Issa Rae Biography: Husband, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Movies, Height, TV Shows, Parents, Books

Biography

Issa Rae, born Jo-Issa Rae Diop on January 12, 1985, is a celebrated American actress, writer, producer, and director renowned for creating and starring in the HBO series Insecure.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Rae developed a passion for storytelling early on. She first gained attention with her web series Awkward Black Girl, which she created and starred in. The series highlighted the everyday experiences of a young African-American woman, and this success helped her transition to television.

Insecure, which debuted in 2016, quickly became a critical and commercial success. Rae earned widespread acclaim for her role as Issa Dee, a character that reflected her earlier web series work. The show has been celebrated for its authentic and humorous portrayal of modern black womanhood.

In addition to Insecure, Rae has made significant strides in Hollywood through her production company, ColorCreative. She has starred in films like The Photograph and Little and continues to spark important conversations about race, identity, and culture. Rae’s contributions to media have garnered her numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

Issa Rae
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Jo-Issa Rae Diop
Stage Name:	Issa Rae
Born:	12 January 1985 (age 39 years old)
Place of Birth:	Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Stanford University
Height:	1.75 m
Parents:	Abdoulaye Diop, Delyna Diop
Siblings:	4
Spouse:	Louis Diame (m. 2021)
Boyfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Actress • Writer
Net Worth:	$4 million-$20 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Issa Rae, born Jo-Issa Rae Diop on January 12, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actress, writer, producer, and director known for her impactful contributions to media, which focus on African-American narratives.

Rae spent part of her early life in Dakar, Senegal, before her family settled in Inglewood, California, where her father, Dr. Abdoulaye Diop, a paediatrician from Senegal, continued his medical practice. Her mother, Delyna Marie Diop, originally from Louisiana, worked as a teacher. Rae‘s parents met in France, reflecting her diverse cultural background.

Raised with four siblings, Rae‘s childhood was marked by a blend of African and American influences, which later played a significant role in her storytelling. Her ethnicity is a mix of Senegalese and African-American, and while specific details on her religious background aren’t widely documented, her upbringing likely included exposure to both Christian and Muslim traditions, given her parents’ backgrounds.

Educationally, Rae attended Stanford University, where she majored in African and African-American Studies, graduating in 2007. Her time at Stanford was formative, both academically and creatively, as she began exploring storytelling through various mediums, setting the stage for her future career.

Career

Issa Rae first garnered attention with her web series Awkward Black Girl, which she created, wrote, and starred in. Launched in 2011, the series humorously depicted the life of J, a young African-American woman navigating life’s awkward moments. The series quickly built a significant following, highlighting Rae‘s storytelling talent and her skill in connecting with audiences through digital media.

This success led to her television breakthrough with Insecure, which premiered on HBO in 2016. Co-created with Larry Wilmore, the series explores the friendship between Issa Dee (played by Rae) and Molly Carter, delving into themes of love, friendship, and career in Los Angeles. Insecure became a cultural touchstone and received critical acclaim, earning Rae multiple Emmy nominations for her writing and acting.

Rae has also made a mark in film, with notable roles in The Photograph (2020), opposite Lakeith Stanfield, and Little (2019), alongside Regina Hall and Marsai Martin. Her performances have been lauded for their depth and relatability. Through her production company, ColorCreative, Rae has produced content that amplifies underrepresented voices, including the Netflix series Sweet Life: Los Angeles.

In addition to acting, Rae has directed episodes of Insecure, demonstrating her versatility behind the camera. Her writing for the show earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2018.

Rae is also a vocal advocate for diversity in Hollywood, using her platform to promote representation and mentor emerging talent, particularly women of color. Her book, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, published in 2015, solidified her role as a significant voice for her generation, blending humor with insightful commentary on black womanhood.

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Peabody Award for Insecure, and she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018.

Social Media

• Instagram: Issa Rae (@issarae)
• IMDb: Issa Rae
• Twitter: Issa Rae (@IssaRae) / X
• YouTube: HOORAE Media, An Issa Rae Company

Personal Life

Issa Rae, celebrated for her work on Insecure and other projects, married businessman Louis Diame in a private ceremony in the South of France in July 2021.

Rae shared the news with the public through social media, where she posted photos of herself in a custom Vera Wang gown and playfully referred to Diame as “Somebody’s Husband.” Louis Diame, who has primarily remained out of the spotlight, is known for his background in banking, though specific details about his career are not widely available.

As of the most recent update, there has been no public confirmation or indication from Issa Rae or reliable sources about any children they may have.

Net Worth

Issa Rae‘s net worth is reported to range between $4 million and $20 million, depending on the source. This variation is likely due to differing methods of calculating net worth, considering assets, investments, and earnings from various projects.

Rae‘s wealth is largely attributed to her successful actress, writer, producer, and director career. Her breakout came with the web series Awkward Black Girl, which paved the way for her acclaimed television series Insecure. Rae‘s extensive involvement in Insecure—from writing to producing—significantly enhanced her financial standing.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Rae has expanded into business, securing a $40 million deal with WarnerMedia and planning to open a studio for creators. These ventures reflect her growing influence and financial success in the industry.

Filmography

Movies

1. “The Photograph” (2020) – Rae stars as Mae Morton, a photographer who reconnects with her past through her mother’s love story. This film also marked her first major lead role in a feature film.
2. “Little” (2019) – In this comedy, Rae plays Jordan Sanders, the best friend of the main character who gets turned into a child.
3. “The Lovebirds” (2020) – Although not a lead role, Rae has a memorable cameo in this romantic comedy starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae’s real-life friend, Lena Waithe.

TV Shows

1. “Insecure” – Created by Rae and Larry Wilmore, this HBO series is arguably her most significant work, where she stars as Issa Dee, navigating life, love, and career in Los Angeles. The show has been critically acclaimed and has won multiple awards.
2. “Awkward Black Girl” – The web series that put Rae on the map, focusing on the life of J, a young African-American woman dealing with everyday awkward situations. This series was a precursor to “Insecure.”
3. “Rap Sh!t” – Rae serves as an executive producer for this HBO Max series, which follows two estranged high school friends from Miami who reunite to form a rap group.
4. “Sweet Life: Los Angeles” – Another executive production by Rae, this Netflix series explores the lives of young African-American professionals in Los Angeles.
5. “A Black Lady Sketch Show” – Rae has appeared as a guest in this HBO sketch comedy series, showcasing her comedic talents in various sketches.

Voice Work and Other Appearances

• “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) – Rae lends her voice to the character of Rio Morales, the mother of Miles Morales.
• “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008) – One of her earlier roles, where she played June Boatwright in this television film adaptation.