skip to Main Content

Twenties Webseries Actress And Actor

Twenties Webseries Actress And Actor

Twenties is an English comedy series. It has Christina Elmore, Jonica T. Gibbs, Gabrielle Graham etc in the lead roles. The series is streaming online on BET since 4 March 2020.

Twenties Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Story, Trailer, Release date and more

Check out below for Twenties Series (2020): Cast, Release date, Full HD episodes, High-Speed online streaming, Watch All Episodes, Story

Twenties Series Cast

  • Madeleine Byrne
  • Sophina Brown
  • Christina Elmore
  • Jonica T. Gibbs
  • Ashli Haynes
  • Sheria Irving
  • Gabrielle Graham
  • Alex Akpobome

Twenties Series Release Date:

4 March 2020 (BET)

Twenties Series Trailer

Twenties Series Watch Online & Download

Also Read:

Dunali Part 2 Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Story, Trailer, Release date and more 

(Free) Target (Hotstar) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer, Release date and more

(Free) High Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Story, Trailer, Release date and more

(Free) Daav (Hotstar) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer, Release date and more

Grahan (Disney+ Hotstar) Star Cast, Real Name, Web Series Story, Wiki & More

Riti Riwaj Mann Marzi (Ullu) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer, Release date and more

Palang Tod Kirayedar (Ullu) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer, Release date and more

Charmsukh Chawl House (Ullu) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer & Release date


The New Vanguard of Hollywood: Spotlight on the Cast of Lena Waithe’s ‘Twenties’

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern television, few shows have managed to be both culturally significant and genuinely funny in their depiction of navigating early adulthood. Lena Waithe’s BET series, ‘Twenties,’ stands as a landmark, chronicling the chaotic yet hopeful journey of a queer Black woman and her two straight best friends trying to “make it” in the high-stakes, fast-paced world of Los Angeles.

More than just a comedy, ‘Twenties’ made television history, and its stars have since become some of the most exciting talents to watch in film and TV. This article delves into the lives and careers of the actresses and actors who brought this groundbreaking series to life, from the aspiring writer at its core to the power-player producer who gives her a shot.


The Groundbreaking Premise: A Cultural Milestone

Premiering on BET in 2020, Twenties is a semi-autobiographical series loosely based on the early life of its Emmy-winning creator, Lena Waithe. The show follows Hattie, an aspiring screenwriter in her mid-twenties, a character that struggles with everything from securing a stable job to navigating a complicated dating life.

The series garnered praise for its sharp writing, relatable humor, and, most importantly, its historic significance.

A New Era of Representation on Television

Twenties is celebrated for being the first television comedy series on a major network to center a masculine-of-center Black lesbian as its protagonist. This representation was described by critics as “game-changing,” particularly for airing on BET, a network not historically known for its prominent depictions of Black queer characters.

The story is a modern take on the classic “best friends navigating the city” trope, distinguished by its focus on intersectionality, addressing themes of race, sexuality, relationships, and the unique challenges faced by Black women in a cutthroat industry.

Key Characters and Their Roles:

  • Hattie (Jonica T. Gibbs): A broke, queer aspiring screenwriter constantly running into bad luck but buoyed by an infectious optimism. She is the heart of the show and its narrative center.
  • Marie (Christina Elmore): Hattie’s straight best friend, a driven and ambitious television studio executive trying to climb the corporate ladder while managing a complex relationship.
  • Nia (Gabrielle Graham): The third member of the trio, a spiritual, free-spirited yoga teacher and aspiring actress trying to balance her ideals with the realities of Hollywood.

The Leading Ladies: Actresses Who Define the Twenties Experience

The immediate success and relatability of Twenties are inextricably linked to the compelling performances of its three leading actresses, each of whom brought a depth and authenticity to their roles that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

1. Jonica ‘Jojo’ T. Gibbs (Hattie)

Jonica T. Gibbs, affectionately known as ‘Jojo,’ delivered a breakout performance as Hattie, the protagonist whose journey anchors the series. Her portrayal of Hattie—a character loosely based on Lena Waithe herself—was noted for its confidence and authenticity.

Career Journey and Breakthrough:

  • From Stand-Up to Star: Prior to Twenties, Gibbs had already started pursuing a career in comedy and acting, even co-developing a web series called No More Comics in L.A. with a close friend.
  • First Audition, Lead Role: Twenties was a significant turning point in her career, as the lead role of Hattie was, remarkably, her very first major audition.
  • Significance of the Role: Gibbs has frequently discussed the importance of portraying Hattie, highlighting the significance of seeing a Black, masculine-of-center lesbian at the center of a major television comedy. She effectively channeled a blend of ambition, vulnerability, and comedic timing, making Hattie one of the decade’s most memorable TV characters.

Recent and Notable Work:

Since her work on Twenties, Gibbs has expanded her filmography into both television and film, confirming her status as a talent to watch:

  • Fresh (2022): She starred in the critically acclaimed horror-thriller film alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan.
  • Past Lives (2023) and Civil War: Gibbs has a supporting role in the Academy Award-nominated film Past Lives and the highly-anticipated A24 film Civil War.
  • Other TV Work: She also had a recurring role in the Freeform series Good Trouble and lent her voice to the scripted podcast The Left Right Game.

2. Christina Elmore (Marie)

As Marie, Christina Elmore plays the career-focused friend who serves as the foil and anchor for Hattie’s more chaotic energy. Her character’s journey explores the pressures of professional success and the complexities of committed relationships in her twenties.

Background and Acclaim:

  • Academic Excellence: Elmore’s background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American studies from Harvard University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the American Conservatory Theater.
  • Pre-Twenties Career: Before landing the role of Marie, Elmore was already a known face in prestige television. She was a series regular on The Last Ship for five seasons and had a notable and critically acclaimed recurring role on HBO’s Insecure as Condola Hayes.
  • Awards Recognition: Her compelling performance in Twenties earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021.

Recent and Notable Work:

Elmore continues to build a strong career across various platforms:

  • Under the Bridge (2023): Elmore was cast in a prominent role in the series Under the Bridge, based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the murder of Reena Virk.
  • Early Film Work: Her early film credits include a small role in the 2013 critically acclaimed film Fruitvale Station, marking her feature film debut.

3. Gabrielle Graham (Nia)

Gabrielle Graham brings to life the character of Nia, the free spirit trying to find her artistic and spiritual footing in a city obsessed with material success. Her struggle to balance her aspirations as an actress with her practical job as a yoga teacher provides a relatable storyline about the constant hustle of L.A. life.

International Rise to Prominence:

  • Canadian Talent: Graham is a Canadian actress who studied acting at York University.
  • Film Credits: Even while starring in Twenties, Graham maintained a notable film career. She appeared in the Ruth Bader Ginsburg biographical drama On the Basis of Sex (2018) and the sci-fi thriller In the Shadow of the Moon (2019).
  • Critically Praised Film Role: Her performance as Holly in the 2020 sci-fi horror film Possessor earned critical praise, showcasing her dramatic range far beyond the comedic elements of Twenties.

Recent and Future Projects:

Graham’s career continues to gain momentum:

  • Award Nomination: She received a Canadian Screen Award nomination in 2023 for Best Performance in a Television Film or Miniseries for her work in Swindler Seduction.
  • The Madness (Netflix): Graham is set to co-star in the highly anticipated Netflix limited series The Madness, confirming her continued rise as a versatile actress.

The Supporting Players: Actors and Actresses Who Round Out the World

The depth of Twenties is also due to its well-cast supporting actors, who brought color and dimension to Hattie’s professional and personal life, and added the ‘Actor’ component of the user’s search query.

Sophina Brown (Ida B.)

Sophina Brown plays Ida B., Hattie’s boss—a formidable and successful Black Hollywood producer/writer. Ida B. is portrayed as an intimidating but inspirational figure who serves as a mentor, offering Hattie a foot-in-the-door as a writers’ room assistant, while also providing a sharp dose of reality about the industry. Brown, known for roles in popular shows like Numb3rs and 9-1-1, masterfully embodies the powerful and demanding boss archetype.

Big Sean (Tristan)

One of the most notable guest stars in the series is Grammy-nominated rapper Big Sean, who made his live-action fictional acting debut in the second season of Twenties.

  • Role in the Series: Big Sean plays Tristan, a character who becomes a love interest for Nia. Tristan is portrayed as a calm, anti-social media guy who eventually sees the value of online connection, presenting a character who is a clear departure from the rapper’s public persona.
  • Casting Story: Creator Lena Waithe personally approached Big Sean for the role, believing he fit the character so well that she didn’t even require him to audition.

The Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact

The critical consensus for Twenties was overwhelmingly positive, with the series receiving a score of 73/100 on Metacritic and a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The show was heralded not only as a hilarious and relatable comedy but also as a necessary piece of television.

Key Facets of the Show’s Impact:

  • Elevating Black Queer Stories: By putting Hattie, a masculine-of-center lesbian, at the forefront, Twenties created an unprecedented space for authentic representation of Black queer life in mainstream comedy.
  • The Power of Female Friendship: The core of the series lies in the deep and complex friendship between Hattie, Marie, and Nia, offering another perspective on the “sister squad” dynamic that became popular in Black television shows.
  • Launchpad for Talent: Beyond the creator’s success, the series has served as a launchpad for its lead, Jonica T. Gibbs, and a significant showcase for the talents of Christina Elmore and Gabrielle Graham, propelling them into major film and streaming projects.

While the series concluded after two seasons in 2021, the cultural conversation it sparked and the careers it launched continue to define its place as a pivotal moment in the new vanguard of Black Hollywood storytelling.


AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: What is the main plot of the ‘Twenties’ web series on BET?

A: The main plot of the ‘Twenties’ series (aired on BET and created by Lena Waithe) follows Hattie, a queer Black woman and aspiring screenwriter, and her two straight best friends, Marie (a television executive) and Nia (an aspiring actress/yoga teacher), as they navigate the challenges of their mid-twenties in Los Angeles—including dating, career ambition, and their evolving friendship.

Q2: Who plays the main actress, Hattie, in the ‘Twenties’ series?

A: The main character, Hattie, is played by actress and comedian Jonica T. Gibbs (Jojo T. Gibbs). Her role as Hattie is historically significant, marking the first time a Black masculine-of-center lesbian was the protagonist of a television comedy series on a major network like BET.

Q3: Did rapper Big Sean act in the ‘Twenties’ show, and what was his role?

A: Yes, rapper Big Sean appeared in Season 2 of the BET series Twenties, marking his live-action fictional acting debut. He played the recurring role of Tristan, a love interest for one of the main characters, Nia, who initially holds anti-social media views.

Q4: What other famous TV shows or movies are the ‘Twenties’ actresses known for?

A: The main actresses have notable careers outside of Twenties:

  • Jonica T. Gibbs has appeared in the film Fresh (2022) and major cinematic releases like Past Lives and Civil War.
  • Christina Elmore is widely recognized for her recurring role as Condola Hayes in the HBO series Insecure and as Lt. Alisha Granderson in the drama The Last Ship.
  • Gabrielle Graham received critical praise for her work in the sci-fi horror film Possessor and is set to star in the Netflix series The Madness.

Q5: Who is the creator of the ‘Twenties’ series?

A: The Twenties television series was created and executive produced by Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress Lena Waithe. The plot is semi-autobiographical, drawing inspiration from Waithe’s own experiences when she first moved to Los Angeles in her twenties.

This Post Has 0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top