Shonda Rhimes

Shonda_Rhimes_at_the_75th_Annual_Peabody_Awards_(cropped)

Shonda Rhimes (born January 13, 1970) is an American television producer, screenwriter, and author. She is best known as the creator, head writer, and executive producer of the television medical drama series Grey's Anatomy, its spin-off Private Practice, and the political thriller series Scandal. Rhimes has also served as the executive producer of the ABC television series How to Get Away with Murder, The Catch, and Station 19.

Early Life and Education

Shonda Rhimes was born in Chicago, Illinois. She is the youngest of six children. Rhimes attended Dartmouth College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English and film studies. After graduating, she moved to San Francisco and worked in advertising before enrolling in the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Career

Early Career

Rhimes began her career in the entertainment industry by writing for various television shows and films. Her early work includes the HBO film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and the feature film Crossroads.

Breakthrough with Grey's Anatomy

In 2005, Rhimes created the medical drama series Grey's Anatomy, which premiered on ABC. The show quickly became a massive hit and has since become one of the longest-running primetime medical dramas in television history. The success of Grey's Anatomy led to the creation of its spin-off, Private Practice, which aired from 2007 to 2013.

Scandal and Further Success

In 2012, Rhimes created the political thriller series Scandal, which starred Kerry Washington as crisis manager Olivia Pope. The show was praised for its diverse cast and complex storytelling. Rhimes continued her success with the legal drama How to Get Away with Murder, starring Viola Davis, which premiered in 2014.

Shondaland

Rhimes is the founder of Shondaland, a television production company that has produced many of her successful series. In 2017, Rhimes signed a multi-year development deal with Netflix, under which she has created and produced several new series, including Bridgerton.

Personal Life

Rhimes is known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her contributions to television and her efforts to promote social change.

Related Pages

• Grey's Anatomy
• Private Practice
• Scandal
• How to Get Away with Murder
• Shondaland
• Bridgerton