Taja V. Simpson is the actress and renaissance woman who plays Priscilla on "Tyler Perry’s The Oval." On "The Oval," Priscilla is the quick-witted White House cook with much more going on. She might be some special ops, but that remains to be seen; she’s also a woman scorned thanks to her husband, who cheated with the first lady, and she is recently in an alliance with Hunter Franklin. Basically, she’s nothing to play with. In real life, Simpson, the actress who brings Priscilla to life, has a lot going on in the best way possible. Here are five quick facts about the actress who plays Priscilla. 

She’s From Louisiana

She was raised in Lake Charles, La., and attended McNeese State University in her hometown, where she got a degree in mass communications. After moving to Los Angeles, she started appearing in episodes of various TV shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She got into the Tyler Perry universe by landing a role in Boo 2! A Madea Halloween. 

She’s an Author

Aside from acting, Simpson has a variety of passions and endeavors under her belt. She’s passionate about empowerment and has two books out. Cracking the Code guides how to become a professional actor, and Women Who Shine is about her accounts of finding confidence and overcoming self-doubt. 

She’s a Beauty Entrepreneur

She has a line of lipstick and hair growth serum. 

She’s About Empowerment

The topics and titles of her books make it clear that she’s about empowering other people with knowledge that has helped her become a positive and creative human being. Another one of her businesses is The Working Actors Academy, where she teaches courses on how people can become professional actors. 

She’s a New Mom

She gave birth to a baby boy last year. Her little family also includes her husband and their two Yorkies.