Who is Ellie Kemper?
Ellie Kemper is an American actress, comedian, and writer. She is best-known for her role as "Erin Hannon" in the NBC series The Office (2005), as well as her supporting roles in the films Bridesmaids (2011) and 21 Jump Street (2012)). She plays the title role in the Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015), for which she has received critical acclaim. In the summer of 2015, she joined NBC News as a temporary co-host on NBC's morning news program, The Today (1952) Show.
Trivia
- Auditioned for a role in Parks and Recreation (2009), a comedy series launched by the creators of The Office (2005). She did not receive the part, but received a call back to audition for a supporting role in "The Office" as Erin Hannon, a receptionist/secretary who replaced the character of Pam Beesly Halpert when Pam left Dunder Mifflin to join the Michael Scott Paper Co. Kemper was cast in the role and started appearing in the show in April 2009. Although the character was originally intended for 4 episodes, the producers were impressed with Kemper and signed her as a regular in the sixth season.
- Went to John Burroughs School in St. Louis where former alumnus Jon Hamm was her drama teacher.
- A contributing writer for the satirical newspaper "The Onion", she also has been published in "McSweeney's", the literary journal founded by Dave Eggers.
- Attended Princeton University, graduating in 2002 with a degree in English. She subsequently studied English for a year at Oxford University.
- Like Amy Poehler and other Saturday Night Live (1975) cast members Bobby Moynihan and Kate McKinnon, she performed at Manhattan's Upright Citizens Brigade improvisational comedy group, usually for free.