Renelle Pitts

Written by Renelle Pitts

Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024

50-facts-about-fortune-feimster
Source: Deadline.com

Who is Fortune Feimster? Fortune Feimster is a dynamic American comedian, writer, and actress known for her infectious humor and relatable storytelling. Born Emily Fortune Feimster on July 1, 1980, in Charlotte, North Carolina, she has carved a unique niche in the entertainment world. From her early days in Belmont, North Carolina, to becoming a beloved figure on shows like "Chelsea Lately" and "The Mindy Project," Fortune's journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a career spanning over two decades, she has not only made audiences laugh but also brought people together through her confessional comedy style. Married to Jacquelyn Smith, Fortune continues to touch lives with her joyous performances.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fortune Feimster, a North Carolina native, excelled in sports and academics before pursuing a successful career in comedy and entertainment, showcasing her unique comedic style and making a mark in television and film.
  • With a background in sports and leadership, Fortune Feimster's journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles led to a thriving career in comedy, television, and film, as well as a strong connection with her audience through radio and podcast hosting.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Fortune Feimster's journey began in the heart of North Carolina. Her early years were filled with sports, academics, and a strong sense of community.

  1. Birth Name: Emily Fortune Feimster
  2. Birthdate: July 1, 1980
  3. Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina
  4. Family: Born to Mike and Ginger Feimster; youngest of three children with two older brothers, Price and Jay.
  5. Maternal Great-Grandmother’s Maiden Name: Fortune
  6. Early Life: Grew up in Belmont, North Carolina, attending Belmont Central Elementary School and Belmont Junior High.
  7. High School: Graduated from South Point High School in 1998.
  8. Debutante Ball: Presented to society at the Gastonia Debutante Ball in 1998.
  9. High School Activities: Played basketball, softball, and tennis.
  10. College Education: Attended Peace College (now known as William Peace University), a women-only university.
  11. College Major: Communications
  12. College Achievements: Elected student body president, graduated summa cum laude in 2002, and was the student speaker at commencement.
  13. College Soccer and Tennis: Played soccer and tennis during her time at Peace College.

Early Career and Move to Los Angeles

After college, Fortune took a bold step by moving to Los Angeles to chase her dreams. Her journey in the entertainment industry started with various roles and experiences.

  1. Post-College Life: Lived in Spain for a year before moving to Los Angeles in 2003.
  2. Move to Los Angeles: Became a personal assistant to actress Emily Procter to pursue comedy.
  3. Entertainment Journalism Career: Spent seven years as an entertainment journalist while pursuing comedy.
  4. Groundlings Theatre: Joined The Groundlings Theatre in 2005 to study improv and sketch comedy.
  5. Groundlings Sunday Company: Selected to join the prestigious Groundlings’ Sunday Company after four years.
  6. Coming Out: Came out as lesbian in 2005 at age 25.

Breakthrough in Comedy and Television

Fortune's big break came with her appearance on NBC's Last Comic Standing. She quickly became a familiar face on television, showcasing her comedic talent.

  1. Career Breakthrough: Made her television debut on NBC's Last Comic Standing in 2010.
  2. Chelsea Lately: Became a writer and panelist on E’s hit show Chelsea Lately.
  3. The Mindy Project: Starred as Colette Kimball-Kinney on The Mindy Project for Hulu from 2015 to 2017.
  4. Champions: Played a series regular role on NBC's Champions.
  5. Guest Appearances: Had numerous guest appearances on TV shows including Claws, 2 Broke Girls, Workaholics, Glee, Dear White People, and Tales of the City.
  6. Recurring Roles: Had recurring roles on Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q and CBS's Life In Pieces.

Film Roles and Voice Acting

Fortune's versatility extends to the big screen and voice acting, where she has taken on various memorable roles.

  1. Movie Roles: Appeared in memorable roles in movies such as Office Christmas Party with Jennifer Aniston, Yes Day with Jennifer Garner, and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.
  2. Voice Acting: Voiced roles in Pixar’s Soul, The Simpsons, Cartoon Network’s Summer Camp Island, and Fox’s Bless the Harts.

Stand-Up Comedy and Specials

Fortune's stand-up comedy has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her Netflix specials have been particularly well-received.

  1. Netflix Specials: Released one-hour specials on Netflix including Sweet & Salty and Good Fortune.
  2. Critics Choice Award Nomination: Nominated for a Critics Choice Award for her Netflix special Sweet & Salty.
  3. Good Fortune Special: Released her new one-hour special Good Fortune on Netflix, which was named to the LA Times Best of List for 2022 and scored a nomination at the Critics Choice Awards.
  4. Live Laugh Love Tour: Tours the world with her unique style of standup comedy as part of her Live Laugh Love Tour.

Late-Night TV and Other Projects

Fortune's presence on late-night TV and other projects showcases her broad appeal and talent.

  1. Late-Night TV Appearances: Appeared on late-night TV shows including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Conan.
  2. Comedy Central and Netflix Specials: Had half-hour specials on Comedy Central and as part of Netflix’s season one of The Standups.
  3. Tina Fey-Produced Pilot: Created and starred in the Tina Fey-produced pilot Family Fortune for ABC.
  4. Amblin Features: Sold two features to Amblin, Bad Cop, Bad Cop and Field Trip, both of which she is attached to star in.
  5. Recent Film Projects: Starred in the action-comedy series FUBAR alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger on Netflix.

Radio Show and Podcast

Fortune connects with her audience through her radio show and podcast, sharing her humor and insights.

  1. Radio Show Host: Hosts the hit radio show What a Joke with Papa and Fortune on Sirius XM alongside Tom Papa.
  2. Podcast Host: Hosts the popular podcast Sincerely Fortune with her wife Jax.

Personal Life and Residences

Fortune's personal life is filled with love and connection, reflecting her down-to-earth nature.

  1. Personal Life: Married to kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn Smith since October 23, 2020.
  2. Residences: Owns homes in Los Angeles and Belmont, North Carolina.

Athletic and Leadership Background

Fortune's background in sports and leadership during her school years laid a strong foundation for her future success.

  1. Education Background: Attended Peace College, a women-only university, where she majored in communications.
  2. Athletic Background: Played basketball, softball, and tennis during high school and college.
  3. Student Body President: Elected student body president at Peace College.
  4. Graduation Commencement Speaker: Was the student speaker at her college commencement in 2002.

Connections and Early Work

Fortune's early connections and work experiences helped shape her career in comedy and entertainment.

  1. Acquaintance with Emily Procter: Became acquainted with actress Emily Procter after her graduation, who later became her personal assistant.
  2. Journalism Career: Spent seven years as an entertainment journalist before pursuing comedy full-time.
  3. Groundlings Theatre Experience: Studied improv and sketch comedy at The Groundlings Theatre.
  4. Sunday Company Membership: Selected to join the prestigious Groundlings’ Sunday Company after four years.

Comedic Style and Career Milestones

Fortune's unique comedic style and career milestones have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

  1. Comedic Style: Known for her confessional comedy style that brings people together through laughter and storytelling.
  2. Career Milestones: Continues to build an innovative, inclusive, and unique career in comedy, television, and film, touching lives daily with her contagious and joyous comedy.

Fortune Feimster: A Comedy Powerhouse

Fortune Feimster has carved out a unique space in comedy and entertainment. From her early days in Belmont, North Carolina, to becoming a beloved comedian, writer, and actress, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. She's known for her roles on The Mindy Project, Chelsea Lately, and her Netflix specials like Sweet & Salty. Feimster's ability to connect with audiences through her confessional comedy style sets her apart. Her work in voice acting, live tours, and various TV shows showcases her versatility. Married to Jacquelyn Smith, she balances her personal and professional life with grace. Whether on stage, screen, or behind a microphone, Fortune Feimster continues to bring joy and laughter to countless fans. Her story is a testament to hard work, authenticity, and the power of humor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Fortune Feimster?
Fortune Feimster, a North Carolina native, has made waves as a comedian, writer, and actor. Known for her vibrant personality and distinctive Southern charm, she's a regular on the stand-up scene and has appeared on numerous TV shows and movies, making folks laugh with her unique brand of humor.
How did Fortune Feimster get her start in comedy?
Her journey into comedy kicked off after moving to Los Angeles. Initially, she pursued a career in journalism but soon found her calling in comedy. Joining the Groundlings’ Sunday Company, an improv and sketch comedy troupe, honed her skills and opened doors in the comedy world.
What are some of Fortune Feimster's most notable roles?
She's graced our screens in various roles, from her memorable appearances on "The Mindy Project" as Colette Kimball-Kinney to her Netflix specials that showcase her stand-up prowess. Additionally, her voice can be heard in animated series, proving her versatility.
Has Fortune Feimster written for any TV shows?
Absolutely! Her writing talents shone through on "Chelsea Lately," where she also made regular appearances. This gig marked a significant step in her career, blending her comedic and writing skills on a popular platform.
What makes Fortune Feimster's comedy stand out?
Her comedy stands out for its heartfelt honesty and relatability. She often draws from her own life experiences, including her upbringing in the South and her journey as an openly gay woman, to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Can you recommend a Fortune Feimster special to start with?
For newcomers, "Sweet & Salty" on Netflix is a must-watch. It's a fantastic introduction to her humor, providing a deep dive into her life with plenty of laughs along the way.
Where can I find more information about Fortune Feimster's upcoming shows?
Her official website and social media channels are your best bets for the latest news on tour dates and upcoming projects. These platforms keep fans in the loop about where she'll be performing next.

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