Ayo Edebiri
Edebiri in 2018
Born (1995-10-03) October 3, 1995 (age 28)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
EducationNew York University (BFA)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television writer
Years active2013–present

Ayo Edebiri (/ˈaɪoʊ əˈdɛbəri/ EYE-oh ə-DEB-ər-ee;[1] born October 3, 1995) is an American actress and television writer. She has played chef Sydney Adamu in the comedy-drama series The Bear since 2022, for which she won a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Edebiri has also served as a writer and performed a voice role on Big Mouth since 2020 and has written for the comedy series What We Do In the Shadows in 2022. In 2023, she voiced roles in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and had starring roles in the comedy films Theater Camp and Bottoms.

Early life

Edebiri was born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 3, 1995,[2] to a Barbadian mother and Nigerian father.[3][4] She is an only child, and she was raised in the Bostonian neighborhood of Dorchester.[5] Her family is Pentecostal, and she regularly attended church services with her parents.[6][7] Edebiri first became interested in comedy through an eighth grade drama class, which led her to join the improv club at Boston Latin School.[7] She attended New York University, where she initially intended to study teaching before switching her major to playwriting.[3][8][5] During her junior year of college, Edebiri began pursuing a career in comedy, and interned at the Upright Citizens Brigade.[3][4]

Career

2014–2021: Early work

In 2014 Edebiri acted in an episode of the series Defectives. Edebiri started her career as a stand-up comedian, and performed a stand-up set on Comedy Central's Up Next.[9][3] Her scripted digital series Ayo and Rachel Are Single began airing on the network in May 2020, which she co-wrote and co-starred in with her friend and fellow comedian Rachel Sennott.[10] She made her film debut in 2020 comedy-drama Shithouse, in an uncredited role.[11] Edebiri co-hosts a podcast called Iconography with Olivia Craighead that features interviews with guests in conversation about their shared personal icons.[10][3] The podcast is produced by Forever Dog and the second season was released in 2020.[12]

A television writer, she has written for the sole seasons of The Rundown with Robin Thede and NBC's Sunnyside.[13][3] Edebiri joined the writing staff of Big Mouth for the show's fourth season.[14] After Jenny Slate stepped down from voicing the character Missy so the role could be played by a black actress, Edebiri auditioned and was selected as the replacement in August 2020.[13][15] Her voice acting as the character began at the end of the show's fourth season.[13] She was a writer and actress in Dickinson's second season on Apple TV+, where she first worked with Christopher Storer, who went on to create The Bear.[6] She acted in a supporting role in the 2022 film adaptation of the Jennifer E. Smith YA novel Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between.[16]

2022–present: Breakthrough

In 2022 Edebiri gained wider prominence as a main cast member on the FX on Hulu comedy series The Bear.[17] She received a Golden Globe Award and Independent Spirit Award and nominations from the Gotham Awards and the Critics' Choice Awards for her role as Sydney Adamu, an ambitious young sous chef.[18][19][20] She also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian praised her performance declaring her as "magnificent" and "still lighting up and punching up every scene she is in".[21]

During this time she became a writer and consulting producer on the Hulu series What We Do in the Shadows, earning a nomination for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy for the episode "Private School". Edebiri co-produced and appeared on Mulligan (2023), an animated series for Netflix. She also had voice roles in the Netflix interactive special We Lost Our Human.[22] Also in 2023 she appeared in an episode of the Mel Brooks Hulu series History of the World, Part II and the Black Mirror episode "Joan Is Awful". She also voiced roles in the Disney Channel series Kiff and the Max series Clone High. Later that year she voiced Glory Grant in the animated superhero sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse[23] and April O'Neil in the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.[24] Both of the films received critical acclaim and were financially successful.

Also in 2023, she starred in the live mockumentary comedy film Theater Camp alongside Molly Gordon and Ben Platt. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews with many comparing it to the films of Christopher Guest. Later that year she starred in the teen sex comedy Bottoms opposite Rachel Sennott. The film premiered at South by Southwest.[25] Katie Walsh of The Los Angeles Times wrote, "Sennott and Edebiri deliver two of the funniest performances of the year".[26] She appeared in the film The Sweet East directed by Sean Price Williams which premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival at the Directors' Fortnight.

On January 26, 2023, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the 2025 film Thunderbolts.[27]

Personal life

Edebiri has canvassed for the Democratic Socialists of America.[28][29] She identifies as queer.[30][31]

Filmography

Film

Film work by Ayo Edebiri
Year Title Role Notes
2020 Shithouse Emily Uncredited
Cicada Nikki
2021 How It Ends Stand Up
As of Yet Khadijah
2022 Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between Stella
2023 Theater Camp Janet Walch
Bottoms Josie
The Sweet East Molly
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Glory Grant Voice
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem April O'Neil Voice
TBA Opus Ariel Ecton Post-production

Television

Television work by Ayo Edebiri
Year Title Role Notes
2014 Defectives Stacey Episode: "Public Display of Affection"
2019 Sunnyside — Staff editor and wrote episode: "Too Many Lumpies"
2020–2023 Bigtop Burger Frances (voice) Recurring role
2020–present Big Mouth Missy Foreman-Greenwald (voice) Main role; also writer and consulting producer[13]
2021 Dickinson Hattie 6 episodes; also staff writer[16]
The Premise Eve Stone Episode: "Social Justice Sex Tape"
2022 Pause with Sam Jay Party Guest Episode: "Eyes Wide Butt"
2022–present The Bear Sydney Adamu Main role[17]
2022 What We Do In the Shadows — Writer and consulting producer[32]
Craig of the Creek — Wrote episode: "Adventures in Baby Casino"
2023 Abbott Elementary Ayesha Teagues Recurring role[33]
History of the World, Part II Japheth's Wife Episode: "III"
Mulligan General Scarpaccio/Jayson Moody (voice) Recurring role, also writer and co-producer
Kiff Professor Totsy (voice) Episode: "Kiff's Mix"
The Eric Andre Show — Writer and creative consultant
Clone High Harriet Tubman (voice) Recurring role[34]
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson VR Shopping Spree Host Episode: "I Can Do Whatever I Want."
Black Mirror Sandy Episode: "Joan Is Awful"

Awards and nominations

Accolades for Ayo Edebiri
Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2022 Gotham Independent Film Awards Outstanding Performance in a New Series[20] The Bear Nominated
2023 Critics' Choice Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series[19] Nominated
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series[35] What We Do in the Shadows (for "Private School") Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series[36] The Bear Nominated
Independent Spirit Awards Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series[18] Won
Writers Guild of America Awards Episodic Comedy [32] What We Do in the Shadows (for "Private School") Nominated
Dorian TV Awards Best Supporting TV Performance — Comedy[37] The Bear Won
TCA Awards Individual Achievement in Comedy[38] Nominated
Astra TV Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy[39] Won[a]
Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy[39] What We Do in the Shadows (for "Private School") Won
Astra Creative Arts TV Awards Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series[39] Abbott Elementary Won
Black Reel Awards Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Comedy Series[40] The Bear Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series[41] Won
2024 Golden Globe Awards Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy[42] Won
Critics' Choice Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series[43] Won
Black Reel Awards Outstanding Voice Performance[44] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Nominated
BAFTA Film Awards BAFTA Rising Star Award[45] — Pending
Satellite Awards Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy[46] The Bear Pending
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series[47] Pending
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series[47] Pending

Notes

  1. ^ Tied with Christina Ricci for Wednesday.

References

  1. ^ "Ayo Edebiri Ate Props On Set Of 'The Bear' & Spills Celeb Crush | On The Rise". Harper's Bazaar. September 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 5, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  2. ^ "today is my 24th birthday..... also today, Elizabeth Warren was accused of starting an affair with a 24-year old bodybuilder from Massachusetts.... hello??? do I have to put this whole thing together for you idiots???". Archived from the original on October 3, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Escandon, Rosa. "24-Year-Old Ayo Edebiri Takes Comedy Seriously". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Dickson, E. J. (March 2, 2021). "Revenge of the Nerd: Ayo Edebiri Breaks Out on 'Big Mouth'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Subair, Eni (January 8, 2024). "In Conversation: Ayo Edebiri". ELLE. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Rankin, Seija (August 9, 2023). "Ayo Edebiri Is Suddenly Everywhere". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Chee, Karen (April 6, 2018). "@AyoEdebiri on Everyday Absurdity and Cool Teens". Vulture. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  8. ^ Kraft, Coralie (June 18, 2023). "How Ayo Edebiri Went from Being an "Uncomfortable Child" to a Star of "The Bear"". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023 – via www.newyorker.com.
  9. ^ Stidhum, Tonja Renee (August 31, 2020). "Ayo Edebiri Is Now the Voice of Missy in Big Mouth". The Root. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  10. ^ a b Martin, Clare (May 28, 2020). "Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott Are Singularly Funny". pastemagazine.com. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  11. ^ Shithouse (2020) - IMDb, archived from the original on July 27, 2023, retrieved July 27, 2023
  12. ^ "What's On Our Pop Culture Radar This June". Elle Canada. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  13. ^ a b c d Turchiano, Danielle (August 28, 2020). "'Big Mouth': Ayo Edebiri to Replace Jenny Slate as Missy (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  14. ^ Rosen, Christopher (August 28, 2020). "Ayo Edebiri Replaces Jenny Slate on Big Mouth Following Resignation". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  15. ^ Garron, Taylor (May 8, 2020). "Ayo Edebiri Doesn't Know How to Play the Autoharp". Vulture. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  16. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (October 19, 2020). "Ayo Edebiri, Nico Hiraga, Others Round Out Cast Of Ace Entertainment's 'Hello, Goodbye And Everything In Between'". Vulture. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Pedersen, Erik (May 13, 2022). "FX Summer Premiere Dates: 'Reservation Dogs', 'What We Do In The Shadows', New Series 'The Old Man' & 'The Bear', More". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  18. ^ a b Hipes, Patrick; Petski, Denise (December 13, 2022). "Film Independent Spirit Awards TV Nominations: 'Abbott Elementary', 'Pachinko', 'The Bear' 'Severance', More". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  19. ^ a b Nordyke, Kimberly (January 15, 2023). "Critics Choice Awards: Full List of Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Mandinach, Zach (October 25, 2022). "2022 Gotham Awards Nominations Full List | The Gotham". Archived from the original on October 31, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  21. ^ Mangan, Lucy (July 19, 2023). "The Bear season two review – somehow even more delicious than before". The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  22. ^ White, Peter (December 8, 2020). "Ben Schwartz & Ayo Edebiri To Lead Netflix Interactive Special 'We Lost Our Human' From 'Pinky Malinky' Creators". Deadline. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  23. ^ Vargas, Chanel (June 8, 2023). "All the Best Celebrity Cameos You Might Have Missed in "Across the Spider-Verse"". POPSUGAR Entertainment UK. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  24. ^ Alter, Rebecca (June 1, 2023). "Seth Rogen's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trailer Is Turtally Fun". Vulture. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  25. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (June 6, 2023). "Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri Start a High School Fight Club to Hook Up With Cheerleaders in 'Bottoms' Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  26. ^ "Review: Fiercely funny, 'Bottoms' reimagines a familiar place for female rage, high school". Los Angeles Times. August 25, 2023. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  27. ^ Vary, Adam B. (January 26, 2023). "'The Bear' Star Ayo Edebiri Joins Marvel's 'Thunderbolts'". Variety. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  28. ^ @DemSocialists (October 21, 2021). "Saturday night at 8 PM ET join us for Solidarity Ensues, a fundraiser for our DSA campaigns to help them out before Election Day. hosted by @sandyhonig and @PTRSMTH, w/ appearances by @ayoedebiri, @Indiawaltonbflo, @jamieloftusHELP, and more! Sign up now!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  29. ^ @DSA_LosAngeles (July 2, 2020). "Have you joined our Stimulus Solidarity Fundraiser yet??? So far @party_harderson, @ayoedebiri, @ihatejoelkim, and @NaomiandAndy have come by to hang. And there is PLENTY more to come" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  30. ^ "Ayo Edebiri In Full Bloom". KOLOR MAGAZINE. September 14, 2022. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  31. ^ Komonibo, Ineye. "Ayo Edebiri Knows "Humor Is A Weapon" & She Refuses To Punch Down". www.refinery29.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "2023 Writers Guild Awards Nominees". awards.wga.org. Archived from the original on December 7, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  33. ^ Lenker, Maureen Lee. "Janine's sister is finally coming to 'Abbott Elementary' — get your first look". EW.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  34. ^ Clarendon, Dan (March 25, 2023). "'Clone High' First Look: See Who's Joining the Cast and Which Character Is Gone". TV Insider. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  35. ^ Lewis, Hilary (January 12, 2023). "NAACP Image Awards 2023: 'Wakanda Forever,' 'The Woman King' Among Top Film Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  36. ^ "The 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards | Screen Actors Guild Awards". www.sagawards.org. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  37. ^ Petski, Denise (June 26, 2023). "'Succession', 'Abbott Elementary' Top 2023 Dorian TV Awards Winners List". Deadline. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  38. ^ Schneider, Michael (August 7, 2023). "'Succession' and 'The Bear' Dominate TCA Awards; Mel Brooks and 'The Carol Burnett Show' Honored (FULL WINNERS LIST)". Variety. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  39. ^ a b c Schneider, Michael (January 8, 2024). "'The Boys,' 'Succession' Land Most Honors at Astra TV Awards (FULL WINNERS LIST)". Variety. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  40. ^ Moreau, Jordan; Schneider, Michael (July 12, 2023). "Emmys 2023: The Complete Nominations List". Variety. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  41. ^ Rice, Lynette; Hipes, Patrick (July 12, 2023). "Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations: The Complete List". Deadline. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  42. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (January 7, 2024). "Golden Globes: Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  43. ^ Pedersen, Erik (December 5, 2023). "'The Morning Show' & 'Succession' Lead Critics Choice Awards TV Nominations". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  44. ^ Complex, Valerie (December 15, 2023). "Black Reel Awards Nominations: 'The Color Purple' And 'Rustin' Dominate". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  45. ^ Goldbart, Max (January 10, 2024). "Phoebe Dynevor, Jacob Elordi & 'The Bear's Ayo Edebiri Nominated For BAFTA Rising Star Award". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  46. ^ "IPA Reveals Nominations for the 28th Satellite™ Awards". International Press Academy. December 18, 2023. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  47. ^ a b Lewis, Hilary (January 10, 2024). "SAG Awards Nominations: 'Oppenheimer,' 'Barbie' Lead Nods". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.

External links

Awards for Ayo Edebiri
Authority control databases
Categories