Donald Glover revealed that Tina Fey reportedly told him he was hired as one of the writers on 30 Rock because of NBC’s diversity initiative.
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Glover landed his first writing job on the show in 2006 when he was 23. According to the Independent, NBC introduced its diversity initiative, which allowed shows to add Black writers to the writers’ room without impacting the budget. In an interview with GQ, the ‘Swarm’ creator said he was applying for the same writing job with Kenya Barris, and Tina Fey told him he was a ‘diversity hire.’
“It was a diversity thing. There is no animosity between us or anything like that, but she said it herself The last two people who were fighting for the job were me and Kenya Barris, I didn’t know it was between me and him until later.”
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He added that Kenya Barris reportedly messaged him and said, “I hated you for years,” in reference to him getting the writing position for 30 Rock. Additionally, he felt like he didn’t deserve the job and felt a bit of imposter syndrome.
“It definitely didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there. I used to have stress dreams every night where I was doing cartwheels on the top of a New York skyscraper with the other writers watching me.”
In response to the interview, fans on social media had different opinions about the industry using diverse hires to meet a certain quota.
And she didn’t lie, as most actors/actresses/artists of color who were that “one token minority” in certain white-led shows like 30 Rock or Parks and Rec in that space have needed to be. It’s getting work, and also a form of access.
— ✽ 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐙𝐎 (@KHAOSCAPTIVE) April 5, 2023
This is what Tina wrote in her book “Bossypants” in 2011: “Donald was our only African-American writer at the time, but his real diversity was that he was our only ‘cool young person’ who could tell us what the ‘kids were listening to these days.’”
— Josebie (@the_josie_show) April 5, 2023
There was an episode on “30 Rock” highlighting diversity hires…Tina Fey’s character was revealed to be one as well…
— Wayner (@WAYNE1964) April 7, 2023
The things white people will “joke” with you once they feel comfortable with you is wild- and often painful. https://t.co/LPgVC1wtao
— The Intersectional Anansesem (@Tarantrinn) April 6, 2023
After his stint on 30 Rock, Glover appeared as a cast member on the NBC comedy series “Community.” Glover is also a successful musician, performing under the stage name Childish Gambino.
In 2011, Glover released his debut studio album “Camp,” which was followed by “Because the Internet” in 2013 and “Awaken, My Love!” in 2016. His music has been praised for its blending of different genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and funk.
As an actor, Glover has appeared in a number of films, including “The Martian” (2015) and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017). He also voiced the character of Simba in the 2019 live-action adaptation of “The Lion King.”
In 2016, Glover created and starred in the FX series “Atlanta,” which has been praised for its unique storytelling and commentary on issues facing black Americans. The show has earned numerous awards, including two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Glover himself.
Overall, Donald Glover has established himself as a multi-talented artist, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base for his work in various mediums.