Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lena Waithe

Discover the career path of Lena Waithe, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Lena Waithe is an accomplished American actress, producer, and screenwriter recognized for her contributions to television and film. She created the drama series 'The Chi' and the comedy series 'Boomerang' and 'Twenties'. Waithe also wrote and produced the crime film 'Queen & Slim', and serves as executive producer for the horror anthology series 'Them'. Her work often explores themes of identity, race, and sexuality, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary entertainment.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Wrote 'Shit Black Girls Say'

In 2011, Lena Waithe wrote the viral video 'Shit Black Girls Say'.

2012: Writer for 'How to Rock'

In 2012, Lena Waithe worked as a writer for the Nickelodeon sitcom 'How to Rock'.

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2013: Wrote 'Hello Cupid'

In 2013, Lena Waithe wrote the web series 'Hello Cupid'.

2014: Producer on 'Dear White People' and Optioned 'Twenties' by BET

In 2014, Lena Waithe worked as a producer on the satirical comedy film 'Dear White People' and her YouTube series 'Twenties' was optioned by BET.

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2014: Named One of Variety's '10 Comedians to Watch'

In 2014, Variety named Lena Waithe one of its '10 Comedians to Watch'.

August 2015: Showtime Commissioned 'The Chi' Pilot

In August 2015, Showtime commissioned a pilot for the series 'The Chi', written by Lena Waithe and produced by Common.

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2015: Role in 'Master of None'

In 2015, Lena Waithe gained recognition for her role in the Netflix comedy-drama series 'Master of None'.

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2017: Emmy Award for "Thanksgiving" Episode

In 2017, Lena Waithe became the first African-American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for writing the "Thanksgiving" episode of 'Master of None'.

2018: Appearance in 'Ready Player One'

In 2018, Lena Waithe appeared in Steven Spielberg's adventure film 'Ready Player One'.

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2018: Creator of 'The Chi'

In 2018, Lena Waithe created the Showtime drama series 'The Chi'.

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2018: Voiceover for AT&T Commercials and Vanity Fair Cover

Since 2018, Lena Waithe has provided the voiceover for AT&T commercials and became the first Black queer woman since November 2003 to be featured on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine. She also founded Hillman Grad Productions in 2018.

November 27, 2019: Release of 'Queen & Slim'

On November 27, 2019, 'Queen & Slim', a film written and produced by Lena Waithe, was released by Universal Pictures.

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2019: Creator of 'Boomerang' and Writer/Producer of 'Queen & Slim'

In 2019, Lena Waithe created the BET comedy series 'Boomerang', and she also wrote and produced the crime film 'Queen & Slim'.

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2020: Creator of 'Twenties'

In 2020, Lena Waithe created the BET comedy series 'Twenties'.

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2020: Voice Role in 'Onward'

In 2020, Lena Waithe lent her voice to the Pixar animated film 'Onward', portraying Specter, the first queer animated character in Disney history.

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2020: Mentoring Program with Hillman Grad Productions

In 2020, Lena Waithe's production company, Hillman Grad Productions, opened a mentoring and training program with financial support from the Froneri ice-cream company.