Martha Kelly was born in 1968 and started making her way in the world of standup comedy during the 1990s. Over the years, Martha built her presence in cities like Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, steadily climbing the ranks of the comedy scene. It was back in 1998 when Martha crossed paths with fellow up-and-coming comedian Zach Galifianakis—a connection that would later prove meaningful in her career. As the 2000s rolled on, Martha Kelly began gaining recognition for her signature deadpan delivery, a style that stood out and earned her spots on popular comedy showcases.
You could catch Martha performing on shows like “Premium Blend” on Comedy Central, which ran from 1997 to 2005, and she also appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” a platform that helped bring emerging comedians into the spotlight. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed by late-night producers either—Martha made appearances on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” further solidifying her reputation in the industry.
For more than twenty years, Martha stayed rooted in standup, quietly honing her craft. Then, in a shift that marked a new chapter, Martha took on her first major acting role in the FX sitcom “Baskets,” which premiered in 2016 and starred her longtime friend Zach Galifianakis. Interestingly, the character was actually written with Martha Kelly in mind. She played a calm, soft-spoken insurance agent named Martha—a grounded presence amid the chaos created by Galifianakis’ eccentric lead character. It was a role that felt natural for Martha, blending her subtle humor and quiet strength in a way that resonated with audiences. And really, it was this performance that introduced Martha Kelly to a whole new wave of fans beyond the comedy clubs.
So, when it comes to Martha Kelly’s filmography, one movie really stands out as her highest rated project—Sitting in Bars with Cake from 2023. It seems to have resonated well with both critics and audiences alike, showcasing Martha Kelly in a role that many found impactful and memorable. On the other hand, looking at her body of work, Corporate Animals (2019) tends to come up as the lowest rated among her movies. While it had its moments, it didn’t quite hit the same mark for most viewers. Still, Martha Kelly brings a unique presence to every performance, and her contributions continue to be noticed across different roles. Whether it’s drama, comedy, or something in between, Martha Kelly manages to leave an impression. And honestly, that’s what matters most in the long run—Martha Kelly’s ability to connect through her craft.