Shonda Rhimes Parents: Meet Ilee Rhimes, Vera Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes is a renowned American television producer, screenwriter, and author, who is known for creating several popular television shows.

Shonda Rhimes was born in Chicago, Illinois, as the youngest of six children to college professor Vera P. and university administrator Ilee Rhimes, Jr.

Her mother continued her education while raising their six children, eventually earning a PhD in educational administration in 1991. Her father, who has an MBA, worked as the University of Southern California’s chief information officer (CIO) until 2013.

Rhimes lived with her two older brothers and three older sisters in Park Forest South (now University Park, Illinois). She has stated that she had an early affinity for storytelling. She volunteered at a hospital while in high school, which sparked her interest in hospital settings.

Shonda Lynn Rhimes is best known as the creator, head writer, and executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy, its spin-off Private Practise, and the political thriller series Scandal.

Shonda Rhimes was also an executive producer on the ABC television shows Off the Map, How to Get Away with Murder, The Catch, and Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Station 19.