Maya Rudolph

Photo of Maya Rudolph

Biography

Maya Rudolph emerged as a face in the crowd on television's most popular sketch comedy show to become a respected and sought-after actress in her own right. After landing early minor roles on various television series and in the occasional high-profile film like "As Good as It Gets" (1997), Rudolph's big break came in 2000 when she joined the regular cast of "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ). During her seven years on the show, she …
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Job Title

Actor, Music

Born

Maya Khabira Rudolph on July 27, 1972 in Gainesville, Florida, USA

Career Milestones

Formed the nine-piece funk band Super Sauce with classmates; played synthesizer and sang vocals

Joined the famous The Groundlings improv troupe in Los Angeles

1995

Joined former Weezer bassist Matt Sharp in the band The Rentals; played keyboard and sang vocals

1996

Made acting debut on six episodes of "Chicago Hope" (CBS) as Nurse Leah Martine

1997

Played a policewoman in James L. Brooks' acclaimed feature "As Good As It Gets"

2000

Had a supporting role in Mike White's "Chuck & Buck"

2000

Joined "Saturday Night Live" (NBC) as a featured performer

2000

Played the recurring role of Nurse Grace Patterson on the short-lived CBS series "City of Angels"

2000

Reunited with her childhood friend Gwyneth Paltrow in the karaoke comedy "Duets"; her father Richard Rudolph served as the movie's music supervisor

2001

Became a regular "Saturday Night Live" cast member

2004

Played a small role in "50 First Dates," starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler

2006

Co-starred with Luke Wilson in the Mike Judge sci-fi comedy "Idiocracy"

2006

Landed first prominent film role in Robert Altman's "A Prairie Home Companion"

2007

Voiced Rapunzel in the animated film "Shrek the Third"

2008

Had a recurring role as Athena Scooberman in NBC's "Kath & Kim"

2009

Co-starred with John Krasinski in the Sam Mendes-directed indie "Away We Go"

2010

Appeared in the ensemble comedy "Grown Ups," about five friends who reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend; film starred Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider

2011

Cast as a high maintenance daytime talk show host on NBC comedy series "Up All Night"; co-starred with Christina Applegate and Will Arnett

2011

Played the bride-to-be in the comedy hit "Bridesmaids"

2012

Cast in the ensemble comedy "Friends with Kids," written and directed by co-star Jennifer Westfeldt

Awards

2011

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in Bridesmaids

2012

MTV Movie Award for Best Gut-Wrenching Performance in Bridesmaids

2012

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress In a Comedy Series in Saturday Night Live