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40 Facts About Jenny Slate

Peggy Delatorre

Written by Peggy Delatorre

Published: 29 Dec 2024

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Source: Heyalma.com

Who is Jenny Slate? Jenny Slate is a multi-talented actress, comedian, and writer who has made waves in both comedy and drama. Born on March 25, 1982, in Milton, Massachusetts, she began her career in the New York City comedy scene. Slate's big break came with her role on "Saturday Night Live," though she truly shined in the indie film "Obvious Child." Known for her voice work in animated hits like "Zootopia" and "The Secret Life of Pets," she also co-created the beloved character Marcel the Shell. Slate's versatility and unique charm have made her a standout in Hollywood.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jenny Slate, a talented actress and comedian, started her journey in Milton, Massachusetts, and made a mark in comedy and voice acting. Her career includes memorable roles in "Obvious Child" and "Marcel the Shell."
  • From her early days at Columbia University to her collaborations with Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate's career has been filled with diverse roles in film, television, and voice acting, showcasing her versatility and talent.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Education
02Career Beginnings
03Saturday Night Live
04Marcel the Shell
05Television Roles
06Voice Acting Career
07Breakout Role in Obvious Child
08Dramatic Roles
09Film Roles
10Other Notable Work
11Personal Life and Collaborations
12Jenny Slate's Impact

Early Life and Education

Jenny Slate's journey began in Milton, Massachusetts, where she was born and raised. Her early years were marked by a strong educational foundation and a budding interest in comedy.

  1. Jenny Slate was born on March 25, 1982, in Milton, Massachusetts.
  2. She attended Milton Academy, a prestigious prep school.
  3. Slate studied literature at Columbia University, where she got involved in the improv and comedy scene.

Career Beginnings

Jenny's career took off in New York City, where she honed her skills in stand-up and improv.

  1. Slate started her career in comedy, performing stand-up and improv in New York City.
  2. She was part of the comedy duo "Gabe & Jenny" with Gabe Liedman.
  3. Together, they created the variety show "Big Terrific," named the best new variety show of 2008 by Time Out New York.

Saturday Night Live

Jenny's stint on Saturday Night Live was short but memorable, marking a significant milestone in her career.

  1. In 2009, Slate joined the cast of Saturday Night Live.
  2. She became the first woman to curse live on the air during her debut sketch.
  3. Slate only lasted one season on the show, attributing her departure to not clicking with the show rather than the infamous incident.

Marcel the Shell

Jenny co-created a beloved children's character that has become a staple in children's entertainment.

  1. Slate co-created, wrote, and produced the children's short film and book series "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On."
  2. The project has led to multiple films and books, with Marcel becoming a beloved character.

Television Roles

Jenny's television career includes a variety of roles that showcase her versatility.

  1. Slate appeared in several episodes of Parks and Recreation, playing Mona-Lisa Saperstein.
  2. She had a recurring role as Stella in Bob's Burgers.
  3. Slate voiced Pony Head in Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Missy in Big Mouth.

Voice Acting Career

Jenny's voice acting work spans numerous popular animated films.

  1. Slate voiced Ted's mother in The Lorax (2012).
  2. She voiced Assistant Mayor Bellwether in Zootopia (2016).
  3. Slate voiced Gidget in The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and its sequel.
  4. She voiced Harley Quinn in The Lego Batman Movie (2017).
  5. Slate voiced Valerie Da Vinci in Despicable Me 3 (2017).

Breakout Role in Obvious Child

Jenny's performance in Obvious Child marked a turning point in her career.

  1. Her breakout role came with the coming-of-age comedy-drama film Obvious Child (2014).
  2. Slate's performance earned her the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in a Comedy.
  3. She received nominations for an Independent Spirit Award and Gotham Independent Film Award for her role.

Dramatic Roles

Jenny has successfully ventured into dramatic roles, showcasing her range as an actress.

  1. Slate played Bonnie in Gifted (2017), marking a significant shift in her career.
  2. She appeared in the critically acclaimed science-fiction film Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
  3. Slate won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Film Roles

Jenny's filmography includes a mix of comedy and drama, highlighting her versatility.

  1. Slate starred in the film It Ends with Us (2024), playing the role of Allysa.
  2. She appeared in the 2022 film I Want You Back, playing the role of Emma.
  3. Slate played Vanessa in the 2020 film On the Rocks.
  4. She appeared as Dr. Dora Skirth in the 2018 film Venom.
  5. Slate played Morgan in the 2018 film Hotel Artemis.
  6. She played Emily Milburton in the 2017 film Aardvark.
  7. Slate portrayed Dana in the 2017 film Landline.
  8. She played Jodi in the 2016 film Joshy.
  9. Slate portrayed Rose in the 2016 film My Blind Brother.

Other Notable Work

Jenny's career includes a variety of other notable projects and appearances.

  1. In 2013, Slate appeared in Drunk History, retelling the history of how Coca-Cola was made.
  2. She released and starred in a 12-episode mini-series on YouTube called Catherine.
  3. Slate regularly performed her one-woman show "Jenny Slate: Dead Millionaire" at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City from 2008 to 2009.
  4. She was a regular commentator on many VH1 "talking head" commentary programs.

Personal Life and Collaborations

Jenny's personal life and collaborations have also played a significant role in her career.

  1. Slate has been open about her relationship with Gabe Liedman, describing it as a "nonsexual romance."
  2. They first met in 2000 while attending Columbia University and have collaborated on various projects over the years.

Jenny Slate's Impact

Jenny Slate's career is a testament to her versatility and talent. From her early days in stand-up comedy to her breakout role in Obvious Child, she has shown she can handle both comedy and drama with ease. Her voice acting in animated films like Zootopia and The Secret Life of Pets has made her a favorite among kids and adults alike. Slate's work on Marcel the Shell with Shoes On has also left a lasting mark on children's entertainment. With roles in critically acclaimed films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, she continues to prove her range and dedication. Jenny Slate's journey in the entertainment industry is far from over, and her ability to evolve as an artist ensures she will remain a significant figure for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about Jenny Slate?
Jenny Slate stands out for her unique blend of talents. Not only is she a gifted comedian, but she's also an accomplished actress and author. Her ability to seamlessly transition between voice acting in animated movies and performing in live-action roles showcases her versatility. Plus, her humor often carries a heartfelt sincerity that resonates with many.
How did Jenny Slate get her start in comedy?
Her journey into comedy began in her college days. Slate was part of an improv group, which laid the foundation for her comedic skills. After college, she continued to hone her craft in stand-up comedy and eventually broke into television with appearances on shows like "Saturday Night Live." Her early experiences in improv and stand-up played crucial roles in shaping her comedic style.
Has Jenny Slate written any books?
Yes, indeed! Jenny Slate has ventured into the literary world, contributing to it with her unique voice. She co-authored a book titled "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me," based on her popular animated short film. This book showcases her creativity and ability to connect with audiences of all ages through her writing.
What are some notable roles Jenny Slate has played?
Among her many roles, a few stand out for their impact and popularity. Slate voiced the adorable character Marcel the Shell in the animated short film series, which became a viral sensation. She also starred in the critically acclaimed film "Obvious Child," where her performance was praised for its depth and authenticity. Additionally, she's made memorable appearances in TV shows like "Parks and Recreation" and "Big Mouth."
Can you tell me about Jenny Slate's background?
Slate hails from a creative and supportive family, which undoubtedly influenced her artistic path. She grew up in Massachusetts and later attended Columbia University, where she studied literature and was actively involved in the improv scene. Her upbringing and education played significant roles in nurturing her talents and interests in comedy and acting.
What makes Jenny Slate's comedy unique?
Her comedy stands out for its blend of whimsy, intelligence, and emotional depth. Slate has a knack for finding humor in everyday situations, yet she doesn't shy away from tackling more sensitive topics with grace and empathy. Her comedic approach often reflects her own experiences and observations, making it both personal and relatable.
Is Jenny Slate involved in any voice acting?
Absolutely! Slate's distinctive voice has made her a sought-after talent in the world of animation. She's lent her voice to various animated projects, most notably as Marcel the Shell and as Missy Foreman-Greenwald in the animated series "Big Mouth." Her ability to bring characters to life with her voice adds another layer to her impressive repertoire.

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