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Who Is the Scene-Stealing Star of ‘Shrill,’ Lolly Adefope?

If you've already binged both seasons of Hulu's Shrill, you know (and love) Lolly Adefope, the British actress and comedian behind Fran, BFF of protagonist Annie (Aidy Bryant). 

Whether you haven't seen Shrill (which, why?) or you have, keep reading for everything you need to know about this incredible up-and-comer. 

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lolly adefope green suit
Monica Schipper/getty images

1. Who Is Lolly Adefope?

She's a 29-year-old actress and comedian who grew up in London. She studied English at Loughborough University in the east of England, which is where she picked up sketch comedy. 

lolly adefope in shrill
Allyson Riggs/hulu

2. Who Is Fran In 'shrill'?

In the Hulu series Shrill (which is based on writer Lindy West's book of the same name), Adefope plays Fran, Annie's best friend and roommate.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Adefope said of Fran, "There is obviously the 'black best friend' stereotype, but I think Fran’s a little bit different—because you see a very real example of female friendship...It’s very real and good to see—not two women as rivals, but just two women trying to be their best selves and the complications that come with that." 

lolly adefope miracle workers
tbs

3. What Else Has Lolly Adefope Been In?

In addition to Shrill, Adefope played Rosie (in season 1) and Maggie (in season 2) in TBS's Miracle Workers, alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi. She also appeared in 2018's Mission Impossible: Fallout, among other roles. 

lolly adefope ghosts
bbc one

4. What's Next For Adefope?

While Shrill hasn't been picked up for a third season yet, Aidy Bryant is hopeful, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "I would love to do a third season, and we have so many ideas that I feel like I would be so excited to weave in there." Fingers crossed so tightly. 

Adefope also continues to appear in Miracle Workers, and is currently starring in the BBC One series Ghosts, about a collection of ghosts from different historical periods haunting a country house while sharing it with its new living occupants. 

5. Is She On Social Media?

Oh she sure is—and she's wonderful. Adefope can be found on Instagram and Twitter @lollyadefope. On Insta, expect silly behind-the-scenes shots and glam photoshoots (like the one above from The Cut), while smart retweets and funny one-offs abound on Twitter.  



sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...