Actor
Film
D’Arcy Carden—now a name you’re likely to hear more and more—is someone who’s brought laughter to audiences in a big way, especially among comedy lovers with a soft spot for smart, quirky sketch humor. D’Arcy Carden first made her mark in the vibrant world of improv and sketch comedy, becoming a familiar and beloved face at the Upright Citizen's Brigade, or UCB, a place that’s launched so many now-famous comedic talents. Born in Danville, California, D’Arcy Carden pursued her passion for performance by earning a theater degree from Southern Oregon University before making the bold move to New York City, where her career truly began to take shape.
Once in New York, D’Arcy Carden dove headfirst into the UCB scene, taking classes, honing her craft, and eventually stepping onto the stage as a performer. It was there that she shared space and laughs with future stars like Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer, and Abbi Jacobson—names that would soon dominate comedy, just like D’Arcy Carden herself. Her early work included standout appearances in original online sketches such as “Bachelorette Ashley Is Single Again” (2011) for Funny or Die, and UCB Comedy Originals like “Emergency Meeting at the Cadbury Egg Company” (2009) and the cleverly satirical “Facebook Focus Group: Where Facebook Gets Its Ideas” (2013).
But D’Arcy Carden didn’t stop there. She started crossing over into television, landing guest spots on shows like “Inside Amy Schumer,” bringing her sharp timing and expressive presence to a wider audience. Fans also got to know her as Gemma, the hilariously antagonistic character she played in multiple episodes of “Broad City,” the hit Comedy Central series created by Glazer and Jacobson. This role showcased D’Arcy Carden’s ability to blend awkwardness with charm—a talent that would serve her well.
Then came 2016, a breakout year for D’Arcy Carden. She appeared in the heartfelt comedy film “Other People,” starring Molly Shannon, proving she could shine in both indie films and mainstream projects. But it was her role as Janet—a sentient, endlessly polite artificial intelligence assistant—on the critically acclaimed NBC series “The Good Place” that truly catapulted D’Arcy Carden into the spotlight. Starring alongside Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, D’Arcy Carden brought depth, humor, and surprising emotional nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
From UCB stages to primetime TV, D’Arcy Carden has built a career rooted in authenticity, wit, and versatility. And as her star continues to rise, one thing is clear: D’Arcy Carden isn’t just a funny face—you’ll be seeing a lot more of D’Arcy Carden in the years to come.