Nigerian-British actor David Oyelowo and American media personality Oprah Winfrey will be producing Nigerian-American actress Yvonne Orji’s autobiographical comedy series First Gen.
Yvonne revealed this by sharing post from Deadline magazine in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
She said five years after been told ‘No’ her series will finally be brought to life with Disney Plus.
“Well… when one door closes. God still got a blessin witchyo name on it! The trailer I shot in 2015 for this family sitcom I desperately wanted to create, is what helped me get an audition for @insecurehbo.
“FIVE YEARS LATER (after being told “NO” SEV. ER. AL. Times), my lil engine that could, finally has a home with the @disneyplus family. Thank you @davidoyelowo for believing in the dream FROM JUMP, and Lady @oprah for coming on board as our Fairy Godmother,” she wrote.
In the article Yvonne shared, it says First Gen was wittern by Yvonne and tells the story of her personal experiences growing up as a Nigerian immigrant in America.
It said as a child Yvonne was caught between trying to honor her parents and culture while simultaneously trying to assimilate to American life.
Oyelowo also shared the news on Instagram.
He said, “It’s cool to make stuff with friends, but even cooler to do so with family. @yvonneorji @oprah & I are bringing you a @disneyplus Nigerian comedy about growing up Naija in the USA.”
Oyelowo will executive produce under his Yoruba Saxon Productions banner, with Winfrey and Carla Gardini executive producing for Harpo Films.
Yvonne is best known for her role as Molly on the hit HBO series Insecure, she was nominated for an Emmy for best supporting actress in a comedy for the show in 2020.
She won a Black Reel Award for her role as Molly.
Insecure also announced it will be coming on Wednesday after its fifth season.
Reacting to the news Yvonne said, “It’s, crazy. Seems like it was just yesterday that we were starting this journey… and now, it’s time to say goodbye. I know we’ve caused y’all stress (with our bad decisions), joy (in our friendships), hope (in Black love) and laughter (with all the awkward moments).
“Thru it all, we thank YOU ALL for rocking with us! And MAJOR SHOUT OUT to the visionary herself, @issarae for creating such excellence! And to @the_a_prentice & @msmelina for being our fearless leaders!”
Insecure first aired on October 9, 2016.
Yvonne, 37, was born in Port Harcourt but grew up in Laurel, Maryland US.
