Born:
August 22, 1973
Kristen Wiig Overview:
Comedian and actress practically became a household name in the 2000s thanks to her work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Beginning her comedy career as a member of the L.A.-based improv group The Groundlings, Wiig joined SNL in 2005 and quickly became a huge breakout comedy star of the 2000s. She's created a host of popular characters, each combining her knack for straight-faced deadpan with a firm embrace of the silly.
Quick Kristen Wiig Facts:
- Kristen Wiig was born in Canandaigua, New York and raised in Rochester.
- She began performing comedy in the late 1990s after moving out to Los Angeles and joining the improv comedy group The Groundlings.
- In 2005, she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, quickly becoming one of the most-used performers on the show. Several of her breakout characters include Penelope the one-upper, the Target Lady, Gilly and Suze Orman.
- She received an Emmy nomination in 2009 for her work on Saturday Night Live.
- In 2011, she co-wrote and starred in the comedy Bridesmaids, one of the biggest box office hits of the year. She and writing partner Annie Mumolo were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for their efforts.
Additional Kristen Wiig Facts:
- In addition to performing on Saturday Night Live, Wiig has appeared in small roles in a number of films including Knocked Up, Adventureland, Walk Hard, Ghost Town and Extract. In 2009, she played a major role (a dramatic performance, no less) in the sports comedy Whip It, directed by Drew Barrymore.
- Wiig appeared in more sketches in Saturday Night Live's 34th season than any other cast member, appearing in 124 sketches (according to New York Magazine).
- Entertainment Weekly named Wiig one of the 25 Funniest Women in Hollywood in 2009.
- Before joining SNL, Wiig starred on Spike TV's reality spoof The Joe Schmoe Show in 2003.
