History of Lena Waithe in Timeline

Lena Waithe is a multi-talented American actress, producer, and screenwriter. She is best known for creating impactful television shows such as "The Chi", "Boomerang", "Twenties", and "Them". Waithe also wrote and produced the critically acclaimed film "Queen & Slim". Her work often explores themes of race, identity, and social justice.

1921: Winston Waithe Emigrates to Boston

Lena Waithe's paternal great-grandfather, Winston Waithe, emigrates from Barbados to Boston in 1921.

May 17, 1984: Lena Waithe is Born

Lena Waithe was born on May 17, 1984.

2006: Lena Waithe Graduates from Columbia College Chicago

Lena Waithe graduates from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in cinema and television arts in 2006.

2011: Shit Black Girls Say Goes Viral

Lena Waithe writes the viral video "Shit Black Girls Say" in 2011.

2012: Writing for How to Rock

Lena Waithe works as a writer for the Nickelodeon sitcom "How to Rock" in 2012.

2013: Hello Cupid is Released

Lena Waithe writes the web series "Hello Cupid", which is released in 2013.

2014: Dear White People is Released

Lena Waithe becomes a producer on the satirical comedy film "Dear White People", released in 2014.

2014: Variety Names Lena Waithe a Comedian to Watch

Lena Waithe is recognized as one of Variety's "10 Comedians to Watch" in 2014.

August 2015: Showtime Orders The Chi Pilot

In August 2015, Showtime commissions Lena Waithe to write a pilot for the series "The Chi", which is produced by Common.

2015: Lena Waithe is Cast in Master of None

Lena Waithe is cast in the Netflix series "Master of None" in 2015.

2015: Master of None Premieres

Lena Waithe is cast in the Netflix series "Master of None", which premieres in 2015.

November 8, 2017: Out Magazine Names Lena Waithe Artist of the Year

On November 8, 2017, Out Magazine names Lena Waithe the Out100: Artist of the Year.

2017: Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo Get Engaged

Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo get engaged in 2017.

2017: Lena Waithe Wins a Historic Emmy Award

Lena Waithe makes history by becoming the first African-American woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work on the "Thanksgiving" episode of "Master of None" in 2017.

2018: Lena Waithe Discusses Her Faith

In 2018, Lena Waithe described her family's approach to Christianity as "lazy Christians" and shared her personal belief in God, Jesus Christ, and striving to be a good person.

2018: Ready Player One is Released

Lena Waithe appears in Steven Spielberg's film "Ready Player One", released in 2018.

2018: Lena Waithe Becomes the Voice of AT&T and Covers Vanity Fair

Lena Waithe begins providing the voiceover for AT&T commercials and becomes the first Black queer woman on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine in 2018.

2018: Time 100 Most Influential People

Lena Waithe is recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2018.

2018: The Chi Premieres

Lena Waithe's drama series "The Chi" premieres in 2018.

November 27, 2019: Queen & Slim is Released

Lena Waithe's film "Queen & Slim", starring Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya, is released on November 27, 2019.

2019: Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo Marry

Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo marry in San Francisco in 2019.

2019: Queen & Slim is Released and Boomerang Premieres

Lena Waithe writes and produces the film "Queen & Slim", which is released on November 27, 2019. Additionally, her comedy series "Boomerang" premieres.

January 23, 2020: Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo Announce Separation

Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo announce their separation on January 23, 2020, after two months of marriage.

November 2020: Alana Mayo Files for Divorce

Alana Mayo files for divorce from Lena Waithe in November 2020.

2020: Queen & Slim Wins a BET Award

"Queen & Slim" wins a BET Award for Best Movie in 2020.

2020: Lena Waithe Voices Specter in Onward

Lena Waithe lends her voice to the Pixar film "Onward", portraying Specter, in 2020.

2020: Hillman Grad Productions Launches Mentoring Program and Signs Deal with Warner Bros.

Lena Waithe's production company, Hillman Grad Productions, launches a mentoring and training program and signs a deal with Warner Bros. TV Group to develop a TV version of "Hoop Dreams" in 2020.