Lena Dunham, born on May 13, 1986, in New York City, is an American writer, director, actress, and producer. She gained prominence as the creator, writer, and star of the HBO television series Girls (2012–2017), earning multiple Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe Awards. Dunham also directed several episodes of Girls, becoming the first woman to win the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series.
Her career began with the independent film Tiny Furniture (2010), which she wrote, directed, and starred in, winning an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. She has since directed films like Sharp Stick (2022) and Catherine Called Birdy (2022), the latter premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In March 2025, Dunham made a rare public appearance at a Trans Day of Visibility rally in Washington, D.C., supporting transgender equity. She has largely kept a low profile since marrying musician Luis Felber in September 2021.
Recently, Netflix acquired the global rights to Good Sex, a romantic comedy directed by Dunham and starring Natalie Portman. The film follows a couples’ therapist navigating complex relationships in New York City.