Sonequa Martin-Green
A commanding actress who broke barriers as the first Black woman to lead a Star Trek series, steering the franchise into a new era with emotional depth.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actress·Birthday: March 21·Millennials
Biography
Sonequa Martin-Green didn't just step into a role; she stepped into history. The Alabama-born actress first gained attention as the fiercely loyal and resilient Sasha Williams on AMC's 'The Walking Dead,' a performance that showcased her ability to convey profound strength and vulnerability. But her career-defining moment arrived when she was cast as Michael Burnham, the science specialist and mutineer at the heart of 'Star Trek: Discovery.' With this, she became the first Black woman to headline a Star Trek series, a responsibility she shouldered with a powerful, nuanced portrayal that explored trauma, logic, and redemption. Her path wasn't overnight; it was built on stage training at the University of Alabama and steady work in indie films and TV guest spots. Martin-Green brings a theatrical intensity to her roles, whether navigating post-apocalyptic horrors or interstellar diplomacy, making her one of the most distinctive leading voices in modern genre television.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Sonequa was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sonequa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Sonequa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Broke ground as the first Black female lead in the Star Trek franchise, playing Commander Michael Burnham on 'Star Trek: Discovery'.
- Portrayed the fan-favorite character Sasha Williams for five seasons on the hit series 'The Walking Dead'.
- Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020.
- Starred in and executive produced the short film 'The Outside Story,' which premiered at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival.
Did You Know?
She is married to fellow actor Kenric Green, who also appeared on 'The Walking Dead'.
She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.
Before her big breaks, she had recurring roles on shows like 'The Good Wife' and 'Once Upon a Time'.
She is a self-described 'Trekkie' and has said she watched Star Trek with her father as a child.
“I'm standing on the shoulders of so many. I'm honored to be a part of this legacy.”
