Shonda Rhimes is one of the most influential and successful television producers of our time. Born on January 13, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, Rhimes is the youngest of six siblings. She was raised in a Catholic family and attended Marian Catholic High School before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in English literature from Dartmouth College in 1991.
After college, Rhimes moved to San Francisco and worked odd jobs while trying to break into the entertainment industry. She eventually landed a job as an intern at a film production company and worked her way up to becoming a scriptwriter. Her first major breakthrough came in 1999, when she wrote the script for the film "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," which earned Halle Berry a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Movie or Miniseries.
In 2005, Rhimes created her first television series, "Grey's Anatomy," which became an instant hit and is currently in its 19th season. The show follows the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they navigate their personal and professional lives at Seattle Grace Hospital, which was later renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in the shows. Rhimes' writing and production style, which blends drama, comedy, and romance, resonated with audiences and made "Grey's Anatomy" one of the most-watched shows on television.
Rhimes went on to create several other successful television series, including "Private Practice," a spin-off of "Grey's Anatomy," and "Scandal," a political drama that starred Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a Washington, D.C. crisis manager. "Scandal" was praised for its diverse cast and its portrayal of a powerful, black female lead character in a genre dominated by white men. The show ran for seven seasons and was critically acclaimed for its writing, acting, and production values.
Rhimes has also been involved in creating and producing several other television shows, including "How to Get Away with Murder," "For the People," and "Station 19." In addition to her work in television, Rhimes has also written several books, including "Year of Yes," a memoir about her experiences saying yes to new opportunities.
Rhimes' success has earned her numerous accolades and awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama for "Grey's Anatomy" and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series for "Scandal." In 2014, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. In 2015, she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Beyond her accomplishments in television and film, Rhimes is also known for her philanthropic work. In 2017, she established the Rhimes Family Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged youth and families in the United States. The foundation supports organizations that provide access to education, healthcare, and other resources that can help people improve their lives.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Rhimes has been an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has criticized the lack of opportunities for women and people of color in Hollywood and has worked to create opportunities for marginalized communities through her production company, Shondaland.
Rhimes' influence on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Her innovative approach to storytelling and her willingness to tackle difficult and controversial subjects have made her one of the most respected and admired producers in Hollywood. Her success has shattered stereotypes and opened doors for other women and people of color in the industry. With her talent, vision, and commitment to social justice, Shonda Rhimes is truly a force to be reckoned with.
One last thing. You are never too big of a tv show character to be killed off in a Shonda Rhimes show. Rhimes has a penchant for creating emotionally, and possibly traumatising exit scenes in her shows. Just when you are settling into a character, they die in a plane crash, get shot, get electrocuted etc. One could say she is constantly looking for a new way to kill off the next Derek Shepherd (Greys Anatomy character). Put simply, Rhimes takes what we know as "Drama" to the next level. You just can't take your eyes of the screen when watch her tv shows. She is undoubtedly the best at what she does and a gift to her generation, and the black community in general.