Ayo Edebiri is a multifaceted American comedian, writer, producer, and actress, whose talent and versatility have earned her recognition and success in various fields of the entertainment industry. From stand-up comedy to voicing beloved animated characters, Edebiri’s journey has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a commitment to breaking barriers.
Ayo Edebiri
Born on October 3, 1995, in Boston to parents who emigrated from Barbados and Nigeria, Ayo Edebiri was raised in a religious Pentecostal household. Her interest in comedy was ignited during eighth-grade drama class, and she further explored her passion by joining the improv club at Boston Latin School.
Education and Pursuit of Comedy
After graduating from high school, Edebiri attended New York University, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in teaching. However, during her junior year, she realized that her true calling lay in comedy. Determined to pursue her passion, she interned at Upright Citizens Brigade, laying the foundation for her career in the entertainment industry.
Stand-Up Comedy and Television Career
Edebiri’s journey into stand-up comedy began with a bang when she performed a stand-up set on Comedy Central’s Up Next. Her unique comedic style and wit caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike. In 2020, she co-wrote and co-starred in the scripted digital series “Ayo and Rachel Are Single” with her friend and fellow comedian Rachel Sennott.
As a talented television writer, Edebiri has contributed her skills to projects like “The Rundown with Robin Thede” and NBC’s “Sunnyside.” However, her breakthrough came when she joined the writing staff of the popular animated series “Big Mouth” during its fourth season. The show presented her with an opportunity that would change her life forever.
Voice Acting Triumph
In August 2020, Jenny Slate stepped down from voicing the character Missy on “Big Mouth,” a role she had portrayed for several seasons. The creators of the show decided to cast a black actress to play the character, and Ayo Edebiri seized the opportunity. Her audition impressed the producers, and she was chosen as the new voice of Missy.
Edebiri’s voice acting debut as Missy began at the end of “Big Mouth’s” fourth season, receiving widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Her portrayal brought a fresh and authentic perspective to the character, resonating with audiences and adding depth to the show’s storytelling.
Major Projects and Future Endeavors
Following her success on “Big Mouth,” Edebiri’s career skyrocketed. She gained wider prominence as a main cast member on the FX on Hulu comedy series “The Bear,” earning an Independent Spirit Award and nominations from the Gotham Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards for her performance as the ambitious young sous chef, Sydney Adamu.
Her talent extends beyond acting and writing, as she has ventured into producing and voicing lead roles in animated series such as “Mulligan” and “We Lost Our Human” for Netflix. Moreover, her foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the 2024 film “Thunderbolts” adds another exciting chapter to her growing list of accomplishments.
Ayo Edebiri’s journey from a Boston schoolgirl with a passion for comedy to an acclaimed actress and writer in Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to her craft, willingness to embrace challenges, and commitment to authenticity have paved the way for her success. As she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, Ayo Edebiri’s talent and charisma are sure to captivate audiences worldwide, and her influence will undoubtedly continue to grow.