Grace Nkenge Edwards has a long-standing love of comedy. Born in Guyana, South America, and raised in Michigan, the “Insecure” writer received a BFA in Acting from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Screenwriting from Columbia University. She began her foray into the industry as a writers assistant on the likes of “Broad City” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” During her time as an assistant on “Inside Amy Schumer,” she penned her first sketch to air on TV, for the 2015 episode “Babies & Bustiers.”
“I was pretty scared during the whole process. On set, I was there, but I was still shy to pipe up and give my opinion. But I think it turned out wonderfully,” Edward recalled of writing that sketch on Cinefemme podcast “The Test.” “Especially when you start off as an assistant, there is a mindset that you don’t have a lot of confidence. It’s hard to believe in yourself.” She continued, “And I was still an assistant at that point, so in Schumer’s writing room, it was a process of me growing into my confidence. But it was really wonderful.”
Edwards described working on “Broad City” as “an incredible experience” in an interview with The Nerds of Color. “‘Broad City’ was the first room where I got to see narrative stories broken,” she explained. “The coolest thing was to witness [creators and stars] Abbi [Jacobson] and Ilana [Glazer]’s process and I was in awe of how razor sharp their voice and perspective is.”
While mainly a writer, Edwards has been involved in the industry at multiple levels, including acting and producing. She served as associate producer on “Inside Amy Schumer” and appeared in several sketches, as well as acted in MTV’s “Decoded.” She was even the production designer on the 2010 short “Nanny.”
After years of putting in the work as an assistant and writer, Edwards has now landed her own show: she is bringing back beloved character Jodie Landon from the classic ’90s sitcom “Daria.” Edwards is writing and exec producing the new animated spinoff “Jodie.” Currently in pre-production, the project will follow the titular character, voiced by “Black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross, and her post-college journey into a new workplace at a tech company. As the creative voice behind the comedy series, Edwards will delve into marginalization, representation, and everything in between on “Jodie.”
“I’m proud that I’ve stuck with my dream of writing and acting for TV through a multitude of setbacks, discouragements, and challenges,” Edwards has said. “I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and excited for the future.” However, she’s quick to point out there isn’t a universal roadmap to success. “There is no answer to ‘How do I get my big break?'” she advised aspiring comedy writers. “There are things you can do to be prepared for opportunities that present themselves: classes, writing often, networking. However, everyone’s path in is different.”
Previously on Writer to Watch…
Katie Silberman of “Booksmart” and “Set It Up”
“Insecure” Scribe Amy Aniobi
Marquita Robinson of “GLOW” and “You’re the Worst”
“The Little Drummer Girl’s” Claire Wilson
“Speechless” and “Friends from College” Scribe Broti Gupta
Sierra Teller Ornelas of “Superstore”
“Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” Scribe Lindsay Beer
“Atlanta” Emmy Nominee Stefani Robinson
