Ana Gasteyer, American actress and singer

Ana Kristina Gasteyer, born on May 4, 1967, is a highly versatile and acclaimed American actress, comedian, singer, and voice artist, whose career spans iconic sketch comedy, popular television sitcoms, memorable films, and esteemed Broadway productions. Hailing from Washington, D.C., Gasteyer has established herself as a consistent comedic presence with a distinctive voice, known for her sharp wit and impressive vocal range.

A Staple of Saturday Night Live

Gasteyer first rose to national prominence as a pivotal cast member on NBC's legendary sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. From 1996 to 2002, her six-year tenure on the show solidified her reputation as a comedic force. She became renowned for creating and portraying a host of memorable characters, including the hilariously off-key music teacher Bobbie Mohan-Culp, the perpetually enthusiastic co-host of "Delicious Dish" Shandra, and her spot-on impressions of figures like Martha Stewart and Celine Dion. Her tenure at SNL was marked by a period of significant comedic innovation, where she consistently delivered performances that were both intelligent and uproariously funny, leaving an enduring legacy on the program.

Diverse Television and Film Career

Following her impactful run on SNL, Ana Gasteyer transitioned seamlessly into a variety of compelling roles across television and film, showcasing her impressive range beyond sketch comedy.

Television Sitcoms

• She charmed audiences as the eccentric suburbanite Sheila Shay in ABC's popular comedy series Suburgatory, which aired from 2011 to 2014, exploring the quirks of suburban life.
• Gasteyer then delved into the realm of sci-fi comedy as Gina Morrison in TBS's critically acclaimed series People of Earth, which ran from 2016 to 2017, where she played a member of an alien abductee support group.
• More recently, she has taken on the lead role of Katherine Hastings in NBC's workplace comedy American Auto, beginning in 2021, portraying the CEO of a Detroit-based automotive company navigating the challenges of modern business.

Notable Film Appearances

On the big screen, Gasteyer left an indelible mark with her role as the kind-hearted and slightly overwhelmed English teacher Ms. Norbury in the immensely popular 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls. This film, written by Tina Fey (a fellow SNL alum), became a cultural phenomenon, and Gasteyer's performance contributed significantly to its enduring appeal and quotable status. She also appeared in films such as Woman on Top and Dick, further demonstrating her ability to contribute effectively to various cinematic genres.

Beyond the Screen: Broadway and Music

Ana Gasteyer's talents extend far beyond television and film. She is an accomplished musical theatre performer, having graced the Broadway stage in several high-profile productions. She notably starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, taking on one of the most iconic roles in modern musical theatre. Her other Broadway credits include roles in The Threepenny Opera and the lead in A Christmas Story: The Musical. As a vocalist, she has also released jazz-influenced albums, including "I'm Hip" and "Sugar & Booze," further showcasing her diverse artistic capabilities and rich vocal prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ana Gasteyer

When was Ana Gasteyer born?

Ana Kristina Gasteyer was born on May 4, 1967.

What is Ana Gasteyer most famous for?

She is most widely recognized for her six-year tenure as a cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live and her roles in popular sitcoms like Suburgatory, People of Earth, and American Auto, as well as the film Mean Girls.

How long was Ana Gasteyer on Saturday Night Live?

Ana Gasteyer was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for six seasons, from 1996 to 2002.

What major TV shows has Ana Gasteyer starred in?

Her notable television sitcom roles include Sheila Shay in ABC's Suburgatory, Gina Morrison in TBS's People of Earth, and Katherine Hastings in NBC's American Auto.

What famous film role is she known for?

Ana Gasteyer is well-known for her role as Ms. Norbury, the English teacher, in the highly popular 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls.

Has Ana Gasteyer performed on Broadway?

Yes, she is an accomplished Broadway performer, having starred as Elphaba in Wicked, and also appeared in productions like The Threepenny Opera and A Christmas Story: The Musical.