This profile is part of our Culture Shifters series, which highlights people who are changing the way we think about the world around us. Read about film archivist Maya Cade , internet stars Keyon Elkins and Drew Afualo , rapper Latash , music historian Katelina Eccleston , artist Kay Rufai , filmmaker Alika Tengan and actor Rhoyle Ivy King .

You feel Nicco Annans presence immediately when he walks in a room. Between his 6-foot-2 height, vibrant fashions and melodic baritone, his energy is dominating. But not so dominating that it engulfs. Instead, his energy is as warm and generous as it is regal and captivating. Similar to Uncle Clifford, the beloved house mother he portrays on P-Valley, Annan feels like home.

Thats no surprise. For two seasons strong, the Detroit-born actor has invited TV viewers down to The Pynk, a legacied stripper joint in the fictional Chucalissa, Mississippi, where you can get a lap dance, lemon pepper wings extra wet and a brush with seduction in one fell swoop but only if you follow Cliffs rules. With her flashy fashions, unique prowess, country twang and grandmother-like phrases that make you chuckle and think at the same time, its hard not to feel Uncle Clifford. Really feel her. And youd be hard pressed to find another character like her in TV history.

Annan has been playing the role of the nonbinary HBIC for about the past decade, since he was cast in Katori Halls Pussy Valley, the play from which the television show was created. The play ran only in Minneapolis.

The actor, who worked closely with Hall in molding Uncle Clifford, knows that this character represents the intersection of so many peoples real everyday life experiences. Annan breathed life into Cliff. Thats why the breakout character has been able to keep viewers enraptured in all her glory.

Season 2 finds Uncle Clifford at risk of losing The Pynk, yet again, while navigating the weight of a world plagued by COVID-19. Shes taking care of everyone her grandmother, her dancers, her clubs legacy but has neglected taking care of her heart as she fights the honest, raw love she shares with a rising local rapper half her age, Lil Murda. Her story is about vulnerability, trials, triumphs and community care. Her story is about learning to choose love, despite what the world believes a Black nonbinary person should experience. She represents humanity.

The key ingredient to Annan harnessing Uncle Cliffords power? Intimacy, Annan said.