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Issa Rae Biography

Birth Name:

Jo-Issa Rae Diop

Birth Place:

Los Angeles, California, United States

Profession

Actor, writer, director

Fast Facts

Lived in Senegal, her father's native country, as a child before returning to live in the U
S
Created, wrote, directed, produced and starred in a web series titled The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which won the 2012 Shorty Award for Best Web Show
Named in Forbes' list of 30 Under 30 in both 2012 and 2014
Launched a digital platform called Color Creative that supports the work of women and minority writers
Published her New York Times bestselling memoir The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl in 2015
Featured on the cover of Essence magazine's 2015 Game Changers issue alongside Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen and Mara Brock Akil

2021Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2020Emmy-Outstanding Comedy Series: nominated
2020Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2020Emmy-Outstanding Variety Sketch Series: nominated
2020People's Choice Awards-Favorite Movie Actress: nominated
2020People's Choice Awards-Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor: nominated
2020People's Choice Awards-Favorite Comedic Movie Actor: nominated
2018Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy: nominated
2018Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2017Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy: nominated