Michele Evette Watley, known professionally as Midori, was born on July 19, 1968, in Durham, North Carolina. She is an American singer, dancer, model, actress, and former pornographic actress. Raised in Kansas City, Chicago, and California, Midori began her entertainment career in 1989, appearing in 'Coming to America.' In 1995, she entered adult films to increase Black women's representation, becoming the first African-American to win an AVN Best Supporting Actress award in 2001 for 'American Booty.'
Inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame (2009) and Urban X Hall of Fame (2023), she directed films and starred in interracial scenes. Transitioning to music, she released 'Midori (AKA) Michele Watley' (2000) and 'Miss Judged' (2001), collaborating with Kid Rock and touring with Puff Daddy. Sister of Jody Watley, she is a divorced mother of one and bisexual advocate.