Jill Soloway (born September 26, 1965)is an American comedian, playwright, feminist and Emmy-winning television writer and award-winning director who won the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival for directing and writing the film Afternoon Delight. She is also known for her work on Six Feet Under and for creating, writing, executive producing and directing the Amazon original series Transparent.

Early life

Soloway was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of public relations consultant, coach and writer, Elaine Soloway,  and psychiatrist father, Dr. Harry J. Soloway.[10]

Around 2011 Soloway's father came out as transgender.

Her elder sister Faith is a Boston-based musician and performer with whom she sometimes collaborates.  They both attended Lane Technical College Prep High School in Chicago. Her family is Jewish.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a Communications Arts major.

Soloway's mother was formerly a press aide to Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne and was a former communications director for School Superintendent Ruth Love.  After 30 years, Soloway's parents divorced. Soloway has a stepfather named Tommy Madison.


Born                        Jill L. Soloway
                                 September 26, 1965 (age 50)
                                 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Alma mater            University of Wisconsin–Madison
Occupation             Writer
                                  Producer
                                  Director
                                 Comedienne
Years active            (2000-present)
Religion                 Jewish
Spouse(s)             Bruce Gilbert (m. 2011) (separated)
Partner(s)              Dink Adams
Children                  2
Relatives                Faith Soloway (sister)
Website                  jillsoloway.com