She Played 'Pennsatucky' In Orange is the New Black. See Taryn Manning Now at 44 - Ned Hardy (2024)

Taryn Manning captured our hearts in the early 2000s with memorable roles in films like 8 Mile, Hustle & Flow, and Crossroads.

Her girl-next-door vibe and emotional depth made her a star on the rise. But after turning in great performances in those films and on shows like Hawaii Five-0 and Sons of Anarchy, Manning’s acting career seemed to fade.

That all changed when she landed the career-defining role of Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett on Orange Is the New Black in 2013. Her portrayal of the complex inmate won praise from critics and fans alike. She remained on the show for all 7 seasons, proving her talents once again.

But with OINTB ending in 2019, Manning’s profile has lowered once more. She’s continued taking smaller film roles, but none have matched the impact of her star-making turn on Orange Is the New Black.

So what happened to Taryn Manning? Where did she go after the Netflix hit? In this article, we catch up with the actress to find out what she’s been working on lately and what her plans are for the future.

Background Information and Early Roles

Born in Falls Church, Virginia, Taryn Manning’s parents separated when she was just two months old. Raised in Tucson, Arizona, she was active in dance, karate, and acting as a child.

At age 12, her family moved to California, setting the stage for her future in entertainment.

Acting Career

Taryn Manning got her start in the late 1990s with small roles in shows like The Practice and movies like Speedway Junky. Manning landed her first major role in 2001 as “Maddy” in “Crazy/Beautiful.” Her breakout role came in 2002 when she played Janeane in 8 Mile opposite Eminem.

Hustle and Flow

One of her standout performances came in the 2005 film “Hustle & Flow.” In “Hustle & Flow,” Manning played the character Nola, a prostitute with dreams of a better life.

The film revolves around the story of a Memphis pimp, Djay, portrayed by Terrence Howard, who aspires to become a rapper. Nola’s character is complex and multi-dimensional, and she becomes an essential part of Djay’s pursuit of a music career.

After her notable role in Hustle & Flow, Manning continued to build her career with various roles in both film and television. She appeared in movies such as “Weirdsville” (2007), “Jack and Jill vs. the World” (2008), and “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll” (2009).

Manning also made guest appearances on popular television shows, including “Sons of Anarchy” and “Hawaii Five-0.”

Orange is the New Black

Taryn Manning’s defining acting role came in 2013 when she was cast as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Manning portrayed the troubled inmate for all 7 seasons of the show’s run.

Pennsatucky was introduced in season 1 as an unstable and aggressive young woman who had shot an abortion clinic worker. But over the course of the show, the character revealed hidden depths and vulnerabilities that made her much more sympathetic.

Manning perfectly captured Pennsatucky’s complexities and won praise for her performance. She handled the character’s shifting tones from darkly funny to emotionally intense. Her scenes opposite Laura Prepon, who played Alex Vause on the show, were particularly memorable.

However, her most well-known role to date has been as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Manning was part of the main cast for all seven seasons of the show from 2013 to 2019. Her portrayal of the troubled inmate Pennsatucky earned praise and spotlighted her talent as a comedic and dramatic actress.

What Is Taryn Manning Doing Now

After finishing her role as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett on the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black in 2019, Manning went on to appear in a variety of smaller film and television projects over the next few years.

In 2021, she had a lead voice role as Penelope in the adult animated series Teenage Euthanasia. She also appeared in films like The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, Pooling to Paradise, and Karen that year.

Manning continued taking on acting roles in 2022, playing characters like Dani in Sanctioning Evil, Darlene in Bromates, and April in It Snows All the Time.

Her most recent projects in 2023 so far include roles in the films One Day as a Lion and Miranda’s Victim. On the television side, Manning has guest starred on shows like Outsiders in 2021.

While none of her post-OITNB roles have reached the same level of popularity, Manning has consistently worked and appeared in both movies and TV series since her breakout part on the hit dramedy ended.

Erratic Online Behavior

In August of 2023, Manning posted on Instagram expressing admiration for former President Donald Trump. The post included images and videos of Trump set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” and stated she was done hiding her support for him.

It gained a lot of attention, with some criticizing her for backing Trump and others worrying about her mental health. Manning said Hollywood had canceled her and that Trump was the “most un racist human on this planet.”

Days later, Manning shared another controversial video detailing her relationship with a married man, saying she had been intimate with him for multiple nights in a row.

The rambling post alarmed many online, who felt she was exhibiting erratic behavior and needed help. Multiple social media users commented that she did not seem mentally well based on the posts.

The posts have triggered concern about Manning’s well-being, with people urging those close to her to check on her and provide assistance if necessary.

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Manning’s recent behavior is concerning to all who admire her work and spirit. We sincerely hope that she finds the support and strength she needs to get back on her feet. Our thoughts are with her, and we wish her a swift and full recovery. May she find peace, health, and happiness in the days ahead.