Why Everyone is Obsessed with Ayo Edebiri
design: Miranda Fournier
The people’s princess.
by NEVIN MAHONEY ★ JULY 14, 2024
The Bear has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. The hit FX/Hulu show follows chef Carmen (played by heartthrob Jeremy Allen White) as he takes over his late brother’s sandwich shop. White’s performance earned high praise, but the actor who instantly captivated the screen, and our hearts, was none other than Ayo Edebiri. Edebiri plays Sydney, an ambitious young chef who works for Carmen and tries to keep the chaotic kitchen in order. Edebiri, who has taken the world by storm, seems to be almost everywhere you look. With an Emmy and a Golden Globe under her belt, Edebiri is ready to make waves in Hollywood. After the awards run, she went on to host Saturday Night Live in February of 2024, creating, in my opinion, the most remarkable episode of the season. Before rising to stardom, it is crucial to understand the journey that shaped her into who she is today.
Laughs Guaranteed
Like many of you, I started following Ayo due to her giddy, eccentric comedy and social media presence. Edebiri started her career by attending NYU and originally majored in education. However, her love for standup made her change career paths and become a writer. Her friendship with classmate and Bodies Bodies Bodies breakout star Rachel Sennott — who later appeared in the film Bottoms with Edebiri — was her gateway to many viral videos and recognition from other improv groups, including Upright Citizens Brigade. Getting her start in comedy and performing roles in various hit TV shows like Big Mouth and What We Do in the Shadows cemented her in the comedy realm.
Behind Every Great Show
You and I most likely know Edebiri from her performance as Sydney in The Bear, where she captivates the screen so quickly that you could believe she isn’t really acting and keeps viewers wanting more. Honestly, I was excited for season three of The Bear, knowing Ayo would be directing a couple of episodes. With writing credits for shows such as What We Do in the Shadows and Dickinson, Edebiri was destined to have a picture-perfect directorial debut.
source: @ayoedebiri
The Bear’s episode six of season three, “Napkins,” shows Chef Tina’s backstory and connection with Carmen’s late brother. It was one of my favorites of the season, so seeing Ayo’s name in the director's credit was no surprise. The episode hits you with the harsh reality of the job hunt and is a heartbreaking high point for the season, exploring how Tina started working at The Original Beef and how the unabashed kindness of strangers can change someone’s life.
Star-Studded Style
With fame comes fashion. One can only expect impeccable fashion for awards season, especially with The Bear earning a whopping seven Golden Globe noms and 13 Emmy noms. Ayo graced the stage for her 2024 Golden Globes win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series in her drop-dead gorgeous red Prada dress.
source: @ayoedebiri
Ayo’s most recent red carpet look for the premiere of Inside Out 2 (in which she voices Envy), featured a jaw-dropping Bottega Veneta suit and black Bottega Veneta Cha-Cha mules.
source: @ayoedebiri
On a day-to-day basis, you can find Edebiri decked out in menswear, including trench coats, button-up shirts, ties, and loafers — making her yet another stylish woman defining menswear as more fashionable than ever.
Ayo has become one of the breakout stars these past couple of years, and I am SO looking forward to continuing to watch her shine in The Bear and seeing what else she has in store for us