
Alison Brie is a name that sparks excitement among TV and movie fans alike. Known for her versatile acting skills, she has captured hearts in roles ranging from the quirky Annie Edison in "Community" to the fierce Ruth Wilder in "GLOW." But how much do you really know about this talented actress? Did you know she once worked as a clown at birthday parties? Or that she has a degree in theater from the California Institute of the Arts? In this blog post, we’ll dive into 39 fascinating facts about Alison Brie that will give you a deeper look into her life, career, and the unique experiences that have shaped her journey. Get ready to be surprised!
Early Life and Background
Alison Brie, a talented actress known for her roles in popular TV shows and movies, has an interesting background that shaped her career.
- 01Born on December 29, 1982, in Hollywood, California, Alison Brie Schermerhorn grew up in a family with a mix of Dutch, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.
- 02Her mother, Joanne Brenner, worked at a non-profit childcare agency, while her father, Charles Terry Schermerhorn, was a musician and freelance entertainment reporter.
- 03Alison's parents divorced when she was young, but she maintained close relationships with both.
- 04Raised in a Jewish household, she celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah, embracing diverse cultural traditions.
- 05She attended South Pasadena High School, where she developed an interest in acting and performed in school plays.
Education and Early Career
Alison's educational journey and early career choices played a significant role in her development as an actress.
- 06After high school, she enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater in 2005.
- 07During her time at CalArts, she performed in various student productions, honing her acting skills.
- 08She also studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, broadening her theatrical education.
- 09Alison's first professional acting job was as a clown at birthday parties, a gig that helped her develop comedic timing.
- 10She made her television debut in 2006 with a minor role on the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana."
Breakthrough Roles
Alison Brie gained widespread recognition through her roles in popular TV shows and movies.
- 11Her breakthrough role came in 2007 when she was cast as Trudy Campbell on the critically acclaimed series "Mad Men."
- 12She portrayed Trudy, the wife of Pete Campbell, for all seven seasons of the show, earning praise for her performance.
- 13In 2009, she landed another significant role as Annie Edison on the NBC sitcom "Community."
- 14"Community" showcased her comedic talents and became a cult favorite, running for six seasons.
- 15Alison also voiced the character of Diane Nguyen on the animated series "BoJack Horseman" from 2014 to 2020.
Film Career
Alison Brie has also made a mark in the film industry with diverse roles in various genres.
- 16She appeared in the 2011 romantic comedy "Scream 4," playing the role of Rebecca Walters.
- 17In 2012, she starred in "The Five-Year Engagement," a romantic comedy alongside Jason Segel and Emily Blunt.
- 18Alison played a supporting role in the 2014 comedy "The Lego Movie," voicing the character Unikitty.
- 19She starred in the 2015 romantic comedy "Sleeping with Other People" alongside Jason Sudeikis.
- 20In 2017, she appeared in "The Disaster Artist," a biographical comedy-drama directed by James Franco.
Personal Life
Alison's personal life, including her relationships and interests, adds depth to her public persona.
- 21She began dating actor Dave Franco in 2012 after meeting him at a Mardi Gras party in New Orleans.
- 22The couple got engaged in August 2015 and married in a private ceremony in March 2017.
- 23Alison and Dave have worked together on several projects, including the 2020 horror film "The Rental," which Dave directed.
- 24She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression.
- 25Alison is also a fitness enthusiast, practicing yoga and strength training regularly.
Awards and Recognition
Alison Brie's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.
- 26She received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for her work on "Mad Men."
- 27Alison earned a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on "Community."
- 28She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her performance in "GLOW."
- 29Alison won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for "GLOW."
- 30She has also been nominated for several Annie Awards for her voice work on "BoJack Horseman."
Fun Facts
Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Alison Brie that fans might find interesting.
- 31Alison is a fan of the video game series "The Legend of Zelda" and has mentioned it in interviews.
- 32She has a pet cat named Harry, who often appears on her social media accounts.
- 33Alison is fluent in French, a skill she developed during her time at CalArts.
- 34She has a passion for cooking and enjoys experimenting with new recipes in her free time.
- 35Alison once appeared in a music video for the band My Morning Jacket.
Philanthropy and Activism
Alison Brie is also known for her philanthropic efforts and activism.
- 36She supports various charitable organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood.
- 37Alison has participated in fundraising events for cancer research and awareness.
- 38She is an advocate for gender equality in Hollywood and has spoken out about the need for more diverse representation in the industry.
- 39Alison has used her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living practices.
Alison Brie: A Fascinating Talent
Alison Brie’s career is a blend of versatility and dedication. From her breakout role in "Community" to her dramatic turn in "GLOW," she’s shown she can handle comedy and drama with ease. Her voice work in "BoJack Horseman" adds another layer to her impressive resume. Beyond acting, Alison’s commitment to fitness and mental health is inspiring. She’s open about her struggles and triumphs, making her relatable to fans. Her marriage to Dave Franco is another interesting facet, showing a balance between personal and professional life. Alison’s philanthropy work, especially with animal rights, highlights her compassionate side. She’s not just a talented actress but a well-rounded individual. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, Alison Brie’s journey offers something for everyone. Keep an eye on her; she’s bound to surprise us with more incredible performances.
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