WOMEN WE LOVE: Marsai Martin

What’s not to love about Marsai Martin? Best known for her role as Diane Johnson in the ABC comedy series “Black-ish”, this young star is already on her way to becoming an icon in the entertainment industry, rapidly achieving her goal “to be a legend”. Whether it be acting, singing, content creating, or even philanthropy, Marsai does it all! Not to mention, she’s the youngest person to ever produce a film, but don’t worry, we’ll get into that later.

Marsai got her flourishing career started early on (as if she hasn’t already) after being signed by an agency at the tender age of 5 and landing her first TV commercial for Choice Hotels. By the age of 9, Marsai and her family were off to L.A. in hopes to come across roles and opportunities, and, to say the least, this worked out in her favor, and it all started with a series of Meineke commercials.

In 2014, Marsai landed one of the most monumental roles of her career to date (so far). Alongside a cast of big names such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, and Jenifer Lewis, Marsai played the youngest daughter of an upper-middle-class Black family in the hit television series “Black-ish”. Marsai’s sassy, sneaky, and bizarrely intelligent character charmed viewers and left them wanting more from this overnight sensation. The sitcom was a hit, as it ran for 5 successful seasons with Marsai reprising her role and stealing America’s heart each time.

This award-winning show made Marsai an award-winning actress, earning her numerous NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, a Young Artist Award, a Young Entertainer Award, and many other amazing accolades. Marsai didn’t stop here, though. Whilst filming “Black-ish”, Marsai also pursued other acting opportunities, such as playing the main role of Melody Ellison in the drama film An American Girl Story: Melody 1963. She also dipped into voice acting, as she voiced characters for Nina, Goldie and Bear, “The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show”, “Elena of Avalor”, Paw Patrol: The Movie, and, most recently, "Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky". We love a diverse queen!

When the year 2019 hit, our young star turned into a young producer. After pitching a movie idea to Will Packer and Universal, Marsai Martin soon became the youngest Hollywood executive producer at 15 years old with her film titled Little, a movie about a career-obsessed woman (Regina Hall) who, one day, wakes up as a younger version of herself (Martin). Marsai both starred in and produced this fantasy-comedy, which soon led her to start up her own production company, Genius Productions, with her first film StepMonster already in the works!

Acting AND producing -- what else is next? Oh, that’s right, our girl is also for the people! Especially those within her own generation. In partnership with Eventbrite, Marsai started a project called The Social Connection, where the goal of increasing the social life and “connection” amongst Gen-Z through a series of live events is of top priority. Also, back in February, Marsai was named the face of Make Up For Ever’s latest campaign where she backs their new 40-shade HD Skin Foundation that promotes inclusivity and representation for all.

“They’re all about being inclusive and having everyone of all shades and all different nationalities come together,” Martin told PEOPLE.com. “I’m so grateful to be a part of it and show some representation for the young Black girls out there, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we go from here.”

If you think Marsai is anywhere near the finish line of her career, you’re wrong! Be on the lookout for Martin’s next movie Fantasy Football, expected to release on Paramount+ later this year!