Susan Heyward is an American actress who appeared as Sister Sage in the superhero series’s The Boys (2024-2026) and Gen V (2025). She starred in the PlayStation Network original series Powers (2015–16) and HBO period drama Vinyl (2016). From 2018 to 2019, Heyward had a recurring role as Tamika Ward in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black.

On stage, Heyward made her Broadway debut in the 2013 production of The Trip to Bountiful and in 2018–2019 she played Rose Granger-Weasley in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Early life and education

Heyward was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and graduated with a BFA degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Career

She began her career appearing in off-Broadway productions and guest-starring roles on television series, including Law & Order and 30 Rock. In 2009, she was regular cast member in the short-lived Comedy Central comedy series Michael & Michael Have Issues. In 2014, she had a recurring role in the Fox thriller series The Following. In 2013, she made her Broadway debut appearing opposite Cicely Tyson in The Trip to Bountiful. Among Heyward's off-Broadway credits are the title role in Sabrina Fair and The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois. Her film credits include Mother of George (2013), starring Danai Gurira, Poltergeist (2015), The Incredible Jessica James (2017) and The Light of the Moon (2017).

In 2015, Heyward was cast in the leading role alongside Sharlto Copley and Eddie Izzard in the PlayStation Network's first scripted original series, Powers. The series was canceled after two seasons. In 2016, she co-starred in the HBO period drama series, Vinyl playing the role of personal secretary to Bobby Cannavale's lead character. From 2018 to 2019, Heyward played the role of Tamika Ward, the new Warden in Litchfield prison in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black. In 2018, Heyward was cast as Rose Granger-Weasley in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2006Sofia for NowChurch Attendee
2012Busted on Brigham LaneMomoShort film
2013Mother of GeorgeMonica
2015PoltergeistSophie
2017The Incredible Jessica JamesJerusa
2017The Light of the MoonGrace
2018Radium GirlsEtta

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2009Michael & Michael Have IssuesLindsey4 episodes
2009Law & OrderAlicia RodriguezEpisode: "Shotgun"
201030 RockFeyonceEpisode: "I Do Do"
2012666 Park AvenueJanet2 episodes
2014The FollowingHannahRecurring role
2015PowersDeena PilgrimMain role
2016UnforgettableRhonda MatthewsEpisode: "Game On"
2016VinylCece MatthewsRecurring role
2016ConvictionPorscha WilliamsEpisode: "#StayWoke"
2018–2019Orange Is the New BlackTamika WardRecurring role
2020TommyKeatonEpisode: "Lifetime Achievement"
2021DelilahDemetria BarnesSeries regular
2023Hello Tomorrow!Betty PorterRecurring role
2024–2026The BoysSister Sage / Jessica BradleyMain role (seasons 4–5); 16 episodes
2025Gen VSister Sage / Jessica Bradley2 episodes

Stage

YearTitleRoleNotes
2008The Oedipus CycleIsmene
2010Sabrina FairSabrina
2013The Trip to BountifulThelmaApr 23, 2013 – Oct 09, 2013
2016The Purple Lights of Joppa IllinoisMonique
2018–2019Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildRose Granger-WeasleyMar 16, 2018 – Mar 17, 2019

External links