Toya Turner is a talented Jamaican-American actress best known for her breakout role as Shotgun Mary in the popular Netflix series Warrior Nun. Born in 1990, Turner was raised in Chicago, Illinois, and later refined her acting skills at the prestigious British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University, where she trained in classical theater. Her early theater experiences included performances in productions such as Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest. These experiences laid the groundwork for her successful transition into on-screen roles.
Turner gained widespread recognition for her role as Shotgun Mary, a fierce and skeptical member of the Order of the Cruciform Sword, in Warrior Nun (2020–2022). Her character was known for her loyalty and sharp wit. However, after the first season, Turner’s character was written off due to her departure from the series for personal reasons, much to the disappointment of fans. Although her exit from the show was unexpected, it solidified her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Beyond Warrior Nun, Turner’s television credits include guest appearances on popular shows like Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and New Amsterdam. She also portrayed Officer Kiana Cook in Season 12 of Chicago P.D., marking her as a series regular in the One Chicago franchise. Turner’s versatility has allowed her to tackle various roles across genres, from action-packed dramas to heartwarming moments in medical shows. Additionally, she has appeared in films such as Incredibles 2 and has lent her voice to various animated projects.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Toya Turner was born in 1990 in Chicago, Illinois, to Jamaican parents. Growing up in the Windy City, she was exposed to a rich cultural environment that influenced her artistic inclinations. Her father serves as a police officer with the Chicago Police Department, which added a layer of authenticity to her role as Officer Kiana Cook on Chicago P.D..
Academic Pursuits
Turner’s passion for acting led her to pursue formal education in the field. She attended the British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University, where she honed her skills in classical theater. Her training included performances in Shakespearean plays such as Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest.
Career Beginnings
Early Roles
Before making a name for herself in major television series, Toya Turner appeared in several independent films. Her first on-screen role was in the 2006 short film Adia, which was featured at the Black Harvest and Route 66 Film Festivals. This role marked the beginning of her acting career, allowing her to showcase her talent to a broader audience.
Commercial Success
In addition to her film work, Turner gained recognition through her appearances in national commercials. Notably, she was featured in McDonald’s “Pay With Lovin'” Super Bowl campaign, which gained significant attention and led to her becoming a viral meme.
Breakthrough Roles
Warrior Nun
Toya Turner’s most prominent role came in 2020 when she was cast as Shotgun Mary in Netflix’s Warrior Nun. Her character, a member of the Order of the Cruciform Sword, was known for her skepticism towards the Church and her fierce loyalty to her comrades. Turner appeared in all episodes of the first season. However, she exited the series before Season 2 due to personal reasons, leading to her character’s off-screen death being written into the storyline .
Chicago P.D.
In 2024, Turner joined the cast of NBC’s Chicago P.D. as Officer Kiana Cook, a tactical officer known for her enthusiasm and fearlessness in high-stakes situations. Her character was introduced in Season 12 and quickly became a fan favorite. However, Turner announced she would not return for Season 13, citing her desire to explore new opportunities and challenges in her career .
Other Television Appearances
Beyond her major roles, Turner has made guest appearances on several popular television shows. She portrayed Gabrielle, a travel nurse, in NBC’s New Amsterdam, and has appeared in Empire, Easy, The Mick, and Grey’s Anatomy .
Filmography
- Adia (2006) – First on-screen role in a short film featured at film festivals.
America (2009) – Appeared alongside Rosie O’Donnell and Ruby Dee in this Lifetime movie.
- Incredibles 2 (2018) – Lent her voice to a character in this Pixar animated film.
- Dead Women Walking (2018) – Featured in this film that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
- Sisters of the Moon (2020) – Played a role in this independent film.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Toya Turner has received recognition for her performances. She won the Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best Leading Actress for her role in Blues For An Alabama Sky.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Social Media Presence
Toya Turner maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and shares insights into her personal and professional life. She is particularly active on Instagram, where she posts updates about her projects and personal experiences .
Advocacy and Interests
Outside of acting, Turner is passionate about various social causes. She has been an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Toya Turner’s net worth is estimated to be around $600,000. This estimation takes into account her earnings from her acting roles, commercial appearances, and other ventures.
Conclusion
Toya Turner’s journey from a young aspiring actress in Chicago to a recognized name in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for her craft. Through her diverse roles and advocacy work, she has made a significant impact both on and off the screen. As she continues to evolve in her career, audiences can look forward to seeing more of her dynamic performances in the future.
FAQs
What is Toya Turner’s age?
Toya Turner was born in 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2025.
Where was Toya Turner born?
She was born in Chicago, Illinois.
What is Toya Turner’s ethnicity?
Toya Turner is of Jamaican-American descent.
What role did Toya Turner play in Warrior Nun?
She portrayed Shotgun Mary, a member of the Order of the Cruciform Sword.
Why did Toya Turner leave Chicago P.D.?
She left the series to pursue new opportunities and challenges in her acting career.
Has Toya Turner appeared in any commercials?
Yes, she was featured in McDonald’s “Pay With Lovin'” Super Bowl campaign.
What other television shows has Toya Turner appeared in?
She has made guest appearances on Empire, Easy, The Mick, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Is Toya Turner active on social media?
Yes, she maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram.
