Natasha Rothwell, a Waldorf, Maryland, native, has earned her second Emmy nomination for her role as Belinda Lindsey in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3, which premiered in February 2025.
The 44-year-old actress, writer, and producer was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, alongside Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, and Aimee Lou Wood, as announced by the Television Academy. Rothwell’s performance as a spa manager navigating workplace challenges in Thailand has drawn critical acclaim, building on her 2022 Emmy nomination for the same character in the show’s first season.
Born on October 18, 1980, in Wichita, Kansas, Natasha Rothwell grew up in a military family, with her father’s U.S. Air Force career prompting moves across New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, and Turkey. She spent her teenage years in Waldorf, graduating from Westlake High School in 1999. Rothwell initially pursued journalism at Ithaca College but later transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre performance on a full creative and performing arts scholarship.
Natasha Rothwell’s career spans comedy, acting, writing, and producing. She honed her comedic skills through improv with Washington Improv Theater, Peoples Improv Theater, and Upright Citizens Brigade in New York. Her writing credits include a stint at Saturday Night Live in 2013, where she penned Taraji P. Henson’s 2015 monologue, earning a 2016 Writers Guild Award nomination.
As an actress, Rothwell gained recognition as Kelli Prenny in HBO’s Insecure (2016–2021), winning a 2022 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. She has also appeared in Search Party, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Love, Victor, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and films like Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Wonka (2023), and Wish (2023).
In 2024, Natasha Rothwell created and starred in Hulu’s How to Die Alone, a comedy series produced under her company, Big Hattie Productions, which has a deal with ABC Signature since 2021. Beyond her creative work, Rothwell is a vocal advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and civil rights. She has spoken out against anti-immigration policies and police brutality and openly discussed her ADHD diagnosis, raising awareness about mental health. Rothwell resides in Los Angeles with her two goldendoodle dogs, Lloyd Dobler and Wilson.
Rothwell’s 2025 Emmy nomination for The White Lotus Season 3 follows her 2022 nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for the same role. In Season 1, her portrayal of Belinda Lindsey, a spa manager facing microaggressions and unfulfilled aspirations, resonated with audiences. Her return in Season 3, set in Thailand, showcases her ability to bring depth to complex characters. Rothwell expressed gratitude and excitement for the nomination on social media, reflecting her influence in the entertainment industry.
Natasha Rothwell’s connection to Waldorf, Maryland, remains a point of pride. Growing up as the daughter of David and Sharon Rothwell, with siblings Tamika, Tiffany, and David, she credits her diverse experiences for shaping her storytelling. Her education at the University of Maryland laid the foundation for her multifaceted career, cementing her status as a hometown success story.
