Shonda Rhimes

Bio:
Shonda Rhimes (born Shonda Lynn Rhimes on January 13, 1970 in Chicago, Illinois) is a screenwriter, director and producer. While growing up, Shonda displayed a talent for storytelling. She claims her interest in medical environments stems from her time volunteering at a hospital while she was in high school. She graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in English and Film Studies in 1991. Afterward, she moved to San Francisco, before relocating to L.A. to attend the University of Southern California to study screenwriting. While at USC, she interned with producer Debra Martin Chase. The two would work together later on 2004’s The Princess Diaries 2, with Shonda learning production skills from her mentor. In 1998, Shonda made her directorial debut with the short film Blossom and Veils, which led her to write a movie for HBO: 1999’s Introducing Dorothy Dandrige. This critically acclaimed movie led to Shonda’s further success. She was commissioned to write 2002’s Crossroads, the debut film for Britney Spears. In 2005, Shonda achieved her first executive producer success with launch of Grey’s Anatomy. With this hit show under her belt, Shonda created the spin-off, Private Practice, in 2007. In 2012, Shonda created the hit series Scandal, featuring Kerry Washington. The next year, Shonda continued her television by producing How to Get Away with Murder with actress Viola Davis.

Best Known For:
Shonda is best known for being the creator of shows Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.

Personal Life:
Shonda is the youngest of six children. After the 9/11 attacks, Shonda focused on motherhood, resulting in her adopting her first daughter, Harper, in 2002. Shonda adopted her second daughter, Pearl, in 2012. In 2013, she welcomed her third daughter, Beckett, who was born via surrogate mother.