Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lena Waithe

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 14, 2026

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

Lena Waithe is a multifaceted American entertainer, working as an actress, producer, and screenwriter. She gained prominence as the creator of the drama series 'The Chi' and the comedy series 'Boomerang' and 'Twenties.' Waithe also has writing and production credits for the film 'Queen & Slim' and serves as the executive producer for the horror anthology series 'Them.' Her contributions span across television and film, showcasing her creative influence in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Creator of 'Shit Black Girls Say'

In 2011, Lena Waithe created 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: Writer for "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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August 2015: 'The Chi' Pilot Commissioned

In August 2015, Showtime commissioned a pilot for 'The Chi', a series 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 won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for writing the 'Thanksgiving' episode of 'Master of None', becoming the first African-American woman to win in that category.

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

Since 2018, Lena Waithe has provided the voiceover of the tagline of AT&T commercials.

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

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

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2019: Creator of 'Boomerang', writer and producer of 'Queen & Slim'

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

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2020: BET Award for 'Queen & Slim'

In 2020, 'Queen & Slim', written and produced by Lena Waithe, won a BET Award for Best Movie.

2020: Creator of 'Twenties'

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

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2020: Voice in 'Onward'

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

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2020: Hillman Grad Productions Mentoring and Training Program

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.