 |
Ellie KemperActress, comedian and writer
Date of Birth: 02.05.1980
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career Beginnings
- Film and Television Breakthroughs
- Continued Success
- "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Beyond
- Personal Life
- Current Projects
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Claire "Ellie" Kemper was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 2, 1980. Growing up in a wealthy Catholic family, Ellie enjoyed a privileged childhood filled with siblings and opportunities. Her father, David Woods, was a successful banker, and her mother, Ann Dorothy, a devoted homemaker of Italian, English, and German descent.
In the mid-1980s, the family relocated to St. Louis, where Ellie attended prestigious schools like Conway Elementary and John Burroughs School. During her high school years, she discovered her talent for acting under the guidance of drama teacher John Hamm, who later became a star of the TV series "Mad Men."
After graduating high school, Kemper pursued an English major at Princeton University. There, she joined the improv comedy group Quipfire, became a member of the culinary club, and even played on the field hockey team.
Career Beginnings
In the early 2000s, Kemper decided to pursue a career in the arts. She completed her bachelor's degree in English and literature and then went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Oxford's Worcester College.
After her studies, she returned to the United States and began working as a marketing associate for Kmart and Dunkin' Donuts. However, her passion for comedy never waned. She collaborated with the Upright Citizens Brigade theater company in New York City and performed in various improv shows and comedy sketches.
Film and Television Breakthroughs
Kemper made her film debut in the late 2000s, appearing in small roles in internet projects, short films, and television commercials. In 2009, she landed supporting parts in the films "Mystery Team" and "Somewhere," the latter of which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Her breakout moment came in 2011 with the release of the comedy "Bridesmaids." As the naive and ditzy Erin Hannon, Kemper stole scenes alongside Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy. The film earned her several awards, including the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.
Around the same time, Kemper joined the cast of the hit television series "The Office." Over five seasons, she played the role of Erin Hannon, a lovable and slightly airheaded secretary who became the love interest of Ed Helms' character.
Continued Success
In the early 2010s, Kemper's career continued to flourish. She received nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Golden Nymph Awards, and starred in films such as "21 Jump Street" with Jonah Hill, "Identity Thief" with Jason Bateman, and "22 Jump Street" with Channing Tatum.
She also appeared in episodes of Mindy Kaling's TV series "The Mindy Project." In 2014-2016, she starred in two comedies, "Laggies" with Keira Knightley and Sam Rockwell, and "Sex Tape" with Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel.
"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Beyond
A major turning point in Kemper's career came in 2015 with the premiere of the Netflix comedy series "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." She played the titular role of a young woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and tries to adjust to life in New York City.
The show received critical acclaim and earned several Emmy Award nominations. Kemper won a Webby Award for her performance in 2015.
Personal Life
Ellie Kemper has kept her personal life relatively private. Since 2012, she has been married to comedian and writer Michael Koman. They have two sons together.
Current Projects
In 2021, Kemper starred in the remake of the holiday classic "Home Alone." She played the role of the robber's girlfriend, who attempts to break into the house where a young boy named Max (played by Archie Yates) is home alone.
