Tracee Ellis Ross Inks Overall Deal With ABC Signature

Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross has inked an multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature, which produces the hit ABC comedy series. Under the pact, Ross’ production company, Joy Mill Entertainment, will be based at the studio and will produce content across broadcast, cable, and streaming.

“I love sharing stories and using storytelling as a way to connect and celebrate humanity,” said Ross. “As an actor, I’ve had the joy of inhabiting nuanced and dynamic roles. As an executive producer, I am able to build stories, gather creatives and shape worlds as a way to illuminate different realities. This deal continues my journey as a storyteller and content creator. I am thrilled to finally be sharing the news and expanding this part of my artistry at my home studio, ABC Signature. Jonnie Davis, Tracy Underwood, and their team have been incredible collaborators, and I am eager to continue our shared journey.”

Joy Mill Entertainment’s aims to “amplify multilayered stories that reframe assumptions about how we see ourselves and each other,” by reflecting humanity in its narratives, encouraging freedom of expression and producing content that inspires possibility and joy.

Adriana Ambriz is joining Joy Mill Entertainment as the new head of development. She was most recently with One Community, responsible for acquiring, developing and producing feature films. Prior to that, she was senior director of original programming at BET, responsible for overseeing the development and production of network shows such as Mandela, Tales, and Street Dreams: The Story of Nas.

“Tracee is a beloved member of the ABC Signature family and, as everyone knows, has brought so much to our ‘ish’ universe,” said Jonnie Davis, president of ABC Signature. “We also love and admire Tracee’s passion for storytelling and developing projects, so we’re thrilled that Joy Mill Entertainment will be housed at our studio. We’re already incredibly excited by the projects she’s bringing to us in this new role.”

In addition to her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on Black-ish, Ross also serves as executive producer, and co-creator of the prequel series Mixed-ish. She narrates the series about the childhood of the future Dr. Johnson. Ross is currently up for her fourth Emmy Award for her work on Black-ish for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She has also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and six NAACP Image Awards. Her other acting credits include Girlfriends, Reed Between The Lines, and most recently The High Note. In addition to her acting credits, Ross is the founder and CEO of Pattern, a hair-care brand she created for the curly, coily, tight hair textures.

She is repped by UTA, Artists First, ID, and Hansen Jacobson.