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Morayo Orija was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and spent her early years near Helen Chambers Park, named after her maternal grandmother, a civil rights and social activist. Her father, a Nigerian chief from the Yoruba Tribe—like his father and grandfather—has lived in the United States for many years.
At age six, she moved to North Carolina with her parents and three siblings, where she excelled academically and athletically, particularly in basketball. Although acting was not part of her early life, her parents frequently exposed the family to live theatre, films, and music. She explored her artistic talents through sketching fashion designs and writing original poetry. She fondly recalls many attempts at singing in her home and church youth choir, though she admits singing was not her strongest skill.
After attending a school play in junior high, she immediately developed a passion for acting and directing. She pursued theatre in high school, where her senior class voted her "Most Talented." During this time, she earned accolades in drama competitions and pageants.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a place she still holds dear. At UNC, she temporarily set aside the arts to focus on her passion for politics, serving as Speaker of Congress. She changed her major from Communications with a Film Concentration to Political Science, intending to go to law school. After graduation, she worked on a Pennsylvania State Senate campaign, aspiring to run for office herself someday.
Following a campaign loss, she returned to North Carolina and reignited her interest in acting. In Charlotte, she studied with Lon Bumgarner and Marilyn Carter. Alongside training, she performed professionally with the traveling children's theatre company Stageworks Theatre and locally with the Psychotic Pooch Improv Troupe.
Seeking greater challenges, she relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she trained at the prestigious Stella Adler Academy. Since moving to L.A., she has maintained her passion for theatre by co-founding the Cobblestone Theatre Company with Sam Marin, known for Cartoon Network's "Regular Show."
Morayo continues to create original works as a playwright and children's book author. Two of her plays, Josephine—a one-act about the late actress Josephine Premice—and Medio Pollito, a retelling of a Spanish folktale, have been performed for Los Angeles audiences.
She dedicates time to supporting organizations that promote voter access and enhance arts opportunities for children. Additionally, she advocates for international initiatives advancing women's rights and fighting poverty. Hosting charity benefit parties is among her favorite activities.
