Aline Brosh McKenna
Biography
Aline Brosh McKenna (born August 2, 1967) is an American screenwriter, producer, and television creator known for her sharp dialogue, emotionally resonant storytelling, and strong female-driven narratives. She has written and produced several successful films and television series, gaining particular recognition for blending humor with character-driven drama.
Early Life and Education
Aline Brosh McKenna was born in France and raised in New Jersey in the United States. She pursued higher education at Harvard University, where she studied literature and developed her interest in writing and storytelling. Her academic background helped shape her narrative voice, characterized by wit, intelligence, and emotional nuance.
Early Career
McKenna began her career in television writing, contributing to various projects before transitioning into feature films. Her early work helped establish her reputation for crafting engaging dialogue and well-defined characters, especially women navigating professional and personal challenges.
Breakthrough: The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
McKenna achieved widespread recognition with her screenplay adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada (2006), based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger. The film, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, became both a commercial and cultural success.
Her script was praised for balancing satire, ambition, and emotional depth while exploring themes of career, identity, and mentorship. The film remains one of the most iconic fashion-industry dramas in modern cinema.
Film Career
Following her breakthrough, McKenna wrote several notable screenplays, including:
27 Dresses (2008)
Morning Glory (2010)
We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Cinderella (2015), live-action adaptation
Her work often focuses on characters navigating change, ambition, love, and self-discovery. She is known for writing intelligent romantic comedies and dramas that combine humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Television Success: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
McKenna co-created the musical comedy-drama series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019) alongside Rachel Bloom. The show was widely acclaimed for its innovative format, blending musical numbers with a thoughtful exploration of mental health, relationships, and identity.
The series earned critical praise and multiple awards, and it further solidified McKenna’s reputation as a creative force in television. Her work on the show demonstrated her ability to take risks with structure and genre while maintaining emotional authenticity.
Producing and Creative Leadership
In addition to writing, McKenna has served as an executive producer on many of her projects. Her leadership behind the scenes has allowed her to shape storytelling from development through production, ensuring a consistent creative vision.
She has also been involved in mentorship and advocacy efforts aimed at increasing opportunities for women in film and television.
