Orange Is The New Black FYC Panel! Taylor Schilling! Kate Mulgrew! Uzo Aduba! Selenis Leyva! And More!

Jenji Kohan created one of my favorite shows, Weeds. She also created a pop culture sensation in Orange is the New Black. When it premiered on Netflix that’s all anyone could talk about. The series is about to launch into season three but tonight was a look back at season 2.

Jenji Kohan along with series stars Taylor Schilling, Kate Mulgrew, Uzo Aduba, Danielle Brooks, Selenis Leyva, and Laverne Cox participated in a q and a about series two to a packed house in Los Angeles.

The panel was quirky and fun with Jenji Kohan saying that she was burned out from writing all day and couldn’t form a thought and discussions ranging from nudity to females on television, it was clear that this was going to be a special evening.

The panelists talked about going to Jenji Kohan with concerns in the edgy scripts.

“I would never do that, that’s like going to God and saying, ‘Listen, you know’ I kind of go with the flow and stay in my lane.” Said Selenis Leyva. “The scariest part was the kitchen takeover. Because I was like, holy crap can I do this? Kate? My gosh! I was terrified!”

“You better stay in your lane!” Joked Kate Mulgrew.

“Isn’t it great to be terrified?” interjected Laverne Cox

The subject of nudity came up.

“There’s a vulnerability inherent in dropping trou if you will” said Kate Mulgrew.

“If I had my way, there would be more!” said Jenji Kohan.

“You’re stripping away one taboo, you’re introducing an entirely new way of approaching it!” mentioned Kate Mulgrew. “Season 4 we’re naked all the time!”

“It’s a nudist colony at Litchfield!” Yelled Taylor Schilling.

Laverne Cox talked about what it’s like as a transgender person on the show and the sweetest moment of the night came from Danielle Brooks who broke into tears talking about what it was like growing up and not seeing people like her on TV and how she can be that for other kids.

After the panel the cast came down into the madness of the crowd to greet the guests.

It was a tad crazy with photo opp people mixed with people getting stuff signed.

I first talked with Jenji Kohan who was nice but clearly tired. She would only sign one thing, “As a personal rule” which was different than the last time I met her. But she was still kind.

Then Kate Mulgrew, who is adorable was happy to pose and sign and clearly enjoyed talking with all the fans.

I made my way to Taylor Schilling and right before she left I was able to get her to sign my season 3 poster.

Then I went to talk with Uzo Aduba, who is so cool. She was happy to sign and posed for a photo with me. Even when someone cut me off for my photo, she said, “Don’t worry I didn’t forget about you!”

Danielle Brooks came to the reception and we talked for a few minutes. She is adorable and so much fun.

And so did Selenis Leyva who was also very kind. It was a really nice night. The food was outstanding and Netflix even gave everyone a piece of tupperware for leftovers!

It was a great night and I had a blast!

Thanks again Netflix!

Until next time kids…