Alex Borstein, American actress, voice artist, producer, and screenwriter

Alex Borstein: A Multifaceted American Talent

Born Alexandrea Borstein on February 15, 1971, Alex Borstein is an accomplished American figure in the entertainment industry, widely recognized for her diverse talents as an actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Her extensive career showcases a remarkable ability to inhabit a wide array of characters, from iconic animated voices to critically acclaimed dramatic and comedic roles, demonstrating her profound impact both on-screen and behind the scenes.

The Enduring Voice of Lois Griffin in Family Guy

One of Alex Borstein's most enduring and recognizable contributions is her role as the voice of Lois Griffin in the highly popular and long-running animated comedy television series, Family Guy. Since its debut in 1999, Borstein has masterfully brought to life the exasperated yet often surprisingly resilient matriarch of the Griffin family, a character central to the show's irreverent humor and satirical commentary. Her distinctive vocal performance as Lois Griffin earned her a coveted Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, a testament to her skill in creating an iconic animated character beloved by millions globally for over two decades.

Award-Winning Performance as Susie Myerson in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Beyond her voice work, Alex Borstein has garnered widespread critical acclaim for her powerful live-action performance as Susie Myerson in the Emmy Award-winning comedy-drama series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023). Premiering in 2017 and concluding its successful run in 2023, the series, set in the vibrant New York City of the late 1950s and early 1960s, follows the burgeoning stand-up career of Miriam "Midge" Maisel. Borstein's portrayal of Susie, Midge's tough, no-nonsense manager, is central to the show's narrative. Susie Myerson is depicted as a determined, street-smart individual who navigates the cutthroat world of comedy management with unwavering loyalty and fierce ambition, becoming the indispensable catalyst for Midge's success. This nuanced and commanding performance has earned Borstein two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, solidifying her reputation for exceptional dramatic and comedic timing.

From MADtv to Medical Comedy: Diverse Live-Action Roles

Borstein's foundational work in sketch comedy is notable, having been a prominent cast member on the popular series MADtv. Joining the show in 1997, she quickly became a repertory player, known for portraying a variety of memorable characters, including the uniquely eccentric Ms. Swan. MADtv, a contemporary of Saturday Night Live, provided a significant platform for Borstein to showcase her improvisational skills and character development prowess across its impressive 14-season run. Following her success on MADtv, she took on a lead role as Dawn Forchette in the critically praised HBO medical comedy series Getting On (2013–2015). In this darkly comedic adaptation of a British series, Borstein delivered a poignant and often hilarious performance within the confines of an extended care facility, further demonstrating her range in live-action television.

A Diverse Film Career: Notable Supporting Roles

Alex Borstein's talents extend to the silver screen, where she has enriched numerous films with her presence in supporting roles across a variety of genres. Her film credits showcase her versatility:

These roles highlight her capacity to contribute memorable performances whether in animated features, big-budget comedies, or serious dramas.

Early Life, Education, and the Path to Performance

Alex Borstein's journey into the performing arts began with her formative years in Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb nestled outside Chicago. Her family later relocated to Northridge, California, a vibrant neighborhood within Los Angeles, where she completed her secondary education, graduating from Chatsworth High School in 1989. Furthering her academic pursuits, Borstein attended San Francisco State University, where she pursued a degree in rhetoric. This academic background, focused on the art of effective communication and persuasion, likely laid a crucial foundation for her future career as a writer, comedian, and actress, providing her with a deep understanding of language and audience engagement.

Improvisational Comedy Training and Early Industry Contributions

A pivotal step in Borstein's comedic development was her rigorous training in improvisational comedy at the acclaimed ACME Comedy Theatre, situated near Hollywood, California. This intensive training honed her ability to think quickly on her feet, develop characters spontaneously, and engage with audiences—essential skills for a career in sketch and live comedy. Her raw talent did not go unnoticed; she was subsequently scouted by talent agents and selected to join the cast of MADtv.

Prior to her breakout role on MADtv, Borstein had already begun making significant contributions behind the scenes and in voice-over. She served as a writer and voice actor for several notable animated and live-action television shows, including the animated series Casper and Pinky and the Brain, as well as the popular children's action series Power Rangers Zeo. These early experiences provided a broad foundation in various aspects of television production. In 1997, she officially joined MADtv as a featured player, quickly proving her value and being promoted to a repertory player mid-season, a testament to her immediate impact and comedic versatility on the show.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Borstein

What are Alex Borstein's most famous roles?
Alex Borstein is perhaps best known for two iconic roles: the voice of Lois Griffin in the long-running animated comedy Family Guy and her critically acclaimed live-action performance as Susie Myerson in the period comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which concluded in 2023.
How many Primetime Emmy Awards has Alex Borstein won?
Alex Borstein has won a total of three Primetime Emmy Awards. She received one Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for her work as Lois Griffin on Family Guy, and two separate Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Susie Myerson on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Is Alex Borstein still involved with Family Guy?
Yes, Alex Borstein has voiced Lois Griffin since Family Guy began in 1999 and continues to be an integral part of the series, which is still actively producing new episodes.
What was Alex Borstein's role on MADtv?
On MADtv, Alex Borstein was a prominent repertory player, meaning she was a main cast member. She created and performed numerous popular characters, most notably the memorable Ms. Swan, showcasing her versatility in sketch comedy.
Did Alex Borstein work as a writer before becoming a well-known actress?
Yes, Alex Borstein started her career not only as a performer but also as a writer and voice actor for several television shows, including children's animated series like Casper and Pinky and the Brain, before gaining widespread recognition on MADtv.