Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tracee Ellis Ross
How Tracee Ellis Ross built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Tracee Ellis Ross is an American actress recognized for her leading roles in television. Most notably, she starred in the series 'Girlfriends' and 'Black-ish'. For her performance in 'Black-ish,' Ross received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in television comedy.
1994: Graduation from Brown University
In 1994, Tracee Ellis Ross graduated from Brown University with a theatre degree, after which she worked in the fashion industry.
2000: First major studio role in Hanging Up
In 2000, Tracee Ellis Ross landed her first major studio role in Diane Keaton's film "Hanging Up". She also broke into comedy in the MTV series "The Lyricist Lounge Show".
February 2006: Starred in Kanye West's "Touch The Sky" music video
In February 2006, Tracee Ellis Ross played the role of the best friend of Kanye West's ex in his "Touch The Sky" MTV music video.
2007: Starred in Life Support and Daddy's Little Girls
In 2007, Tracee Ellis Ross starred with her brother Evan Ross and Queen Latifah in the HBO movie Life Support. Also in 2007, she appeared in the Tyler Perry theatrical movie Daddy's Little Girls.
2007: NAACP Image Award Win for Girlfriends
In 2007, Tracee Ellis Ross won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Joan Carol Clayton in the UPN/The CW series "Girlfriends".
2009: Appeared in Labor Pains
In 2009, Tracee Ellis Ross appeared in the film Labor Pains.
2009: Second Image Award for Girlfriends
In 2009, Tracee Ellis Ross won a second NAACP Image Award for her role in the TV series "Girlfriends".
2010: Guest Appearance on Private Practice
In 2010, Tracee Ellis Ross appeared in an episode of "Private Practice" as a pregnant doctor.
October 2011: Starred in Reed Between the Lines
In October 2011, Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the sitcom "Reed Between the Lines" with Malcolm-Jamal Warner on BET.
2011: Appearance in CSI
In 2011, Tracee Ellis Ross appeared in four episodes of "CSI" as the estranged wife of Laurence Fishburne's character.
August 2012: Departure from Reed Between the Lines
In August 2012, it was announced that Tracee Ellis Ross would not return for Season Two of "Reed Between the Lines".
2014: Cast in Black-ish
In 2014, Tracee Ellis Ross was cast in the ABC comedy series "Black-ish", playing the role of Dr. Rainbow Johnson.
2015: Honorary Doctorate from Brown University
In 2015, Tracee Ellis Ross was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by Brown University. She also hosted the BET Awards in 2015.
2016: Lip Sync Battle Victory
In 2016, Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson faced off on Spike's "Lip Sync Battle", where Ross won with performances of Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Pat Benatar's "Love Is a Battlefield". Also in 2016, Ross received nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
2017: Hosted the American Music Awards
In 2017, Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the American Music Awards.
2018: CEO of Pattern Beauty LLC
As of 2018, Tracee Ellis Ross is the CEO of Pattern Beauty LLC, producing hair care products and promoting support organizations for women and people of color. She also appeared in an episode of A Little Late with Lilly Singh.
2018: Hosted the American Music Awards
In 2018, Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the American Music Awards.
2019: Co-created Mixed-ish
In 2019, Tracee Ellis Ross co-created, with Kenya Barris, a prequel spin-off of Black-ish called "Mixed-ish", where she serves as a narrator.
2019: Hosted The Fashion Awards
In 2019, Tracee Ellis Ross hosted The Fashion Awards.
May 8, 2020: The High Note Theatrical Release Cancelled
On May 8, 2020, the theatrical release of "The High Note", starring Tracee Ellis Ross, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 15, 2020: Love Myself Release
On May 15, 2020, Tracee Ellis Ross's lead single, the pop-ballad "Love Myself", was released through Republic Records. The song is from "The High Note (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)".
May 29, 2020: The High Note Released via Video on Demand
On May 29, 2020, "The High Note", starring Tracee Ellis Ross, was released through video on demand after the theatrical release was cancelled.
September 2020: Signed a deal with ABC Signature
In September 2020, Tracee Ellis Ross signed a deal with ABC Signature.
May 2022: Appearance in The Kids in the Hall
In May 2022, after the series finale of Black-ish, Tracee Ellis Ross appeared as Lainie in the seventh episode of the revived The Kids in the Hall.
2023: Starred in American Fiction and Candy Cane Lane
In 2023, Tracee Ellis Ross starred with Jeffrey Wright in the film American Fiction, and opposite Eddie Murphy in the holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane.
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In 2024, Tracee Ellis Ross endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
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