Births on April 21

Nicole Sullivan

Born on April 21, 1970

Nicole Sullivan, American actress, comedian, and screenwriter

Nicole Sullivan, an accomplished American actress and comedienne, born on April 21, 1970, has carved out a remarkably versatile career in the entertainment industry. Known for her sharp wit and impressive range, she has transitioned seamlessly between live-action sketch comedy, beloved sitcoms, and a prolific voice acting career, making her a familiar and cherished presence for audiences across multiple generations.

A Breakthrough on MADtv

Sullivan first rose to prominence and became a household name through her six-season tenure on the popular FOX sketch comedy series, MADtv, from 1995 to 2001. During this period, she was one of the show's most dynamic and memorable cast members, crafting a gallery of iconic characters and showcasing her incredible comedic timing. Her ability to embody a wide range of personalities, from the over-the-top to the subtly hilarious, firmly established her as a formidable talent in the realm of sketch comedy, a genre that thrives on quick changes and character depth.

Sitcom Stardom: From Queens to Doctors

Following her impactful run on MADtv, Nicole Sullivan continued to charm audiences with her significant role as Holly Shumpert on the hugely successful CBS sitcom, The King of Queens. For five seasons, spanning from 2001 to 2005, and returning for a guest appearance in 2007, she portrayed the often quirky and endearing next-door neighbor, becoming an integral part of the show's beloved ensemble cast alongside Kevin James and Leah Remini. This role solidified her status as a dependable and engaging presence in network television comedy. Beyond this, she also took on a recurring character, Jill Tracy, in the critically acclaimed medical comedy-drama, Scrubs, further demonstrating her ability to bring a distinctive touch to diverse narratives.

A Voice Acting Powerhouse

Perhaps one of the most extensive facets of Sullivan's career is her remarkable work in voice acting, where her distinctive vocal talents have brought numerous animated characters to life. She is widely recognized for voicing the heroic Mira Nova in Disney/Pixar's animated adventure series Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, demonstrating her capacity for embodying strong, protagonist roles. In a brilliant display of her range, she also lent her voice to the formidable and often sarcastic villainess Shego in Disney's hit animated series, Kim Possible, a character that remains a fan favorite for her sharp wit and compelling presence. Her animated contributions don't stop there; she has had recurring voice roles on the popular adult animated sitcom Family Guy and voiced the lively Franny Robinson in Disney's heartwarming film, Meet the Robinsons. From 2008 to 2013, she also played the intelligent and adventurous otter, Marlene, in the beloved animated series The Penguins of Madagascar, adding another memorable character to her extensive repertoire.

Diverse Live-Action Projects and Current Engagements

Nicole Sullivan's career has continued to thrive with a variety of live-action roles across different television platforms. From 2008 to 2009, she took the lead in her own Lifetime television series, Rita Rocks, portraying a working mother who finds solace and excitement in forming a garage band. She also joined the cast of the comedy series Cougar Town, where she played Lynn Mettler, the therapist to Courteney Cox's character, Jules. In 2012, she appeared as Lyla in the Disney Channel original movie, Let It Shine. The following year, 2013, saw her starring as Wilma Basset in the Nickelodeon sitcom Wendell and Vinnie, though the series enjoyed a shorter run. Demonstrating her enduring appeal and consistent presence in popular television, since 2014, Sullivan has been a delightful recurring character, Janine, the Johnsons' next-door neighbor, on the critically acclaimed ABC sitcom Black-ish, a role she continues to portray, charming audiences with her consistent comedic timing and relatable portrayals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nicole Sullivan

When was Nicole Sullivan born?: Nicole Sullivan was born on April 21, 1970.
What are some of Nicole Sullivan's most well-known roles?: She is widely recognized for her six seasons on the sketch comedy series MADtv and for her role as Holly Shumpert on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens.
Which animated characters has Nicole Sullivan voiced?: Her notable voice roles include Mira Nova in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Shego in Kim Possible, Franny Robinson in Meet the Robinsons, and Marlene in The Penguins of Madagascar, among others.
Has Nicole Sullivan starred in her own television series?: Yes, she starred in the Lifetime series Rita Rocks from 2008 to 2009, and also had a leading role in the Nickelodeon sitcom Wendell and Vinnie in 2013.
Is Nicole Sullivan currently appearing in any television shows?: Since 2014, she has played the recurring character Janine, the Johnsons' next-door neighbor, on the ABC sitcom Black-ish.

References

Nicole Sullivan

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Events on 1970

12 Jan

Nigerian Civil War
Biafra capitulates, ending the Nigerian Civil War.
28 Apr

Richard Nixon
Vietnam War: U.S. President Richard Nixon formally authorizes American combat troops to fight communist sanctuaries in Cambodia.
5 Sep

101st Airborne Division
Vietnam War: Operation Jefferson Glenn begins: The United States 101st Airborne Division and the South Vietnamese 1st Infantry Division initiate a new operation in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province.
28 Sep

Gamal Abdel Nasser
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser dies of a heart attack in Cairo. Anwar Sadat is named as Nasser's temporary successor, and will later become the permanent successor.
8 Oct

Richard Nixon
Vietnam War: In Paris, a Communist delegation rejects US President Richard Nixon's October 7 peace proposal as "a manoeuvre to deceive world opinion".