Emmy and Golden Globe-Nominated Writer, Actress, Producer, and Entrepreneur
Issa Rae: Biography at a Glance
- Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Issa Rae, best known for HBO’s Insecure, continues to redefine storytelling across film, television, and animation.
- On the big screen, Rae has starred in major hits like Barbie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and American Fiction, showcasing her ability to captivate global audiences and make a lasting impact across genres.
- As the founder of HOORAE, Rae is transforming the entertainment industry with a multimedia empire spanning film, TV, music, talent management, and marketing, ensuring diverse voices and stories are heard.
- Rae’s deep commitment to South LA is evident in her investments in Destination Crenshaw, Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen, her restaurant Somerville, and her efforts to foster Black entrepreneurship and economic growth.
- As a Club Partner in San Diego FC’s ownership group, Rae is bringing her entrepreneurial vision to the sports world, championing culture, representation, and community empowerment in Major League Soccer.
- From co-owning the vegan haircare line Sienna Naturals to launching Viarae Prosecco, Rae is redefining beauty, wellness, and lifestyle while building businesses that reflect her values.
- With her signature humor, authenticity, and sharp insights, Rae delivers compelling talks that inspire creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to break boundaries and build their own legacies.
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Biography
With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Rae first received attention for her award-winning web series and the accompanying New York Times best-seller, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. She created and starred in the Peabody-award-winning HBO series, Insecure, which garnered her multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominations. Rae has also made her mark on the big screen, co-starring in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, which dominated theaters as the biggest box-office hit of the year; Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Sony’s highest-grossing animated release in history; and the award-winning American Fiction.
Rae formed HOORAE, a multi-faceted media company that develops content across mediums in an effort to continue to break boundaries in storytelling and representation. HOORAE is comprised of HOORAE Media for film, TV, and digital; Raedio, the music label, music supervision, and "audio everywhere" company; ColorCreative, its management division; and FÊTE, its marketing arm.
Rae's commitment to South LA is evident in both her personal and professional pursuits. After planting roots near her childhood home, Issa set up the HOORAE headquarters in the heart of South LA. Her participation in the non-profit organization Destination Crenshaw furthers her mission of celebrating Black Angelenos, and her ownership in Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen provides much-needed jobs and opportunities for local residents as well as a space for creatives to unlock their potential. Additionally, as co-owner of the Black owned and operated vegan hair care line, Sienna Naturals, Rae intends to continue to reimagine Black wellness and beauty. Rae also launched Viarae Prosecco, a sparkling wine that's perfect for any occasion and represents the freedom to let loose and be authentic.
