Shonda Rhimes Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Shonda Rhimes was born on January 13, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Education

Shonda Rhimes attended Dartmouth College for her post-secondary education. She later attended the University of Southern California in the School of Cinematic Arts. While there, she was at the top of her class. She also won the Gary Rosenberg Writing Fellowship award from the university’s Film School.

Screenwriting Career

After finishing school, Shonda Rhimes dove headfirst into the world of writing screenplays. Some of her first screenplays were written and sold but were never made. Her first screenplay that was made into a film was Crossroads, which starred Britney Spears. In 2004, she wrote her next screenplay: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Shonda Rhimes made it big when she wrote the screenplay for what would become her most famous work: Grey’s Anatomy. The show is about a group of attractive doctors who work day and night to save lives. The show was a success from the star, and aired from 2005 and is still airing as of 2017. In 2007, Shonda Rhimes wrote the screenplay for the spin-off of the show, called Private Practice. This show ran until 2013. Shonda Rhimes is also responsible for writing several Grey’s Anatomy TV movies, including, Grey’s Anatomy: Rain or Shine, Grey’s Anatomy: Complications of the Heart, and Grey’s Anatomy: Under Pressure.

Apart from her work with Grey’s Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes also wrote the screenplays for other TV dramas. Another hit show, Scandal first aired in 2012 and is still airing. She also wrote the TV movie for the show, Scandal: The Secret is out.

Producing Career

Aside from writing for hit television shows, Shonda Rhimes also works tirelessly to produce shows as well. She is one of the main producers for her shows Grey’s Anatomy (and the TV movies), Scandal, and Private Practice. She has also produced other TV shows and movies, which are listed below.

Off the Map

Gilded Lilys

How to Get Away with Murder

The Catch

Awards And Accomplishment

Shonda Rhimes many television shows have won her over a dozen awards, and have had her nomination for over a dozen more. Some of her most prestigious awards are listed below.

Directors Guild of America Diversity Award (Shared with Betsy Beers)

Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series (Private Practice)

TV Guide Award for Fan Favorite (Scandal)

Women in Film Lucy Award

Laurel Award for TV Writing Entertainment

PGA Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in Television

Publicists Guild of America Showmanship Award for Television

The Following Awards are for her work with her most popular show, Grey’s Anatomy.

Gold Derby TV Award for Drama Episode of the Year (2005)

Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series for Episodes “It’s the End of the World,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “Freedom part 1 and 2” (2005)

Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama (2005)

Writer’s Guild of America New Series (2005)

Year Of Yes

When Shonda Rhimes wasn’t working on her many television shows, she was working towards writing her book. In 2015, she published the memoir/self-help book Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person. The book was received with wonderful reviews from her fans and even from critics.

Family Life

Shonda Rhimes has adopted three children: Beckett, Emerson, and Harper.