History of Tracee Ellis Ross in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 29, 1972: Tracee Ellis Ross's Birth

On October 29, 1972, Tracee Joy Silberstein, known professionally as Tracee Ellis Ross, was born. She is an American actress known for her lead roles in television series.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Andy Warhol Photograph and Album Cover

In 1982, Tracee Ellis Ross, along with her mother, Rhonda, and Chudney, was photographed by Andy Warhol. Her mother, Diana Ross, used her own photo taken by Warhol for the cover of her 1982 album, 'Silk Electric'.

1985: Mother's Marriage to Arne Næss Jr.

In 1985, Tracee Ellis Ross gained three step-siblings when her mother, Diana Ross, married Arne Næss Jr.

1987: Birth of Half-Brother Ross Arne

In 1987, Tracee Ellis Ross's mother and Arne Næss Jr. welcomed her half-brother, Ross Arne.

1988: Birth of Half-Brother Evan Ross

In 1988, Tracee Ellis Ross's mother and Arne Næss Jr. welcomed her half-brother, Evan Ross.

1994: Graduation from Brown University

In 1994, Tracee Ellis Ross graduated from Brown University with a theatre degree.

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: NAACP Image Award 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 series 'Girlfriends'.

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'.

2009: Second NAACP Image Award for 'Girlfriends'

In 2009, Tracee Ellis Ross won her second NAACP Image Award for her role in '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: 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.

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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.

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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.

February 2018: Statement on Being Childfree

In a February 2018 Glamour interview, Tracee Ellis Ross discussed being a woman, being 45, and not being married or having kids, emphasizing her accomplishments and values.

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.

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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.

2021: Included on Time 100 List

In 2021, Tracee Ellis Ross was included on the Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

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'.

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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'.