One of the most controversial and highly publicized issues in Hollywood in recent years is the movement towards equality. There have been great strides made over the past several years to ensure there are more high profile parts for actors of color. While much of this progress can be attributed to the talented actors who are filling these parts, it could be argued that the more important individuals in the movement work behind the scenes.
One writer and producer who has had an incredible impact on the landscape of the entertainment industry is Kenya Barris. Barris is best known for creating the highly popular show Black-ish and is releasing his first book in September, titled This Is Basic Sh*t: Uncensored Thoughts from a Black Dude about Stuff We Know and Are Shocked You Don’t. Although his work has had tremendous importance, many do not know a great deal about him. For those who want to know who Barris is as a person, here are five facts about his background and beliefs.
5. He has a big family
One might expect, given the number of high profile shows that Barris has worked on, that he would not have time to settle down and raise a family. In fact, the opposite is true. Not only is Barris married, but he and his wife have 6 children together. As impressive as his work has been, the fact that he has been able to create powerful and entertaining shows while raising so many children is simply astounding.
4. He’s not the only brilliant member of his family
For most people, being in a relationship with someone like Barris would be intimidating. He has the rare combination of intelligence, creativity, and humor that few possess. However, his wife can likely match him in terms of wits. Rainbow Barris, his wife, is a doctor. The two dated as teenagers, broke up for a period of time, and then reunited. The sheer amount of intelligence in the Barris household is incredible.
3. He has been recognized by notable organizations
Although Barris would likely say that his motivation for writing and producing shows is to entertain audiences and help society become more inclusive and understanding, it certainly doesn’t hurt to win awards. Unsurprisingly, the remarkable work Barris has done has earned him some high profile awards.
He won the coveted 2017 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for Black-ish, the 2016 Entertainment and Children’s Peabody Award, and the Rod Serling Award for Advancing Social Justice Through Popular Media.
2. He has worked with his childhood friends
Most people make plans to work with their friends when they grow up, but few actually get the chance. Fewer still are able to work on ground-breaking projects like Barris has. He was childhood friends with the iconic Tyra Banks. The two collaborated to create and produce America’s Next Top Model. While her name has become synonymous with the show, few people realize that Barris was instrumental in the creation of the show as well.
1. He doesn’t want his work to be boxed in
Barris has expressed his frustration that he and the stars of Black-ish are rarely asked about the show itself or the work that was put into creating it. Instead, most of the questions he receives are about diversity and what color the audience is that watches the show. For Barris, Black-ish is not a show about diversity. It is a show about family that all people can connect to and see themselves in. True equality is achieved when people look at the show and can see their own experiences mirrored by those of a different color, not by ignoring the actual show just to focus on race.
Final Thoughts
Kenya Barris is one of the most talented writers and producers working today. He has created iconic and powerful shows like America’s Next Top Model and Black-ish which have earned him considerable accolades. However, what is most important to Barris is entertaining people and helping society grow more unified. With brilliant minds like Barris leading the way, the future of the entertainment industry will certainly bring great things.
Photo via Stewart Cook/Variety/REX/Shutterstock
Follow Us
