Award-winning author, performer, director, and actress Issa Rae began establishing herself on the global web before becoming well-known for creating her own HBO program. Find more about her experience, history, and advice on writing successful television series.

Who is Issa Rae?

Issa Rae, who was given the name Jo-Issa Rae Diop in the city of Los Angeles, rose to fame on YouTube with the online sitcom Awkward Black Girl. Due to the success of the first season, a collaboration with Pharrell Williams was formed, and he presented the follow-up series on his channel, therefore increasing the viewership. Due to the show's popularity, Hollywood took notice, and she and co-creator Larry Wilmore created the HBO program “Insecure”, which won a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. The show's finale aired in 2021 and stars Issa, Jay Ellis, and Yvonne Orji.

A Black Lady Sketch Show, The Hate U Give, The Photograph, and the Netflix romance comedy The Lovebirds are just a few of the movies and TV series in which Issa has featured. She established Color Creative in 2014 as a management firm that promotes inclusive content and varied producers.

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, her autobiographical novel, shot to bestseller status in the New York Times in 2015. She still posts videos on her YouTube account, supporting Black artists and drawing attention to police brutality, even after becoming well-known.

Famous Movies and TV Shows of Issa Rae

The Following are the famous movies and TV shows of Issa Rae. 

Dorm Room Journals and the "F" Word

Following high school, Diop studied African and African American studies as a major at Stanford University. She created a popular stage version of Spike Lee's musical comedy School Daze, which is about life at a traditionally Black institution while still an undergraduate.

A lot of college campuses saw the success of Diop's mockumentary Web series, Dorm Diaries, which she developed during her senior year, and which chronicles the daily existence of Black college students. Diop "learned that she had an eye for representing ordinary black life—not turned extraordinary by its distinction or marked by relation to race but treated as a topic worthwhile of investigation all of its own," according to the New York Times, which reported on her work on the project. 

The Unfortunate Travels of an Uneasy Black Girl

The first installment of Rae's upcoming Web succession, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, was made available in 2011. The titular, uncomfortable Black girl, portrayed by Rae, is the focus of the program. "This poor portrayal of regular Black girls on television is what inspired me to begin producing Awkward Black Girl in the first place,"

Rae said in 2017 to an audience at the Paley Institute for Media in New York. "The lack of inclusion I was seeing was frustrating," the woman remarked. The Web program was a huge hit, gaining thousands of thousands of views and taking home the 2012 Shorty Award for best Web drama. On Pharrell Williams' YouTube channel, I Am Other, the subsequent season was made available.

Memoir, Color Creative, and I Hate L.A. Dudes

Based on the popularity of The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, Rae, and Shonda Rhimes received an offer in 2013 to collaborate on a pilot for ABC. I Hate L.A. Dudes is a comedy she wrote about a lady who is attempting to date in self-centered Hollywood.

Rae subsequently admitted to The New York Times that "I compromised with my ideas, and it didn't end out the television series that I wanted" in order to make the program acceptable to a wider audience. It had lost its humor. In the end, ABC rejected the pilot. She was a co-founder of Color Creative, an executive business in 2014 whose mission is to assist women and writers in developing and showcasing their Web series.

The Lovebirds: A Hilarious Journey into Romance

Embark on a laughter-filled adventure with Issa Rae in the Netflix romance comedy "The Lovebirds." As Rae joins forces with Kumail Nanjiani, the film becomes a delightful rollercoaster of humor and heart.

Her magnetic presence not only adds a spark to the storyline but also reinforces her versatility in seamlessly navigating between genres. Beyond the laughter of "The Lovebirds," Issa Rae's impactful journey spans from her web series origins, notably "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," to becoming a sought-after name in Hollywood's diverse and engaging entertainment landscape. Her unique blend of wit, charm, and relatability continues to resonate, making Issa Rae a celebrated figure in both movies and TV shows.

The Hate U Give and The Photograph: A Cinematic Evolution

Getting on a captivating journey beyond the realms of web series, Issa Rae gracefully transitioned into the cinematic sphere, leaving an indelible mark with her roles in acclaimed movies such as "The Hate U Give" and "The Photograph."

In these compelling narratives, Rae showcases her versatility, seamlessly translating her unique charm and authenticity from the digital landscape to the big screen. As she steps into characters that resonate with profound storytelling, audiences witness a multifaceted artist evolving, proving that her on-screen prowess extends far beyond the boundaries of the web series landscape. Join us in exploring Issa Rae's cinematic endeavors, where each frame unfolds a new chapter in her ever-expanding repertoire.

The Bottom Line!

Issa Rae, also known as Jo-Issa Rae Diop, is a talented artist famous for creating and starring in the YouTube series "Awkward Black Girl." Her success led to collaborations with Pharrell Williams and the creation of the HBO comedy "Insecure," which earned awards and praise.

Apart from acting, Issa founded Color Creative, a company supporting inclusive content. From her early days with "Awkward Black Girl" to her influential role in Hollywood, Issa Rae's journey reflects talent, resilience, and dedication, making her a notable figure in the entertainment industry.