Christian actress Yvonne Orji's new autobiographical comedy coming to Disney+
Photo Credit: James Anthony
Written By Brandi Wyatt // Entertainment // EEW Magazine
It hasn’t been a quick road to success for Yvonne Orji, best known for her role as Molly on HBO’s Insecure. But the Christian actress turned executive producer never gave up and is now reaping rewards.
The 37-year-old comedian is developing her own half-hour autobiographical comedy series, First Gen, which is coming to Disney+, and she is over the moon about it.
In an exciting announcement posted on social media, Orji let fans know that her dream of producing a show based on her personal experiences growing up as a Nigerian immigrant in America has been five years in the making.
Inspiring them to believe in their own dreams and never give up, she referenced a Bible verse in Habakkuk 2:3, saying, “Though the vision tarry, wait for it.”
Orji knows all too well about waiting. She revealed that she shot the trailer for First Gen in 2015 and “desperately wanted to create” the family comedy but was “told no” several times. These days, however, those noes have turned to yeses—some very big yeses at that.
Aside from having her upcoming show hosted on a major streaming platform owned by The Walt Disney Company, Oprah Winfrey and David Oyelowo have also signed on as producers, according to Deadline. “Not a bad looking team,” noted Orji.
Soon, fans will get to see her unique story through her own eyes, detailing how she, as a child, was caught between trying to honor her parents and culture while simultaneously trying to assimilate to American life.
Incidentally, Orji’s new show announcement came on the same day HBO announced that Insecure, the show that thrust her into the spotlight, will end after season five.
Not one to rest on her laurels or dwell on the past, the Nigerian-born actress is looking ahead with faith and gratitude. “I’ve been very vocal about my desire to highlight stories from the Continent, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to do so,” she said.
With this huge breakthrough, the Emmy-nominated Orji’s already bright future looks even brighter. Congratulations!
