Issa Rae (born Jo-Issa Rae Diop on January 12, 1985) is a renowned American actress, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. She gained prominence as the creator, co-writer, and star of the critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure (2016–2021), which earned her multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. Before Insecure, she rose to fame with the YouTube series Awkward Black Girl, which showcased her unique comedic style and perspective on the Black experience.
Beyond acting, Rae is a successful entrepreneur, media mogul, and activist, owning Hoorae Media, co-owning Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, and running a record label, Raedio. Her career spans film, television, publishing, and business, making her one of the most influential figures in modern entertainment.
In this article, we will explore Issa Rae’s net worth, early life, career, family, relationships, physical appearance, income sources, lesser-known facts, and frequently asked questions.
Issa Rae Short Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jo-Issa Rae Diop |
| Stage Name | Issa Rae |
| Profession | Actress, Writer, Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1985 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 40 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 63 kg (139 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Louis Diame (m. 2021) |
| Education | Stanford University (B.A. in African and African-American Studies) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $10 – $15 million (Estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Issa Rae was born in Los Angeles, California, to a Senegalese father, Abdoulaye Diop, a pediatrician, and an American mother, Delyna Diop, a teacher from Louisiana.**
Childhood & Multicultural Influences
- Raised in Dakar, Senegal, and Potomac, Maryland, before returning to Los Angeles.
- Grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, which shaped her experiences as a Black woman navigating different cultural identities.
- Studied at King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science before attending Stanford University.
College Years & Early Creative Work
- Graduated magna cum laude from Stanford University (2007) with a degree in African and African-American Studies.
- Created Dorm Diaries, a mock reality series, while in college.
- Met Tracy Oliver (who later co-wrote Girls Trip), and together they developed Awkward Black Girl.
Career
Awkward Black Girl & YouTube Success (2011–2015)
- In 2011, Issa Rae created Awkward Black Girl, a YouTube web series that went viral.
- Used Kickstarter to raise $56,000 to complete the first season.
- Partnered with Pharrell Williams’ YouTube channel, iamOTHER, for the second season.
- Won a Shorty Award for Best Web Show (2013).
Breakthrough with Insecure (2016–2021)
- Developed Insecure with Larry Wilmore, which was picked up by HBO in 2015.
- The show premiered in 2016 and received critical acclaim, with themes on Black female friendships, relationships, and identity.
- Nominated for multiple Emmys and Golden Globes.
- Final season aired in December 2021 after five successful seasons.
Film Career & Expanding Influence (2018–Present)
- 2018: Played a supporting role in The Hate U Give.
- 2019: Starred in Little alongside Regina Hall and Marsai Martin.
- 2020: Headlined The Photograph and The Lovebirds.
- 2022: Starred in Vengeance.
- 2023: Featured in Barbie, American Fiction, and voiced Jess Drew / Spider-Woman in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
- Upcoming: Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2025).
Business Ventures & Entrepreneurship
- Founded Hoorae Media, a multi-platform entertainment company.
- Launched Raedio (record label) in partnership with Atlantic Records.
- Co-owns Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, a Los Angeles-based coffee chain.
- Signed a five-year deal with WarnerMedia (2021).
Family and Relationships
Issa Rae married Louis Diame, a Senegalese businessman, in July 2021. The couple has maintained a private relationship, rarely discussing details publicly.
Family Table
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Abdoulaye Diop | Father (Pediatrician) |
| Delyna Diop | Mother (Teacher) |
| Louis Diame | Husband (Businessman) |
Physical Appearance
Issa Rae is known for her natural beauty and stylish looks, often embracing Afrocentric fashion and hairstyles.
Physical Attributes Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 63 kg (139 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | No |
| Piercings | Yes (ears) |
| Distinguishing Features | High cheekbones, radiant smile |
Issa Rae Net Worth & Income Sources
💰 Estimated Net Worth (2025): $10 – $15 million
Primary Sources of Income
- Acting & TV Production (Insecure, Awkward Black Girl, Barbie, Spider-Verse).
- Film Appearances (The Photograph, The Lovebirds, American Fiction).
- YouTube & Digital Content (Hoorae Media).
- Record Label – Raedio.
- Brand Endorsements & Business Ventures.
- Books & Publishing (The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl).
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| HBO Insecure | $2-3 million per season |
| Film Roles | $500K – $2 million per movie |
| YouTube & Hoorae Media | $1 million+ annually |
| Raedio (Record Label) | $500K – $1 million annually |
| Endorsements & Investments | $2-3 million |
| Total Net Worth (2025) | $10 – $15 million |
Lesser-Known Facts About Issa Rae
- Her real name, Jo-Issa Rae Diop, is a blend of her grandmothers’ names (Joyce and Isseu).
- She was rejected from multiple Hollywood projects before Insecure.
- She turned down stereotypical “sassy Black woman” roles early in her career.
- She is fluent in French.
- Her first job was at the Public Theater in New York.
- She helped raise $700K for the family of Alton Sterling after his shooting in 2016.
- She has a passion for real estate investment.
- She executive-produced A Black Lady Sketch Show.
- She canceled a Kennedy Center event in 2025 due to Trump’s interference in the arts.
- She is a strong advocate for Black creators in Hollywood.
FAQs About Issa Rae
Q: What is Issa Rae’s net worth in 2025?
A: Between $10 – $15 million.
Q: What is Issa Rae’s most famous role?
A: Issa Dee in Insecure.
Q: Is Issa Rae married?
A: Yes, to Louis Diame since 2021.
Q: What businesses does Issa Rae own?
A: Hoorae Media, Raedio (record label), Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen.
Conclusion
Issa Rae has redefined Black storytelling in Hollywood, balancing success in TV, film, and business. With a growing media empire, activism, and entrepreneurship, she remains a trailblazer for Black creatives.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.
