about
Born and raised in Chicago, Karimah Westbrook knew at an early age that storytelling was her passion. She started to perform in plays in elementary school and by the time she was in high school she realized that it would be her profession. She auditioned for the Academy of Dramatic Arts West in Pasadena and was admitted after high school. Following the program, she moved back to Chicago and earned her first role after crashing an audition for the Paramount hit film Save the Last Dance. That role brought her to Los Angeles, and she then procured her first role in a TV series, a guest starring part in City of Angels.
The versatile actress has worked consistently over the years including her first series regular role on the CW’s long-running hit All American for six seasons. Karimah portrayed devoted single parent Grace James opposite Taye Diggs. The drama masterfully weaved compelling stories of family, race, and coming of age while also shining a spotlight on powerful social issues. Her inspiring and relatable performance earned her a Black Reel nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Some of her other roles include guest starring roles on many hit shows, including Showtime’s award-winning drama Shameless, Masters of Sex, Freeform’s family series The Fosters, NBC’s crime drama Aquarius, and AMC’s period drama Mad Men. On the big screen, she co-starred in After We Collided, the sequel to After, based on Anna Todd’s bestselling book series. She also starred opposite Julianne Moore in Suburbicon as the wife and mother of the first black family to move into an all-white town.
The project, directed by George Clooney, was inspired by the true story of Daisy Myers, known as the Rosa Parks of the North. She also co-starred in American Violet opposite Alfre Woodard, The Rum Diary with Johnny Depp, and the independent feature Bolden, the reimagined life story of jazz icon Buddy Bolden. Her role in the romantic comedy American Fusion required the versatile actress to learn Mandarin Chinese. There is no challenge that Karimah cannot meet!
Her theatrical roles include an NAACP Theater Award nomination for her starring role in It’s Just Sex at the Secret Rose Theater in North Hollywood, Pieces at the Pasadena Playhouse, The Girls of Summer at the Avery Schreiber Playhouse, Boy’s Life at The Cast Theater and Glengarry Glen Ross at the Working Stage Theater. In addition, her credits include the Stella Adler Theater production of A Black Trilogy and Dawgs at the Ivar Theater.
While she has found tremendous creative satisfaction as an actress, she wanted to create her own opportunities. After being accepted into NBC’s Development Program she wrote two shows that piqued their interest. It was clear that Karimah’s talent extended to behind the camera. She co-wrote, produced, and starred in the short film Best Kept Secret earning a Best Actress nomination from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago and a BET Best Short nomination. She also produced the award-winning short film A Fire in Dovecot, as well as Watts & Volts, and Pastor Stuart.
Inspired by Jordan Peele's Get Out, Westbrook ventured into directing, seizing an opportunity to helm a concept film when no director was available. Her directorial debut, New Growth, a short film intended as a precursor to a feature of the same name, the film was showcased in the Cannes Film Festival short film corner and won Best Comedy Short in the Top Shorts Film Festival. This film led to her securing representation as a Director.
Offscreen, the multi-hyphenate enjoys giving back. She has mentored youth through A Place Called Home and volunteers with My Friend’s House Foundation, providing essentials to L.A.'s homeless community.
