One of her college friends was singer-musician Duncan Sheik
Worked as a fashion editor for Mirabella and New York magazines
Big TV break came in 1997 when she won the hosting gig for The Dish, a weekly pop-culture magazine on Lifetime
Appeared in two Kanye West videos: "The New Workout Plan" (2004) and "Touch the Sky" (2006)
Cites Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball as her idols
Has received eight NAACP Image Award nominations in the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy category for her role on Girlfriends; she won twice
Is passionately involved with a number of non-profits dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk teens, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Aviva Family and Children's Services in Los Angeles
Awards
2021Emmy-Outstanding Comedy Series:nominated
2021Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2020Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2020People's Choice Awards-Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor:nominated
2018Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2017Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy:winner
2017Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2017Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:nominated
2016Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2016Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:nominated