Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is the first African American woman to create and executive produce a Top 10 network series, the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. She was 35 years old.
The award-winning writer and producer created the hit TV shows – ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ – and has also penned several screenplays. She is also the creator of its spin-off, Private Practice. Before these series, Rhimes penned film screenplays as Crossroads and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.
The ShondaLand woman’s efforts have garnered much recognition, including several GLAAD Media and NAACP Image Awards for her tackling of important issues in terms of race and sexuality.