Comedian, writer, and actress—she’s truly made a name for herself in the entertainment world. She first gained attention performing stand-up comedy, bringing her sharp wit and relatable humor to stages across the country. Over the years, she wrote and performed on E!’s Chelsea Lately, showcasing her comedic timing and writing talent. In 2015, she landed a recurring role as Nurse Colette on Hulu’s popular series The Mindy Project, a part that really helped solidify her presence on screen.
She also competed on NBC’s Last Comic Standing back in 2010, where audiences got an early glimpse of her charm and stage presence. You might also recognize her from Fox’s made-for-television movie Cabot College, or from her memorable role as Mary Joe on the short-lived but notable series Mulaney.
Before all the spotlight, though, her journey started humbly. She spent seven years writing for an entertainment blog, building her voice and honing her craft. In 2003, she made the bold move to Los Angeles, where she began working as an assistant while chasing her dreams. That’s when she discovered improv at The Groundlings—something just clicked. She fell in love with comedy, threw herself into the process, and eventually became a member of their prestigious Sunday Company.
Despite trying out for Saturday Night Live twice—a goal for so many comedians—she wasn’t selected. But that didn’t stop her. Coming from a small town in North Carolina and having attended Peace College there, she’s always brought a grounded, authentic perspective to her work.
She speaks very openly about her life and identity in her stand-up routines, often sharing personal stories with honesty and humor. She refers to herself as a “late bloomer,” having come out as gay at the age of 25—a moment that deeply influenced both her personal growth and her art.
On a joyful note, she married Jacquelyn Smith in October 2020, marking a beautiful chapter in her life. Through every step of her journey, she’s remained true to herself, using laughter to connect, inspire, and break barriers. And honestly, that’s what makes her story so compelling.
She has been working on a pilot inspired by her own life alongside actress-comedian Tina Fey since 2014, though the future of the project remains uncertain. Throughout her remarkable career, she has penned more than 500 television episodes, showcasing her immense talent and dedication to the industry.