John Ridley

John Ridley IV is an American screenwriter, television director, novelist, and showrunner, known for his work on 12 Years a Slave, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. He is also the creator and showrunner of the anthology series American Crime. In 2017, Ridley directed the documentary film Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982–1992. Born on October 1, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ridley was raised in Mequon, Wisconsin. He graduated from Homestead High School in 1982 and later obtained a bachelor's degree in East Asian languages from New York University. Ridley has made significant contributions to the film and television industry with his compelling storytelling and thought-provoking work.