More Medavoy - Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Biography

Salli Richardson-Whitfield made Emmy history as the first Black woman nominated for Outstanding Directing Drama Series for her penultimate episode of the final season of HBO and Adam McKay's WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY. Salli has been under a multi-year overall deal with HBO since 2020.

Salli continues to serve as executive producer and director on season three of the hit HBO drama, THE GILDED AGE, the period drama exploring the conflict between old and new money in New York from creator Julian Fellowes; she will next return in her role as executive producer and director on season two TASK from creator Brad Ingelsby, a contemporary, gritty crime drama shaped by class tension, moral ambiguity, and emotional weight. Salli previously served as director and executive producer on the HBO series WINNING TIME, about ‘80s NBA basketball.

Aside from her historic Emmy nomination, Salli’s other awards and nominations include a second Emmy nomination in 2024 for Outstanding Drama Series for her role as executive producer on THE GILDED AGE. Again in 2024, she received two Gracie Awards for both WINNING TIME and THE GILDED AGE, and a third Gracie award in 2026 for her work as a producer on THE GILDED AGE. Salli received a 2022 Hugo Award nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation for THE WHEEL OF TIME, a 2014 Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series for PASTOR BROWN, a 2019 Black Reel Award nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series for BLACK-ISH, a 2010 NAACP Image Award Nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for EUREKA, and a 2026 NAACP Image Award Nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series for THE GILDED AGE. At the 2026 American Black Film Festival, Salli was honored with the Evolution Award, presented to “exceptional talent whose creative journey reflects remarkable growth, having achieved success across multiple art forms, while expanding opportunities for others.”

Inspired by director Ava DuVernay, Salli transitioned from a celebrated acting career to directing, beginning with two episodes of QUEEN SUGAR. Her extensive directing portfolio includes notable projects such as Hulu's REPRISAL, Apple's SEE, Netflix's DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, THE PUNISHER, and ALTERED CARBON, as well as Starz’ AMERICAN GODS, Showtime’s THE CHI, and ABC’s SCANDAL.

Previously one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading ladies, Salli starred in over 20 major motion pictures alongside icons like Samuel L. Jackson in THE GREAT WHITE HYPE, Denzel Washington in ANTWONE FISHER, and Will Smith in I AM LEGEND. On television, she is known for her roles in the long-running Syfy series EUREKA, FAMILY LAW, and the award-winning THE NEWSROOM.

When she's not behind the camera or in front of it, the Chicago native enjoys golfing and cherishes time on the green with her husband, actor/activist Dondre Whitfield, and their two children, Parker and Dre.

Salli resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to inspire and break barriers in the entertainment industry.