Midori Francis may be best known as Lily from Netflix’s hit series Dash & Lily or as Bela from HBO Max’s comedy The Sex Lives of College Girls; both roles earned her critical acclaim prior to becoming streaming sensations. Before becoming an internet darling though, Midori Francis had already made waves in theatre circles by winning awards and garnering praise for performances in Off-Broadway plays.
Francis was raised in Rumson, New Jersey by her Japanese father and Irish-Italian mother and quickly discovered an affinity for acting. Ultimately she graduated with a BFA from Rutgers University’s acting program; later traveling abroad for study at Shakespeare’s Globe London where she performed at multiple plays during that semester.
Francis made her mark on the theatre scene with roles in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Wolves, and Usual Girls. In 2016, Francis won the New York Innovative Theatre Award for Best Actress; ensemble awards at Obie and Drama Desk Awards followed in 2017 while she received outstanding actress in Play nods at both ceremonies as well.
Breaking into Hollywood: How Midori Francis Landed Her First Film and TV Roles
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Francis made her feature film debut as a minor character in Ocean’s 8 in 2018, playing a waitress role. Since then she has appeared in several indie films such as South Mountain and Good Boys where she showcased her comedic skills.
Francis had her breakthrough role as Lily in Netflix’s adaptation of David Levithan and Rachel Cohn’s popular young adult novel Dash & Lily in 2020. Francis played Lily, an optimistic young lady who exchanges notes and dares with Austin Abrams as Dash via an invisible red notebook kept at a bookstore. The show received critical acclaim for its charming yet festive feel as well as its strong chemistry between Francis and Abrams; Francis even received a Daytime Emmy nomination for this performance.
Francis continued her success in 2021 when she featured in two more Netflix projects. First came the fantasy comedy film Afterlife of the Party, where she played the best friend of a party girl who dies and becomes her guardian angel; followed by animated series Inside Job where Francis voiced an anti-corruption conspiracy theorist working for an unknown organization.
Francis has also joined the main cast of HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls, created by Mindy Kaling. The series chronicles four freshman roommates at an elite New England university as they navigate academic, social and romantic lives; Francis portrays Bela, an outspoken yet confident aspiring journalist not afraid to express herself freely – an attitude critics and audiences alike have applauded as well as its humor, diversity and authenticity.
What’s Next for Midori Francis: How She Plans to Expand Her Horizons
Francis has an abundance of projects lined up for her. These include Netflix’s second season of Dash & Lily (expected to debut December 2021). She will also star alongside Jolene Purdy in Unseen directed by Yoko Okumura – this TV thriller film follows a woman who finds out her sister is alive and living within an oppressive community.
Francis has expressed her interest in exploring different genres and mediums, such as horror, sci-fi and podcasts. Additionally, she stated her wish to return to theatre at some point and work alongside more Asian-American creators and actors.
Francis is an emerging star who has showcased her versatility and talent across various roles and platforms. She serves as an inspiring role model for young Asian-American women looking to break into entertainment careers, so keep an eye out for her in the coming years.
Midori Francis is a rising star in the entertainment industry, who has impressed audiences and critics alike with her performances in theatre, film and television. She has won awards and nominations for her roles in Off-Broadway plays and Netflix shows, such as Dash & Lily and The Sex Lives of College Girls. She has also explored various genres and mediums, such as fantasy, comedy, animation and podcasts. She is an inspiration for young Asian-American women who aspire to pursue careers in acting and storytelling. Midori Francis is a versatile and talented actor who has a bright future ahead of her.
