Tina Fey, also known as Elizabeth Stamatina Fey, is a highly accomplished American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She gained recognition through her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. Tina’s passion for comedy started during her college years, and she achieved a major breakthrough in 1997 when she became a writer for Saturday Night Live. Within just two seasons, she became the show’s head writer, making history as the first female to hold this position. Tina went on to create the critically acclaimed TV comedy series 30 Rock, drawing inspiration from her own experiences at Saturday Night Live. Alongside her television success, she has also made notable appearances in films such as Martin & Orloff, Mean Girls, and Baby Mama. Tina’s talent extends beyond acting and writing, as she has received praise for her spot-on parodies of American politician Sarah Palin during guest appearances on Saturday Night Live. In 2011, she authored the comic autobiography Bossypants, which became a best-seller according to The New York Times. Additionally, Tina actively supports various charitable causes.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Elizabeth Stamatina Fey
- Age: 53 Years, 53 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Jeff Richmond
- Father: Donald Fey
- Mother: Zenobia Jeanne
- Siblings: Peter Fey
- Children: Alice Zenobia Richmond, Penelope Athena Richmond
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Tina Fey
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Ancestry: Greek American, German American, British American, Irish American
- U.S. State: Pennsylvania
- Education: University Of Virginia
Childhood & Early Life
Tina Fey was born on May 18, 1970, in Pennsylvania, USA, to Zenobia Xenakes and Donald Fey. She has one brother and is of mixed ancestry. Fey developed an interest in comedy at a young age, as her family often watched comedy shows on TV. She attended Beverly Hills Middle School and later Upper Darby High School, where she was co-editor of the school newspaper. She anonymously wrote a satirical column for the paper. Fey went on to study playwriting and acting at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in drama.
Career
Tina Fey’s writing and acting career began in 1997 when she was selected as a writer for NBC’s variety show Saturday Night Live. In 1999, she became the show’s first female head writer. She began performing sketches in 2000 and became the co-anchor of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update alongside Jimmy Fallon. In 2004, she was joined by Amy Poehler, making it the first time Weekend Update was anchored by two women. Fey also wrote the screenplay for the 2004 film Mean Girls and portrayed a role in the movie. She went on to create the TV comedy series 30 Rock in 2006, based loosely on her experiences at Saturday Night Live. Fey has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Baby Mama, Date Night, Sisters, and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. She co-created the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which ran from 2015 to 2019.
Major Works
One of Tina Fey’s major works is her time as a writer and actress on Saturday Night Live. She joined the show as a writer and quickly became a performer as well. Within two years, she was promoted to the position of head writer. Fey also created the highly successful TV comedy series 30 Rock, which ran for six years on NBC. The show received critical acclaim and won numerous awards.
Awards & Achievements
Tina Fey has received several awards throughout her career. She won the Producers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for 30 Rock in 2008. In 2010, she was awarded The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She has also won nine Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, seven Writers Guild of America Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 2001, Tina Fey married Jeff Richmond, and they have two daughters together. Fey is actively involved with charities such as Autism Speaks, Mercy Corps, and Love Our Children, which fights violence against children. She is known for being a fan of the Star Wars movie series and often references them in her performances and writing. Fey is also the author of the bestselling book Bossypants (2011).
Trivia
- Tina Fey is the youngest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize, which she received at the age of 30.
- When she was a young girl, Fey was attacked by a stranger who slashed her face with a knife, leaving a permanent scar.
- She is the author of the bestselling book Bossypants (2011).