistance." She’s a certified yoga instructor and actually started the Zuri Adele Fellowship at UCLA to help HBCU alumni get into MFA programs.
She has mentioned in interviews that she’d love to do a sports film in the future. Given her athleticism and the physical way she approaches her roles, that would honestly be a perfect pivot.
Practical steps to follow her work:
- Watch the Full Arc: If you’ve only seen bits of Good Trouble, go back and watch Malika's storyline from Season 1 to Season 5. It is one of the most complete character evolutions on modern TV.
- Look for the Indies: Try to track down Under the Lantern Lit Sky on the festival circuit or via indie streaming platforms like MUBI. It shows a completely different side of her range.
- Support her Fellowship: If you’re into the "behind the scenes" of the industry, check out the work she’s doing with the Zuri Adele Fellowship for HBCU Alumni. It’s changing how Black actors get access to top-tier training.
Zuri Adele is one of those rare actors who actually lives the values of the characters she plays. Whether she's on a picket line in Los Angeles or on a 1920s film set, she brings a level of authenticity that makes her one of the most interesting people to watch in the coming years.
