Midori Francis, born Midori Anne Iwama on April 16, 1994, in Rumson, New Jersey, is an American actress of Japanese, Irish and Italian descent.
Known professionally as Midori Francis, she has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry through her versatile performances in theater, television and film.
The daughter of Joanne Iwama and Ken Iwama, the latter being the chancellor of Indiana University Northwest, Francis grew up in a supportive household that nurtured her passion for the arts.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts (2014), Francis has built a career that spans critically acclaimed stage roles to starring in popular TV series and films.
Siblings
Midori has two known siblings, namely Marcus Iwama and Patrick Bekgran.
While little public information exists about Marcus, it’s clear from Midori’s occasional social media posts that they share a close familial bond, having been raised together, often under the care of their paternal grandparents.
Patrick Bekgran, on the other hand, is her elder half-brother, believed to be from her mother’s previous relationship. Patrick has pursued a career in acting, much like Midori, and reportedly married in 2018.
Career
Francis began her career in theater, showcasing her talent in regional and Off-Broadway productions.
Her stage debut came in 2014 with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, followed by roles in Peter and the Starcatcher and The Wolves (2017-2018), the latter earning her widespread recognition.
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She transitioned to the screen with a small role in the 2018 blockbuster Ocean’s 8, starring alongside icons like Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett.
In 2019, she gained further prominence with her role as Lily in the coming-of-age comedy Good Boys.
However, it was her lead role as Lily in Netflix’s 2020 romantic comedy series Dash & Lily that catapulted her to international fame, earning her a Daytime Emmy nomination.
Francis continued to build her television portfolio with a main role in HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021) and as Dr. Mika Yasuda in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy (2022-2024), exiting the latter in 2024.
Her film credits also include Afterlife of the Party (2021) and the upcoming thriller Unseen.
Accolades
Francis has garnered numerous accolades, particularly for her theater work. In 2016, she won Best Actress at the New York Innovative Theatre Awards for her role in Connected.
Her ensemble performance in The Wolves earned her an Obie Award and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble in 2017-2018.
She also received a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her critically acclaimed portrayal in Usual Girls (2019), a play exploring the complexities of growing up as an Asian-American woman.
On the small screen, her standout performance in Dash & Lily led to a 2021 Daytime Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in a Daytime Fiction Program.
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