Issa Rae jokes that she gained ‘new money weight’ after YouTube success as Insecure star radiates confidence on Women’s Health cover
She’s become a household name as a prominent writer and actress.
But Issa Rae admitted to Women’s Health that her self-esteem took a hit after her web series Awkward Black Girl propelled her into the spotlight.
The 34-year-old Insecure star joked that after years of budgeting with little income, she gained ‘new money weight’ now that she had a little more freedom with her time and funds.
Standing strong: Issa Rae admitted to Women’s Health that her self-esteem took a hit after her web series Awkward Black Girl propelled her into the spotlight
‘When the web series started, I was very, very broke,’ she admitted. ‘Then more opportunities began to come.
‘I was gaining New Money Weight. When you get a new job, you’re like, “I can afford to eat at restaurants all the time!” That adds up in weight.’
Her series premiered on YouTube in 2011 and she used her voice to propel African-American experiences and stories not often seen or told in mainstream media.
She partnered with Larry Wilmore in 2013 to write the comedy series Insecure, which was picked up in 2015 by HBO and has since received all kinds of critical acclaim.
More money, more problems: The 34-year-old Insecure star joked that after years of budgeting with little income, she gained ‘new money weight’ now that she had a little more freedom with her time and funds
‘I was gaining New Money Weight. When you get a new job, you’re like, “I can afford to eat at restaurants all the time!” That adds up in weight,’ she said
‘Time to work out is so limited, but when I first started seeing myself on TV, I was like, “I gotta make time,”‘ she said.
With the show heading into production on its fourth season, Rae admitted that it’s important to have strong, like-minded individuals on your side.
‘Find a good team,’ she said. ‘Find a good team. It matters … It’s enabled me not to lose my mind.’
Talk about it: Her series premiered on YouTube in 2011 and she used her voice to propel African-American experiences and stories not often seen or told in mainstream media
She credits phone calls with mentors Ava DuVernay and Debbie Allen as a form of self-help.
‘We, as black women, don’t take care of ourselves enough,’ she said reminiscing about a time DuVernay insisted Rae see a doctor following an allergic reaction.
Showing no signs of slowing down though, she worked with 14-year-old phenom Marsai Martin on her latest project, Little, and is in pre-production of three films, The Lovebirds with Kumail Nanjiani, Empress of Serenity with Bill Hader and American Princess.
In stride: Showing no signs of slowing down though, she worked with 14-year-old phenom Marsai Martin on her latest project, Little, and is in pre-production of three films, The Lovebirds with Kumail Nanjiani, Empress of Serenity with Bill Hader and American Princess