Shonda Rhimes to be Inducted Into The Television Academy Hall of Fame
The Television Academy will be tapping acclaimed television screenwriter, producer and author Shonda Rhimes as its latest inductee into its Hall of Fame, making her the third African American woman to join the ranks of Honorees.
Rhimes, the fruitful showrunner responsible for Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, The Catch, How to Get Away with Murder, and Private Practice, will be honored alongside Hollywood’s biggest stars, including the late Joan Rivers, 10-time Emmy winning art director Roy Christopher (Fraiser), John Wells (The West Wing), and the entire 1975 original cast of Saturday Night Live (including Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, as well as the late Gilda Radner and John Belushi.) – according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“All of these individuals are innovators who have shaped television and left an indelible mark on the medium and our culture,” Hayma Washington, Chairman and CEO of the Television Academy said. “We are honored to welcome the latest group of distinguished individuals and look forward to showcasing their impacts for future generations.”
As the THR reports, the 2017 honorees will be celebrated November 15 during the Hall of Fame ceremony at the Academy’s Saban Media Center. Rhimes and the honorees will join more than 135 other TV professionals who have been inducted into the much-admired Hall of Fame since its launch in 1984. The new inductees mark the 24th Hall of Fame class, which recognizes outstanding influences in the sciences, arts or management of television thought their career achievements and contributions.
“Television’s evolution can be attributed to the substantial work of numerous individuals,” Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair Rick Rosen said –per THR. “It is a pleasure to honor a group whose contributions have had and will continue to have a powerful influence on our ever exciting and evolving industry.”
Ever since Rhimes launched her production company, Shondaland, back in 2005 – her career has skyrocketed and it looks like it won’t be slowing down any time soon. In August, Rhimes inked a multi-year deal with Netflix – with hopes to create new Shondaland original stories for the streaming service. Recently, Rhimes also tackled a few milestones with the 100th episode of her hit show Scandal – making her the first African American woman showrunner to hit the 100-episode mark three times.
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