Kristen Schaal, American actress and voice artist
Who is Kristen Schaal? An Overview of the Acclaimed Actress, Comedian, and Writer
Kristen Joy Schaal, born on January 24, 1978, is a highly recognizable and versatile American actress, stand-up comedian, and writer. Known for her distinctive vocal delivery and often quirky, deadpan comedic style, Schaal has established herself across various entertainment mediums, from animated television series and blockbuster films to critically acclaimed live-action comedies and satirical news programs.
Distinguished Voice Acting Roles: Iconic Characters in Animation
Schaal's unique voice has brought to life some of the most memorable characters in contemporary animation, making her a sought-after talent in the industry.
- Louise Belcher in Bob's Burgers: Perhaps her most iconic voice role, Schaal portrays Louise Belcher, the mischievous and cunning youngest child of the Belcher family in the long-running and Emmy Award-winning FOX animated sitcom, Bob's Burgers. Louise is instantly recognizable by her pink bunny-eared hat and sharp wit, often serving as the instigator for many of the family's eccentric adventures.
- Mabel Pines in Gravity Falls: She also lent her voice to Mabel Pines, the exuberantly optimistic, glitter-loving, and sweater-obsessed twin sister in Disney Channel's critically acclaimed mystery-comedy series, Gravity Falls. This role showcased Schaal's ability to infuse characters with boundless energy and charm, contributing significantly to the show's widespread popularity and cult following.
- Sarah Lynn and Other Voices in BoJack Horseman: Demonstrating her dramatic and comedic range, Schaal provided several voices for Netflix's dark comedy-drama BoJack Horseman. Her most notable contribution was the character of Sarah Lynn, the troubled former child star and pop sensation. Schaal's poignant portrayal of Sarah Lynn's complex journey and struggles earned her a prestigious nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, highlighting the depth she brought to the role.
- Trixie in the Toy Story Franchise: In the beloved Pixar animated film series, Schaal voices Trixie, the enthusiastic Triceratops toy and one of the main toys in the later installments of the Toy Story franchise, including Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4, and related shorts.
- Victoria Best in WordGirl: For younger audiences, Schaal voiced Victoria Best, a villain on the PBS Kids animated educational series WordGirl, known for her over-the-top personality.
Notable Live-Action Performances and Comedic Ventures
Beyond her celebrated voice work, Kristen Schaal has a substantial presence in live-action television, showcasing her distinctive comedic timing and versatility.
- Mel in Flight of the Conchords: She gained significant recognition for her role as Mel, the comically obsessive and devoted fan of the titular musical duo, in the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series Flight of the Conchords. Her portrayal was a standout, contributing to the show's unique comedic tone.
- Carol Pilbasian in The Last Man on Earth: Schaal played Carol Pilbasian, one of the main characters in the FOX post-apocalyptic comedy series The Last Man on Earth. Carol's quirky optimism and strict adherence to social norms, even in a desolate world, provided much of the show's humor and heart.
- Hurshe Heartshe in The Heart, She Holler: She also starred as Hurshe Heartshe in the Adult Swim live-action surrealist comedy series The Heart, She Holler, known for its bizarre and unconventional humor.
- Other Prominent Roles: Her extensive live-action credits also include Amanda Simmons in the satirical comedy The Hotwives of Orlando, Hazel Wassername on Tina Fey's popular NBC sitcom 30 Rock, and Anne in the FX dark comedy Wilfred, where she played a recurring role.
Satirical Commentary and Video Game Contributions
Kristen Schaal's talents extend beyond acting, encompassing commentary and voice work for interactive media.
- Occasional Commentator on The Daily Show: From 2008 to 2016, Schaal served as an occasional commentator on Comedy Central's satirical news program, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (and later Trevor Noah). Her segments were characterized by her unconventional perspectives and deadpan delivery, often tackling political and social issues with a unique comedic slant.
- Sayrna in Anthem: Expanding her voice acting portfolio into the gaming world, Schaal provided the voice for Sayrna in the 2019 Electronic Arts (EA) action role-playing video game, Anthem, a significant contribution to the game's narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kristen Schaal
- When was Kristen Schaal born?
- Kristen Joy Schaal was born on January 24, 1978.
- What are Kristen Schaal's most famous voice roles?
- Her most well-known voice roles include Louise Belcher in Bob's Burgers, Mabel Pines in Gravity Falls, and Sarah Lynn in BoJack Horseman.
- For which role was Kristen Schaal nominated for an Emmy?
- Kristen Schaal received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for her role as Sarah Lynn in BoJack Horseman.
- What live-action TV shows has Kristen Schaal appeared in?
- Notable live-action appearances include Mel in Flight of the Conchords, Carol Pilbasian in The Last Man on Earth, Hurshe Heartshe in The Heart, She Holler, and as a commentator on The Daily Show.
- Did Kristen Schaal voice a character in the Toy Story movies?
- Yes, she voiced the character of Trixie, the triceratops toy, in the later installments of the Toy Story franchise.