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, born Tracee Joy Silberstein, is a prominent American actress recognized for her leading roles in television. She gained fame for her portrayal of characters in the series *Girlfriends* (2000-2008) and *Black-ish* (2014-2022). Her work in *Black-ish* earned her five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, solidifying her status as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.
1996: Big-Screen Debut in 'Far Harbor'
In 1996, Tracee Ellis Ross made her big-screen debut in the independent film 'Far Harbor', playing a Jewish/African-American woman.
1998: Starring Role in 'Race Against Fear: A Moment of Truth'
In 1998, Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the NBC made-for-TV movie 'Race Against Fear: A Moment of Truth', portraying a former high school track star who remained silent about being abused by a coach.
2000: Starring Role in 'Girlfriends' and Film Appearance
In 2000, Tracee Ellis Ross landed the starring role as Joan Clayton in the comedy series 'Girlfriends' and also appeared in the film 'Hanging Up'.
2000: Major Studio Role in 'Hanging Up'
In 2000, Tracee Ellis Ross secured her first major studio role in Diane Keaton's 'Hanging Up'.
February 2006: Starring in Kanye West's "Touch The Sky" Music Video
In February 2006, Tracee Ellis Ross starred in Kanye West's "Touch The Sky" music video, playing the role of the best friend of Kanye's ex.
2007: Starring 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' and appeared in the Tyler Perry movie 'Daddy's Little Girls'.
2007: Appearance in 'Daddy's Little Girls'
Tracee Ellis Ross had a big-screen role in the 2007 comedy-drama movie 'Daddy's Little Girls'.
2009: Appearance in 'Labor Pains'
In 2009, Tracee Ellis Ross appeared in the film 'Labor Pains'.
2010: Guest Appearance on 'Private Practice'
In 2010, Tracee Ellis Ross appeared in an episode of 'Private Practice' as a pregnant doctor.
October 2011: Starring in 'Reed Between the Lines'
In October 2011, Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the sitcom 'Reed Between the Lines' with Malcolm-Jamal Warner, which began airing 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 as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the ABC comedy series 'Black-ish', opposite Anthony Anderson.
2015: Honorary Doctorate and BET Awards Hosting
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 and Emmy Nomination
In 2016, Tracee Ellis Ross faced off against Anthony Anderson on Spike's 'Lip Sync Battle', emerging victorious with performances of Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Pat Benatar's "Love Is a Battlefield". Also, Ross received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, the first for an African-American woman in 30 years.
2016: BET Awards Hosting
Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the BET Awards in 2016.
2017: American Music Awards Hosting
In 2017, Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the American Music Awards.
2018: CEO of Pattern Beauty LLC
As of 2018, Tracee Ellis Ross, as CEO of Pattern Beauty LLC, produces a line of beauty hair care products and supports organizations to empower women and people of color.
2018: Pattern Beauty Founded
In 2018, Tracee Ellis Ross founded Pattern Beauty, a company specializing in natural hair care products for curly and textured hair.
2018: American Music Awards Hosting
In 2018, Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the American Music Awards.
2019: Hosting The Fashion Awards
In 2019, Tracee Ellis Ross hosted The Fashion Awards.
2019: Co-Creating 'Mixed-ish'
In 2019, Tracee Ellis Ross, alongside Kenya Barris, co-created a prequel spin-off of Black-ish called 'Mixed-ish', where she serves as a narrator.
May 8, 2020: Canceled Theatrical Release of 'The High Note'
On May 8, 2020, the scheduled theatrical release of 'The High Note' was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 15, 2020: Release of 'Love Myself'
On May 15, 2020, Tracee Ellis Ross released her lead single, pop-ballad "Love Myself", through Republic Records, from the soundtrack album for 'The High Note'.
May 29, 2020: Video on Demand Release of 'The High Note'
On May 29, 2020, 'The High Note' was released through video on demand after its theatrical release was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2020: Signed Deal with ABC Signature
In September 2020, Tracee Ellis Ross signed a deal with ABC Signature.
May 2022: Appearance on '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: Starring 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 in the presidential election.
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