Nicole Byer just made history. The actor, writer, comedian, and podcaster is the first Black woman Emmy-nominated for outstanding host of a reality program, for her hilarious work on the Netflix baking competition “Nailed It!” Trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Upright Citizens Brigade, Nicole knows a thing or two about pounding the pavement in the biz. “Everybody starts at zero,” she reminds her fellow performers. “Just know that you earned it. If you didn’t earn it, it would have gone to somebody else.”

Born in New Jersey with dreams of achieving superstardom, Nicole broke into the comedy scene as one of the most popular commentators on MTV’s “Girl Code.” She’s since written on UCB sketches and series and acted on “Pursuit of Sexiness,” “Party Over Here,” “Loosely Exactly Nicole,” and in guest and voiceover TV roles, including recently “The Good Place” and “Tuca & Bertie.” This year she released her book, “#VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl’s Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini.” Nicole is also a podcaster, from “Best Friends” with Sasheer Zamata, to “Newcomers” with Lauren Lapkus, to “Why Won’t You Date Me?”

Check out Backstage’s picks for this season’s Emmy-worthy moments: https://bit.ly/2RcWvr7

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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

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Special thanks to...

- Host: Jack Smart

- Producer: Jamie Muffett

- Social Media: Katie Minard

- Design: Mark Stinson and Caitlin Watkins

- Additional Support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Oriella St. Louis