AYO EDEBIRI
Age: 27 • Actor
Only a few years ago, Edebiri was torn between a career in education or showbiz, studying to be a teacher at NYU and interning with improv group Upright Citizens Brigade. Comedy won. In 2019 she appeared on Comedy Central’s stand-up series Up Next, but it was her scene-stealing performance as an ambitious chef in 2022’s comedy-drama series The Bear that won praise from fans and critics. Says Edebiri: “Even if you’re at the highest level in your field, in the arts you’re always a freelancer. You’re always trying to make your own lane and your own path.” New projects include starring in the film Bottoms, a queer comedy set to release in 2023.