35 Facts About Ana Gasteyer

Early Life and Education

Ana Gasteyer's journey to stardom began in Washington, D.C., where she was born and raised. Her upbringing and education played a significant role in shaping her career.

1. Ana Gasteyer was born to Mariana (née Roumell) and Phil Gasteyer. Her mother was an artist, and her father later became the mayor of Corrales, New Mexico.
2. Gasteyer grew up on Capitol Hill, just three blocks from the Capitol, and her maternal grandparents were Romanian and Greek.
3. She attended Sidwell Friends School, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic standards.
4. Gasteyer later enrolled as a music major at Northwestern University, where she graduated from the School of Communication in 1989.

Comedy Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Gasteyer honed her comedic skills with various improv groups and small TV roles.

5. Gasteyer developed her comedy skills with the Los Angeles improv and sketch comedy group The Groundlings.
6. This experience helped her land small roles on popular TV shows like Seinfeld, Party of Five, Frasier, Hope & Gloria, and NYPD Blue.

Saturday Night Live

Ana Gasteyer's big break came when she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1996. Her time on the show solidified her status as a comedic powerhouse.

7. Gasteyer joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1996, where she became known for her iconic characters and impressions.
8. Her most popular characters included high school music teacher Bobbie Mohan-Culp, NPR radio host Margaret Jo McCullen, and feminist singer Cinder Calhoun.
9. She also impressed audiences with her spot-on impressions of Martha Stewart and Celine Dion.
10. Gasteyer and Chris Parnell auditioned to succeed Colin Quinn as co-anchors of the news parody segment Weekend Update, but the positions ultimately went to Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon.
11. After six seasons, Gasteyer left SNL in 2002, marking the end of an era for many fans who had grown to love her unique brand of humor and characters.

Film and Television Career

Post-SNL, Gasteyer transitioned seamlessly into film and television, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

12. Gasteyer has appeared in numerous films, including Mean Girls (2004), where she played Cady Heron's mom.
13. She starred in Wine Country (2019) alongside her SNL friends and colleagues Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, Emily Spivey, and Paula Pell.
14. Gasteyer has had recurring roles in several TV shows, such as The Goldbergs, Suburgatory, and People of Earth.
15. She appeared in American Auto, a comedy series where she played the new CEO of Payne Motors, despite her lack of knowledge about cars.

Broadway and Stage Performances

Gasteyer's talents extend beyond the screen to the stage, where she has had a successful career in theater.

16. Gasteyer has starred in Broadway productions like The Rocky Horror Show, Funny Girl, The Threepenny Opera, and Wicked.
17. She originated the role of Elphaba in the Chicago production of Wicked and later reprised it on Broadway, earning a Jefferson Award nomination for her performance.
18. Gasteyer performed in Passion at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater from October 2007 to November 2007.
19. She starred in Writing Arthur for the 2007 New Works Festival for TheatreWorks in California.
20. Gasteyer played the role of Mimi in A New Brain opposite Jonathan Groff at City Center Encores and also sang on that cast recording.

Music Career

Ana Gasteyer is not just an actress and comedian; she is also a talented singer with a flourishing music career.

21. Gasteyer is a trained singer and has released two studio albums: I'm Hip and Sugar & Booze.
22. Sugar & Booze is a collection of original and classic holiday songs that topped numerous "Best Holiday Album" lists.
23. In support of Sugar & Booze, Gasteyer embarked on a Christmas tour, performing her seasonal favorites and holiday originals across the country.
24. Inspired by the music from Sugar & Booze, Gasteyer produced an eight-episode original series for Audible, voiced by herself, Maya Rudolph, Patti Lupone, and Rachel Dratch among others.

Personal Life and Other Ventures

Balancing her career and personal life, Gasteyer has managed to stay grounded while continuing to explore new opportunities.

25. Gasteyer is married and has a son. She has been open about balancing her career and family life, often citing the importance of her family in her success.
26. She was a spokeswoman for the Weight Watchers diet plan from 2013 to 2014.
27. Gasteyer has done extensive voice work, including roles in The Lion Guard, Voltron: Legendary Defender, and Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures.
28. She performed as Miss Hannigan in the Tony-winning musical Annie at the Hollywood Bowl.
29. Gasteyer dazzled audiences as a contestant on The Masked Singer, performing as the Tree.

Awards and Nominations

Gasteyer's talent has not gone unnoticed, earning her several awards and nominations throughout her career.

30. Gasteyer has been nominated for several awards, including a Jefferson Award for her performance in Wicked.
31. She received an Emmy Award nomination for her performance in A Christmas Story Live! as Mrs. Schwartz.
32. Gasteyer's holiday album Sugar & Booze has topped numerous "Best Holiday Album" lists.
33. She co-wrote and produced an eight-episode original series for Audible, showcasing her creative range and ability to collaborate with other talented artists.

Future Aspirations

Ana Gasteyer continues to look forward, with dreams of new roles and projects on the horizon.

34. Gasteyer has expressed her desire to originate a big Broadway role and return to singing in a big show once her son is out of high school.
35. She hopes to do more projects with her SNL friends and help steer the vision of something silly.

Ana Gasteyer's Lasting Impact

Ana Gasteyer's career is a testament to her versatility and talent. From her unforgettable characters on Saturday Night Live to her powerful performances on Broadway, she's shown she can do it all. Her work in film, television, and music highlights her ability to connect with audiences in various ways. Whether she's making us laugh with her spot-on impressions or captivating us with her singing, Gasteyer's impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. Her journey from The Groundlings to becoming a household name proves that hard work and dedication pay off. As she continues to take on new projects and roles, there's no doubt she'll keep inspiring and entertaining us for years to come. Ana Gasteyer's legacy is one of creativity, resilience, and a whole lot of talent.