Orange Is the New Black’s cast in season seven saw the actors behind Piper Chapman (played by Taylor Schilling) and Nicky Nichols (Natasha Lyonne) return for the final ever series on Netflix. While several regulars made their comebacks, a handful of new faces also appeared, including Shani (Marie Lou-Nahhas) and Zelda (Alicia Witt). Zelda made quite the impact on Piper in season seven and OITNB fans are keen to learn more about the actor who plays her.
Who is Zelda in OITNB season 7?
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Orange Is the New Black season 7.
Zelda’s first introduced to Orange Is the New Black in the eighth episode of season seven.
OITNB viewers see her strike up an instant connection with Piper while on a retreat.
Piper thinks Zelda is part of a ploy by her sister-in-law to get her to split from wife Alex (Laura Prepon) but its turns out that isn’t the case.
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However, Zelda and Piper’s natural spark is unavoidable and the pair’s relationship begins to blossom.
Piper manages to avoid succumbing to Zelda’s charms until CO McCullough (Emily Tarver) pays her a visit.
McCullough tells Piper about her and Alex’s sexual antics in the prison, prompting a furious reaction from Piper.
Piper’s left under the impression Alex has left her for the prison guard and makes her way to Zelda’s apartment.
Zelda and Piper spend a night of passion together and, after Piper and Alex’s official split in the series finale, it appears they’re meant to be together.
However, in the very final scene of OITNB, Piper chooses Alex over Zelda, visiting her in prison in Ohio in one of the most heartwarming scenes of the series.
Who plays Zelda in OITNB season 7?
Zelda is portrayed in Orange Is the New Black by 43-year-old actress Alicia Witt.
Witt appears in six episodes of series seven – episodes eight through 13.
Orange Is the New Black may be the actor’s most recent role but she’s appeared in a number of hit TV series and movies.
Prior to OITNB, Witt’s most notable role came in CBS sitcom Cybill in the ‘90s.
Witt racked up over 80 acting credits in Cybill while also landing parts in Hollywood flicks Citizen Ruth and Bongwater.
In the ‘00s, Witt enjoyed roles in Al Pacino blockbuster 88 Minutes and the Hugh Grant-led Two Weeks Notice.
On the small screen, the OITNB star landed parts in NBC drama Friday Night Lights and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Witt’s also enjoyed success in recent years, securing recurring roles in ABC’s Nashville and even appeared in AMC horror The Walking Dead.
OITNB viewers may also recognise Witt for her roles in 2018 flicks Spare Room and Mississippi Requiem.
Orange Is the New Black season 7 is available to stream on Netflix now.
