Iola Evans shines in Hulu's limited series Washington Black

Washington Black is here.

Based on the award-winning novel, this epic new Hulu limited series takes us on a sweeping journey from slavery to freedom, science to self-discovery—and at the heart of it all is Tanna Goff, played by the incredible Iola Evans.

In Washington Black, Iola Evans delivers a compelling and nuanced portrayal of Tanna Goff, the biracial daughter of the scientist G. M. Goff. Set in the early 19th century, Tanna grapples with societal expectations, her father’s insistence that she "pass" as white, and the desire to fully embrace her mixed heritage. From her very first scene, she is a force of defiance and grace—torn between duty and authenticity. Evans has described playing Tanna as “processing in real time,” bringing emotional honesty and fierceness to a character trapped between worlds.

This is more than a period drama—it’s a story about identity, freedom, and what it means to belong.