Maya Erskine, born on May 7, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most exciting and versatile talents. Known for her groundbreaking work in both television and film, she has garnered widespread recognition for her performance in the critically acclaimed series PEN15. Co-created with her long-time friend and collaborator, Anna Konkle, PEN15 took the world by storm with its authentic portrayal of the awkwardness and hilarity of middle school. However, as of 2024, Maya Erskine is showcasing her talents in new and exciting ways, particularly with her role in the much-anticipated Prime Video series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, where she stars alongside Donald Glover.
In 2024, Maya is not only making waves in the acting world but also embracing her personal life milestones. She and her husband, actor Michael Angarano, announced they are expecting their second child. This marks another chapter in her flourishing career and growing family. Maya Erskine is one of those rare talents who can balance her personal and professional lives with grace, all while delivering stellar performances that keep audiences engaged.
Key Takeaways
- Maya Erskine is a talented American actress and writer, known for her roles in PEN15 and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
- She co-created PEN15 with her best friend Anna Konkle, which became a critical hit for its honest and hilarious take on adolescence.
- In 2024, Maya is making a splash with her role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, alongside Donald Glover, and has even been nominated for an Emmy for her performance.
- Maya is married to actor Michael Angarano, with whom she shares two children, including one on the way.
- Her diverse cultural background, with a Japanese-American mother and a jazz drummer father, has deeply influenced her career.
Maya Erskine’s Early Life and Background
Maya Erskine was born into a creative family. Her father, Peter Erskine, is a renowned jazz drummer, while her mother, Mutsuko Nigatawa, hails from Japan. Growing up in Los Angeles, Maya had the privilege of being surrounded by artistic influences that would eventually shape her career. She was exposed to the world of performance from a young age and showed an early interest in acting, which led her to study at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Later, she attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she honed her craft and developed a passion for storytelling.
Maya’s multicultural upbringing — with Japanese, American, and jazz influences — has played a significant role in her work. Her personal experiences and the stories of her family have informed much of her creative choices, especially in her writing and performances. Whether she’s playing the awkward middle schooler in PEN15 or navigating a spy thriller in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Maya’s unique perspective shines through.
Maya Erskine’s Big Break: PEN15
Maya’s breakthrough role came in 2019 with PEN15, a Hulu series she co-created and starred in alongside Anna Konkle. The show, set in the early 2000s, follows two 13-year-old girls navigating the trials of middle school. What set PEN15 apart was its use of adult actors, like Maya and Anna, to portray their younger selves, creating a comedic and sometimes cringe-worthy portrayal of adolescence. The show’s honesty and humor resonated deeply with viewers, especially those who experienced the same awkward moments of growing up in that era.
PEN15 became a critical success, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Maya’s performance as Maya Ishii-Peters was praised for its emotional depth, and her ability to balance humor with heart. In many ways, PEN15 served as a platform for Maya to show the world her talents as both an actress and a writer, paving the way for future opportunities.
Maya Erskine’s Personal Life – Family and Marriage
Maya Erskine is married to actor Michael Angarano, with whom she shares two children. The couple, who confirmed their engagement in 2020, welcomed their first child, a son named Leon Frederick, in 2021. In 2024, they announced that they are expecting their second child. Their relationship is often described as one of mutual support and understanding, with both partners pursuing their careers while balancing their growing family.
Maya’s mother, Mutsuko Nigatawa, who has Japanese roots, even appeared as Maya’s mother in PEN15. The close-knit nature of Maya’s family is a central part of her life, and she often speaks about the importance of family in shaping her career and personal identity.
The Latest: Maya Erskine in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and More
In 2024, Maya Erskine’s career continues to soar with her starring role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith alongside Donald Glover. The series, a modern adaptation of the 2005 film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has been met with much anticipation. Maya’s performance has earned her critical acclaim, and her partnership with Donald Glover has sparked plenty of excitement among fans and critics alike. Her ability to bring both humor and drama to her role as Jane Smith highlights her range as an actress and further solidifies her place in Hollywood.
In addition to her role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Maya is continuing to receive recognition for her work on PEN15, which remains a beloved show for many. Her success as both an actress and a writer shows her ability to juggle multiple roles while consistently delivering top-notch performances.
Maya Erskine’s Career in Movies and TV Shows
Maya Erskine’s filmography is diverse, with roles that span across genres. Her early career included guest spots on TV shows like Man Seeking Woman (2015) and films like Wine Country (2019). Her breakthrough role in PEN15 was just the beginning, with her subsequent roles continuing to demonstrate her versatility.
In 2023, Maya also starred in Blue Eye Samurai, a visually stunning series that combines elements of action and historical fiction. The show further established her as a versatile actress capable of taking on complex and varied roles.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Maya Erskine |
| Born | May 7, 1987, Los Angeles, California |
| Known For | PEN15, Mr. & Mrs. Smith |
| Spouse | Michael Angarano |
| Children | Leon Frederick (born 2021), Expecting second child in 2024 |
| Parents | Peter Erskine (father), Mutsuko Nigatawa (mother) |
| Notable Role | Maya Ishii-Peters in PEN15 |
| Upcoming Projects | Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) |
Conclusion
Maya Erskine’s rise in the entertainment world has been nothing short of remarkable. From her breakout role in PEN15 to her exciting new projects in 2024, she has proven herself to be an actress, writer, and producer to watch. Her unique perspective, shaped by her diverse background and personal experiences, continues to influence the roles she chooses and the stories she tells. Whether balancing her growing family with her thriving career or delivering memorable performances on screen, Maya Erskine’s journey is one of constant evolution, and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.
FAQ
Who is Maya Erskine married to?
Maya Erskine is married to actor Michael Angarano. The couple got engaged in 2020 and have two children together.
What is Maya Erskine known for?
Maya Erskine is best known for her role as Maya Ishii-Peters in the Hulu series PEN15, which she co-created and starred in with Anna Konkle. She is also known for her role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith alongside Donald Glover.
How many children does Maya Erskine have?
Maya Erskine has two children. Her first child, a son named Leon Frederick, was born in 2021. She is expecting her second child in 2024.
What is Maya Erskine’s latest project?
In 2024, Maya Erskine stars in the Prime Video series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, where she plays Jane Smith alongside Donald Glover.
What other TV shows and movies has Maya Erskine been in?
Maya Erskine has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including Man Seeking Woman (2015), Wine Country (2019), and Blue Eye Samurai (2023). She has also been praised for her role in PEN15.
What is PEN15 about?
PEN15 is a Hulu series co-created by Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle. The show follows two 13-year-old girls navigating the awkwardness of middle school in the early 2000s, with adult actresses playing the younger characters.