Mandie Taketa is a creative force operating under the guiding principles of inclusivity and visibility. Her artistic practice is focused on uplifting audiences and creating a safe space through the power of storytelling.
Originally from Kaneohe, Hawaii, Taketa moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of acting and dancing. Out of necessity, she got into producing to open doors for herself in the entertainment industry. When she realized her first Hollywood job would leave her uncredited as a producer, she vowed to stand up for her worth in the industry. This led Taketa to advocate for those who may not have the same opportunities due to their race, sexual identity, or socioeconomic status, and this is also the ethos of her production company.
Taketa is the co-founder of A Wayne & Mandie Creative, a joint production company with her ex-husband and best friend, Emmy® Award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated actor, producer, singer, dancer, author and television personality Wayne Brady. Along with Brady, she is the co-creator and executive producer of the upcoming docuseries “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix,” premiering on Freeform and streaming on Hulu. The series will follow Brady and her blended family, including her 21-year-old daughter Maile and Jason, who is Mandie’s partner. Jason and Mandie also have a son, Sundance-Isamu. Mandie is also the co-creator of an original series currently in development with Jerry Bruckheimer Television.
As co-founder of the company, Taketa played a pivotal role in producing the DVD special “Wayne Brady Makin’ It Up Australian Tour” and the Las Vegas residency at The Venetian titled “Wayne Brady Makin’ Shit Up.” Additionally, Taketa co-created and executive produced “Comedy IQ” on BYU TV, which aired in 2021.
Taketa is also a music video director and producer, working on various projects for Interscope Record artists. Taketa co-produced and served as artistic director for the opening number at the 2017 BET Honors. In 2020, she directed the BET Awards and co-produced the tribute to Little Richard. And in 2022, she co-produced special material for Wayne Brady’s opening number and comedy segments at the American Music Awards.
