Jillian Bell was an American comedian and actress who really made a name for herself with some standout performances in both television and film. One of the most memorable roles in Jillian Bell’s career was playing Jillian Belk on the cult favorite comedy series “Workaholics,” which aired on Comedy Central from 2011 to 2017. Fans also got to see Jillian Bell shine as Mercedes in the hilarious 2014 action-comedy sequel “22 Jump Street,” where her scene-stealing performance truly marked her breakthrough moment.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Jillian Bell discovered her passion for comedy at a young age—she actually started studying improv when she was just eight years old. After graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in 2002, she made the move to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. It wasn’t long before she joined The Groundlings, a well-known improvisational sketch comedy troupe that has launched many successful comedic careers. During her time there, things took an exciting turn when Lorne Michaels, the creator and producer of “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975–present), came by looking for fresh talent. He invited Jillian Bell to New York City to audition—a huge opportunity. Although she didn’t land a spot as a cast member, her talent didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, head writer and cast member Seth Meyers brought her back to join “SNL” as a writer in 2009.
That same year, Jillian Bell made her first television appearance in an episode of Larry David’s acclaimed HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (1999–2011). After spending a year writing for “SNL,” she returned to Los Angeles to continue performing with The Groundlings, staying true to her roots while building her presence in Hollywood. By 2011, Jillian Bell had landed the role of Jillian Belk, the frequently underappreciated office manager on “Workaholics”—a character that showcased her sharp comedic timing and unique delivery.
Over the next few years, Jillian Bell kept building momentum. She appeared in the hit comedy “Bridesmaids” (2011) in a small but memorable role and took on recurring parts in shows like “Partners” on CBS (2012) and Danny McBride’s edgy HBO series “Eastbound & Down” (2009–2013). But it was her role in “22 Jump Street” (2014) that truly put her on the map. Starring alongside Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, Jillian Bell delivered laughs with ease and proved she could hold her own in big-budget comedies.
Following that success, Jillian Bell continued to expand her range with supporting roles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Inherent Vice” (2014), Jack Black’s family-friendly “Goosebumps” (2015), and the holiday-themed comedy “The Night Before” (2015) with Seth Rogen. She also lent her voice to animated films like “The Angry Birds Movie” (2016) and “Charming” (2018), showing off her versatility. Later that year, she co-starred in the festive workplace comedy “Office Christmas Party” (2016). On top of all that, Jillian Bell co-created and starred in the Comedy Central series “Idiotsitter,” which ran from 2016 onward, further proving her talent behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.
Throughout her career, Jillian Bell consistently brought energy, originality, and heart to every project she touched—whether it was on stage, on screen, or behind a microphone.
When it comes to Jillian Bell’s career highlights, one title really stands out—Jillian Bell’s highest rated film to date is A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter (2024), which has received widespread praise and showcased her comedic talent in a fresh, festive setting. On the other end of the spectrum, Jillian Bell’s lowest rated project remains Love, Gloria (2012), a film that, while perhaps meaningful in its intent, didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Over the years, Jillian Bell has built a diverse filmography, but these two titles mark the peaks and valleys in terms of reception. Still, Jillian Bell continues to be a dynamic presence in comedy and film, consistently taking on roles that challenge and entertain.