Ashley Blaine Featherson is a talented television and film actress best known for her breakout role as ‘Joelle Brooks’ in Netflix’s “Dear White People.” Since the series debuted in 2017, the show has received accolades across the board. Variety, described Featherson’s ‘Joelle’ as “pitch-perfect,” and TV Guide said the actress “is the comic force of the show.” In Volume 2 and Volume 3, Featherson continues to steal scenes and reviews with her stunning cover of Erykah Badu’s classic, ‘Tyrone,’ the only cast member featured on the soundtrack. “Dear White People” will return for the fourth and final season summer 2020.

Born in Washington, D.C. Ashley knew at an early age that arts were her calling. She enrolled in theatre classes at the prestigious Studio Theatre in the D.C. where she starred in over a dozen productions. The young star went on to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in musical theater from the prestigious Historically Black University Howard University, following in the footsteps of Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad and Ruby Dee. After graduating, Featherson moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of a career in television and film. Ashley starred in the film DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (2014) as well as Amber Tamblyn’s directorial debut, PAINT IT BLACK, on the big screen; and in the 2016 ABC pilot, DREW, and guest starred in Fox’s GLEE on the small screen. 

Alongside Emmy-winner Lena Waithe, Featherson co-created the groundbreaking web series, HELLO CUPID. Vulture selected CUPID as one of the best web series of 2014 and The Boston Globe went further, declaring the series, and Ashley, deserving of Emmys.  In 2018 Featherson again stood out and was hailed for her starring role in the MACRO produced series, LEIMERT PARK, at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Featherson lives in Los Angeles, CA with her pitbull Diva. An avid cook, she enjoys cooking a variety of eclectic and southern dishes. Additionally, Ashley is a wellness enthusiast who actively advocates for mental health resources, particularly for disenfranchised communities.

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