Issa Rae

Issa Rae: biography

Issa Rae, whose full name is Jo-Issa Rae Diop, is an American actress, writer, producer, and director. She gained widespread recognition for her work on the web series "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," which she created, wrote, and starred in. The series garnered a significant online following and earned Rae a Shorty Award for Best Web Show.

Childhood and youth

Issa Rae, born on January 12, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, had a childhood and youth that shaped her into the influential figure she is today. Growing up, Rae was exposed to the world of entertainment through her parents. Her father, a pediatric doctor from Senegal, and her mother, a teacher from Louisiana, encouraged her creativity and supported her artistic pursuits.

Rae's interest in storytelling and performance developed early on. As a child, she would write plays and act them out with her siblings and friends. She attended a predominantly white school, which led her to experience feelings of awkwardness and a sense of not fully fitting in. These experiences later inspired her web series, "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," where she explored themes of identity and the complexities of being a black woman.

During her time at Stanford University, where she pursued a degree in African and African-American studies, Rae continued to explore her passion for storytelling. She created and directed several theater productions, delving into issues of race, identity, and relationships.

Rae's upbringing in a multicultural environment, coupled with her experiences as a black woman, greatly influenced her perspective and fueled her drive to create content that reflected her reality. Her childhood and youth laid the foundation for her authentic storytelling, which has resonated with audiences around the world.

TV career

Issa Rae's television career has been marked by her innovative storytelling, relatable characters, and authentic portrayal of the black experience. Her breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed web series "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," which she created, wrote, and starred in.

"The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" debuted in 2011 and quickly gained a devoted online following. The series, which explored the challenges and humor of navigating life as an awkward black woman, resonated with audiences and showcased Rae's unique comedic voice and talent for crafting engaging narratives.

In 2016, Rae brought her creative vision to the small screen with the HBO series "Insecure." Serving as the creator, writer, and executive producer, Rae also starred as the lead character, Issa Dee. "Insecure" follows the experiences of Issa and her best friend, Molly (played by Yvonne Orji), as they navigate love, careers, and friendships in Los Angeles. The show's authentic depiction of contemporary black life, complex characters, and sharp writing has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Throughout its run, "Insecure" has received numerous award nominations and accolades, including Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress for Rae. The show has been lauded for its honest portrayal of relationships, nuanced exploration of race and identity, and its ability to tackle serious issues while maintaining its humor and relatability.

In 2018, Rae starred in the romantic comedy movie "The Hate U Give," based on the novel by Angie Thomas. Her portrayal of April Ofrah, a social activist, showcased her versatility as an actress and earned her critical acclaim. The film received widespread praise for its powerful depiction of racial injustice and was a box office success.

In 2019, Rae appeared in the comedy-drama film "Little," where she played the supporting role of April Williams, a successful businesswoman. The movie, which also starred Regina Hall and Marsai Martin, received positive reviews and demonstrated Rae's comedic timing and on-screen charisma.

The following year, Rae took on a leading role in the romantic drama movie "The Photograph," alongside Lakeith Stanfield. The film explored themes of love, family, and legacy, and showcased Rae's range as she portrayed a complex character dealing with her mother's past. "The Photograph" received praise for its nuanced storytelling and Rae's performance.

Rae's involvement in the animated movie "The Croods: A New Age" in 2020 allowed her to showcase her voice acting skills. She voiced the character Jules, a member of a prehistoric family, in the critically acclaimed sequel.

Outside of acting, Rae has also ventured into producing movies. In 2020, she executive produced the romantic drama "The Lovebirds," starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae. The movie, which was initially intended for a theatrical release but premiered on Netflix due to the COVID-19 pandemic, received positive reviews.

Rae's impact in the television industry extends beyond "Insecure." She has been involved in producing other projects that promote diversity and amplify underrepresented voices. As an executive producer, she has worked on shows like "A Black Lady Sketch Show" and "Sweet Life: Los Angeles," showcasing her commitment to supporting and championing emerging talent.

With her innovative storytelling, authentic representation, and commitment to amplifying diverse voices, Issa Rae has solidified her place as a trailblazer in the television industry. Her work continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, challenging norms and pushing boundaries while bringing underrepresented stories to the forefront.

Issa Rae's movie career continues to thrive as she takes on diverse roles, explores different genres, and expands her creative involvement behind the scenes. With her talent, authenticity, and dedication to telling impactful stories, she has solidified her position as a significant presence in the movie industry.

Personal life

Rae and her longtime partner, Louis Diame, a Senegalese businessman, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony held in France in July 2021. The couple chose to celebrate their union privately, surrounded by close friends and family. The news of their marriage came after Rae had publicly revealed her engagement by wearing her engagement ring on the cover of Essence magazine's April 2019 issue. The couple has kept most details about their relationship and the wedding ceremony out of the public eye, maintaining a level of privacy in their personal lives.

Rae has expressed her passion for storytelling and creating content that highlights diverse voices and experiences. She uses her platform to advocate for representation and inclusivity within the entertainment industry. Rae's work often reflects her own experiences as a black woman, and she has been vocal about the importance of authentic storytelling and the need for more diverse narratives.

Outside of her career, Rae is known for her witty and charismatic personality. She has a strong presence on social media, where she engages with fans, shares updates about her projects, and expresses her views on various social and cultural issues.

Filmography

Film:

• The Hate U Give (2018)
• Little (2019)
• Hair Love (2019)
• The Photograph (2020)
• The Lovebirds (2020)
• The Croods: A New Age (2020)
• Coastal Elites (2020)
• Vengeance (2022)
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
• Barbie(2023)

TV:

• The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl (2012-2013)
• The Couple (2012)
• The Number (2012-2013)
• True Friendship Society (2013)
• Insecure (2026-2021)
• BoJack Horseman (2018)
• A Black Lady Sketch Show(2019-2021)
• Saturday Night Live (2020)
• Sesame Street (2020)
• Black AF (2020)
• Roar (2022)