Robin Thede

Robin Thede is an American comedic actress, writer, sketch and improvisational comedian, and a pioneering figure in television and film. Raised in Iowa, she has carved out a significant niche in the entertainment industry, not only as a performer but also as a creator and producer.

Thede has a notable history of firsts in the industry; she was the first African-American woman to serve as head writer on any late-night talk show, a position she held on "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore." She also broke new ground as the first African-American woman to be head writer at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Prior to these roles, she was head writer on "The Queen Latifah Show" and a staff writer during the first two seasons of "Real Husbands of Hollywood" on BET.

In addition to her writing career, Thede has made significant impacts with her on-screen performances. She had recurring roles as "Gail" on "Second Generation Wayans" on BET and appeared in the Marlon Wayans' comedy "A Haunted House." Her television appearances span several popular shows including "Key & Peele," "Hot In Cleveland," and "All of Us." She also showcased her hosting skills on her own late-night TV talk show, "The Rundown with Robin Thede" on BET, marking her as one of the few African-American women to host their own late-night show.

Thede’s influence extends into her current roles as the Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer, and Star of the Emmy-winning HBO show "A Black Lady Sketch Show." This groundbreaking series features a core cast of black women, with a writers' room also entirely comprised of black women. Her work has earned her five Emmy nominations and recognition in Variety's 2022 Comedy Impact Report and The Hollywood Reporter’s 2022 "Most Influential People in Comedy" list. Additionally, Thede received the "Innovator of the Year Award" by the Culture Creators in 2022 and won a Black Reel Award for “Outstanding Actress, Comedy Series.”

Further expanding her creative horizon, Thede develops projects for television and film under her For Better or Words, Inc. banner, which has an overall deal at HBO/Max/Warner Brothers. She is also set to star in the upcoming Amazon Studios feature, "Candy Cane Lane," alongside Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Through her multifaceted career, Robin Thede continues to influence the landscape of comedy and representation in the entertainment industry, using her platform to champion diversity and creativity.