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.
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: The Chi Premieres
Lena Waithe's drama series "The Chi" premieres 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: 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: Ready Player One is Released
Lena Waithe appears in Steven Spielberg's film "Ready Player One", released in 2018.
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.
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: Twenties and Them Premiere
Lena Waithe's television series "Twenties" and "Them" both premiere 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.
2020: Lena Waithe Voices Specter in Onward
Lena Waithe lends her voice to the Pixar film "Onward", portraying Specter, in 2020.
2020: Queen & Slim Wins a BET Award
"Queen & Slim" wins a BET Award for Best Movie in 2020.
May 24, 2021: Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo's Divorce is Finalized
Lena Waithe and Alana Mayo's divorce is finalized on May 24, 2021.
2021: Fast Company's Queer 50 List
Lena Waithe is included on Fast Company's Queer 50 list for the first time in 2021.
2021: Them Continues
Lena Waithe's horror anthology series "Them" continues to air in 2021.
2021: Master of None Concludes
The Netflix series "Master of None", in which Lena Waithe stars, concludes in 2021.
2022: Fast Company's Queer 50 List Again
Lena Waithe is once again included on Fast Company's Queer 50 list in 2022.
2023: Tony Award Nomination for Ain't No Mo'
Lena Waithe receives a Tony Award nomination for Best Play for her production work on "Ain't No Mo'" in 2023.