Nadine Rajabi
Biography
Nadine Rajabi is a trailblazing figure in the entertainment industry, known for her groundbreaking work as America’s first professional Iranian female comedian and as an Emmy-nominated executive producer. With over 25 years of experience, Nadine has built a remarkable career spanning comedy, television production, and live performance, earning recognition for her creativity, leadership, and versatility.
Early Life and Background
Though she holds a B.A. in Biology and an M.B.A., Nadine’s passion has always been storytelling and entertainment. From an early age, she displayed a bold, fun-loving, and impassioned approach to life, which helped her break through barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Her adventurous spirit extends beyond entertainment—she is a national champion black belt, a world-class soccer player, a competitive snowboarder, and uniquely, the only person to have delivered a TED Talk about a unibrow.
Stand-Up Comedy and Early Career
Nadine began her career in comedy, quickly gaining attention for her humor, wit, and stage presence. She worked as a writer, producer, and on-air personality for National Lampoon’s College Network and hosted her own daily radio show, Nadine @ Nite on Sirius/XM. She performed at leading comedy clubs across the United States and participated in USO tours, entertaining troops in the Middle East, demonstrating her dedication to spreading laughter on a global scale.
Television Production Career
Nadine is best known for her role as the Executive Producer of Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, now in its ninth season. She has overseen the Mediterranean franchise since its inception, guiding all aspects of production and creative direction. Under her leadership, the series has become the fastest-growing franchise on television, both on cable and network platforms, and continues to receive praise from major publications including Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair. The show has also garnered nominations from the Television Academy’s Emmy Awards and E!’s People’s Choice Awards.
Expanding the franchise, Nadine has produced the original Below Deck series and launched Below Deck: Down Under, demonstrating her skill in developing engaging storytelling across new locations and formats. Her production company, Tanks Girl Productions, holds a first-look deal with NBC Universal Cable, further cementing her reputation as a visionary creator and producer.
Industry Recognition and Affiliations
Nadine is affiliated with prominent industry guilds, including SAG/AFTRA, the Producers Guild of America, and the Writers Guild of America. Her contributions to entertainment have earned her critical acclaim, including Emmy nominations, while her diverse talents continue to set her apart in an industry that values innovation and multifaceted skill sets.