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Natasha Rothwell

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Natasha Rothwell
Rothwell in 2012
Born (1980-10-18) October 18, 1980 (age 44)
Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Maryland, College Park
Occupations
  • Actress
  • writer
  • producer
Years active2013–present
Notable work

Natasha Rothwell (born October 18, 1980) is an American actress, writer, and producer. She is best known for her work on the HBO series Insecure as Kelli Prenny, and The White Lotus as Belinda, for which she earned a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In September 2024, Hulu released How to Die Alone, a comedy series starring and co-created by Rothwell.

Early Life

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Rothwell was born on October 18, 1980 in Wichita, Kansas. Her parents David and Sharon Rothwell are natives from Philadelphia. She has three siblings, Tamika, Tiffany and David. They were raised Christian.

Due to her father’s career in the air force, Rothwell grew up moving frequently including to New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, and Turkey.[1] Rothwell attended two elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Rothwell graduated from Westlake High School in Waldorf, Maryland.

Rothewell attended Ithaca College as a journalism major, before transferring to the University of Maryland as a theatre major on a full creative and performing arts scholarship.[2] Rothwell credits the Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem," which begins with the question "What happens to a dream deferred?", as the inspiration that pushed her to change majors and pursue her dream to become an actor.[3]

Career

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Upon graduating, Rothwell moved to Japan to teach english and performed at the Tokyo Comedy Store.[4] In 2009, Rothwell returned to the United States and moved to the New York City where she worked as a high school theatre teacher for 4 years while pursuing comedy. She performed at Upright Citizens Brigade improv group and eventually landed a job as a writer on Saturday Night Live for the 2014-2015 season.[5] After 8 years in New York, Rothwell moved to Los Angeles, California in 2015.[6]

In 2016, Rothwell had her breakthrough role on the Issa Rae HBO series Insecure as Kelli Prenny, where she also served as a writer and supervising producer. The series ran for five seasons concluding in 2021.[7][8] Rothwell won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards.

Rothwell landed roles in television series Netflix Presents: The Characters, Search Party, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Love,Victor and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

On April 15, 2019, Rothwell joined a host of other writers in firing their agents as part of the Writers Guild of America’s stand against the Association of Talent Agents and the practice of packaging.[9]

In 2020, Rothwell starred in films Wonder Woman, 1984, Like a Boss and Sonic the Hedgehog. In 2021, her company Big Hattie Productions struck an overall deal with ABC Signature.[10]

In 2022, Rothwell joined the cast of season 1 of the Mike White HBO series The White Lotus, as Belinda. Rothwell received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.[11]

In 2023, Rothwell started in films Wonka and Wish.

In 2024, Rothwell co-created, produced, and starred in the comedy series How to Die Alone on Hulu.[12][13][14] She stared as a 35-year-old JFK airport worker who had never been in love, partially inspired by Rothwell’s own journey for love and self-discovery.[15] The series received positive critical acclaim and Rothwell won a Celebration of Cinema and Television Award and an NAACP Image Award nomination.[16][17]

In 2025, Rothwell starred in season 3 of The White Lotus, reprising her role as Belinda.

Rothwell is currently developing an adaptation of the viral TikTok story series “Who TF Did I Marry” by Reesa Teesa.

Personal life

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Rothwell resides in Los Angeles, California with her two goldendoodle dogs. Her favorite place to visit is Big Sur.[18]

Rothwell was diagnosed with ADHD, describes herself as "neurospicy", and has spoken about the importance of mental health.[19] She describes herself as a Type-A person and a nerd.[20]

Rothwell is a Democrat. Rothwell is an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and civil rights. She is a vocal critic of Donald Trump’s administration’s and has marched against anti-immigration policies and police brutality. She has spoken about the her passion for activism sharing: “I lived in DC for almost 10 years. When you live there you kind of can’t help but be politically active.”[21]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2015 A Year and Change Angie
2018 Love, Simon Ms. Albright
2019 Wyrm V.P. Lister
2020 Like a Boss Jill
Sonic the Hedgehog Rachel
Wonder Woman 1984 Carol
2022 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Rachel
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm Japongaloid (Japongaloid Natasha) Voice
2023 Wish Sakina
Wonka Piper Benz[22]
2024 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Rachel Cameo

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2014 Wild 'n Out Herself Cast Member: Season 6
Royal Pains Tamara 1 episode
2014–2015 Saturday Night Live Writer, 21 episodes
2016 Search Party Real Woman 1 episode
Netflix Presents: The Characters Various characters Also writer, 1 episode
2016–2021 Insecure Kelli Prenny Also writer, 18 episodes
2017 BoJack Horseman Clemelia Bloodsworth Voice, 1 episode
Future-Worm! Various Voice, 2 episodes
2018 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Delia Alvarado Episode: "Show Me Going"
2018–2021 DuckTales Zan Owlson Voice, 5 episodes
2019 Star vs. the Forces of Evil Brunzetta Voice, 2 episodes
A Black Lady Sketch Show Pearlina Teatree 1 episode
2020 Love, Victor Ms. Albright 1 episode
Baby Shark's Big Show! Mommy Shark English dub, main role
2021 American Dad! Carol Voice, episode: "Cry Baby"
2021, 2025 The White Lotus Belinda Lindsey Main role: season 1 & 3
2021–2022 Tuca & Bertie Terry Toucan 3 episodes
2022 The Ghost and Molly McGee Candace Green Voice, 2 episodes
2024 Sausage Party: Foodtopia Rutabaga Ginsberg, Various characters Voice; 5 episodes
How to Die Alone Mel Main role, also writer and creator

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2016 Writers Guild of America Best Comedy/Variety – Sketch Series[a] Saturday Night Live Nominated [23]
2019 Black Reel Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series Insecure Nominated [24]
Outstanding Writing, Comedy Series[b] Nominated
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated [25]
2020 Black Reel Awards Outstanding Comedy Series[c] Won [26]
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series Nominated
Outstanding Writing, Comedy Series Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series[c] Nominated [27]
2021 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated [28]
Celebration Black of Cinema and Television Special Honoree Award Herself Won [29]
2022 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Insecure Nominated [30]
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special The White Lotus Nominated
Black Reel Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series Insecure Nominated [31]
Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie/Limited Series The White Lotus Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Nominated [32]
2024 Celebration of Cinema and Television Producer Award How to Die Alone Won [33]
2025 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated [34]
Outstanding Comedy Series Nominated [35]
Independent Spirit Awards Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series Won [36]

Notes

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  1. ^ Shared with the writers of Saturday Night Live.
  2. ^ Shared with Issa Rae.
  3. ^ a b Shared with the producers of Insecure.

References

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  1. ^ Fadulu, Lola (October 30, 2018). "Insecure's Natasha Rothwell on Finding Her Path to Hollywood". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  2. ^ "Natasha Rothwell on What's Next After Insecure - Coveteur: Inside Closets, Fashion, Beauty, Health, and Travel". coveteur.com. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  3. ^ Fadulu, Lola (October 30, 2018). "Insecure's Natasha Rothwell on Finding Her Path to Hollywood". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  4. ^ Fadulu, Lola (October 30, 2018). "Insecure's Natasha Rothwell on Finding Her Path to Hollywood". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  5. ^ "Natasha Rothwell on What's Next After Insecure - Coveteur: Inside Closets, Fashion, Beauty, Health, and Travel". coveteur.com. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  6. ^ Summerhill, Hannah (September 10, 2024). "With 'How To Die Alone', Natasha Rothwell Finally Becomes The Main Character". British Vogue. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  7. ^ "Natasha Rothwell". Ucbcomedy.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  8. ^ Mulkerrins, Jane (December 18, 2018). "Insecure's Natasha Rothwell on being 2018's funniest character". Theguardian.com.
  9. ^ "Damon Lindelof, Hart Hanson Among Top Showrunners Posting Termination Letters In Wake Of Failed WGA-ATA Negotiations". Deadline. April 13, 2019. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  10. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 29, 2021). "Natasha Rothwell Inks Big Overall Deal With ABC Signature". Deadline. Archived from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  11. ^ "'White Lotus' Season 3 Trailer: Natasha Rothwell Returns With Hot, Troubled Vacationers in Thailand". Yahoo News. December 16, 2024. Archived from the original on December 19, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  12. ^ O'Connell, Mikey (September 12, 2024). "Natasha Rothwell Is "Fine As F***"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  13. ^ McDonald, Soraya Nadia (March 7, 2018). "'Insecure's' Natasha Rothwell knows a thing or two about (teaching) drama". Andscape. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  14. ^ Petski, Denise (December 4, 2018). "Natasha Rothwell Inks Overall Deal With HBO". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  15. ^ Summerhill, Hannah (September 9, 2024). "With 'How to Die Alone,' Natasha Rothwell Finally Becomes the Main Character". Vogue. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  16. ^ "NAACP Image Awards | Our Stories Our Culture". www.naacpimageawards.net. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  17. ^ "The Critics Choice Association Announces Full Slate of Honorees for the 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television – Critics Choice Awards". Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  18. ^ Menza, Kaitlin (September 14, 2024). "How I Travel: Natasha Rothwell Goes on Museum Tours Alone". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  19. ^ Reilly, Phoebe (March 10, 2025). "The Resilient Natasha Rothwell". Vulture. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  20. ^ Menza, Kaitlin (September 14, 2024). "How I Travel: Natasha Rothwell Goes on Museum Tours Alone". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  21. ^ Benoit, Sophia (December 18, 2018). "Natasha Rothwell Knows How to Show Up". GQ. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  22. ^ Lewis, Reo; Russell, Tom (October 18, 2023). "Wonka: Release Date, Cast & Everything We Know". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  23. ^ McNary, Dave (February 13, 2016). "WGA Honors 'Big Short,' 'Spotlight,' 'Mad Men' at 68th Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  24. ^ "The 3rd Annual Black Reel Awards for Television (BRATs)". August 2, 2019. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  25. ^ Richards, Kimberley (March 31, 2019). "50th NAACP Image Awards: Here Are The Winners". HuffPost. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  26. ^ Anderson, Erik (August 6, 2020). "'Watchmen,' 'Insecure' top Black Reel Awards for Television winners". Awards Watch. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  27. ^ "Outstanding Comedy Series - 2020". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  28. ^ Davis, Clayton (February 2, 2021). "Viola Davis, Tyler Perry and Regina King Up for Entertainer of the Year at 2021 NAACP Image Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  29. ^ Hammond, Pete (November 10, 2022). "Will Smith, Ava DuVernay & Antoine Fuqua Among New Honorees For CCA's Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  30. ^ Zhan, Jennifer (February 26, 2022). "NAACP Image Awards Winners Include Jazmine Sullivan, Will Smith, Red Table Talk". Vulture. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  31. ^ Tinoco, Armando (August 14, 2022). "Black Reel TV Awards: Quinta Brunson & 'Abbott Elementary' Lead Winners List". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  32. ^ "74th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners - OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE - 2022". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  33. ^ "The Critics Choice Association Announces Full Slate of Honorees for the 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television – Critics Choice Awards". Critics Choice Association. November 7, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  34. ^ "NAACP Image Awards | Our Stories Our Culture". www.naacpimageawards.net. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  35. ^ "NAACP Image Awards | Our Stories Our Culture". www.naacpimageawards.net. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  36. ^ Lang, Brent (December 4, 2024). "Spirit Awards 2025 Nominations: 'Anora' and 'I Saw the TV Glow' Lead Film Categories, 'Shogun' Rules TV". Variety. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
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