Written by: Fatima Ahmed

Ana Gasteyer: The Comedy Queen of Saturday Night Live

Ana Gasteyer is a renowned American actress, comedian, and singer, best known for her impressive six-year tenure as a cast member on the iconic NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1996 to 2002. With her exceptional comedic timing and impressive impersonations, she left an indelible mark on the show, creating some of its most memorable characters.

A Early Life and Education

Gasteyer was born on May 4, 1967, in Washington, D.C. to Mariana Roumell, an artist, and Phil Gasteyer, a lobbyist who later became the mayor of Corrales, New Mexico. Growing up on Capitol Hill, just three blocks from the Capitol, Gasteyer's maternal grandparents were Romanian and Greek, exposing her to a rich cultural heritage from a young age. She graduated from Sidwell Friends School and went on to enroll as a music major at Northwestern University, eventually graduating from the Northwestern University School of Communication in 1989.

Rise to Comedy Stardom

Gasteyer honed her comedy skills with the Los Angeles improv and sketch comedy group The Groundlings, where she met fellow comedian and future SNL castmate, Will Ferrell. She landed small roles on popular TV shows such as Seinfeld, Party of Five, Frasier, Hope & Gloria, and NYPD Blue, before joining the cast of SNL in 1996. During her time on the show, she created some of her most iconic characters, including high school music teacher Bobbie Mohan-Culp, National Public Radio's Delicious Dish host Margaret Jo McCullen, Lilith Fair feminist singer Cinder Calhoun, and her spot-on impressions of Martha Stewart and Celine Dion.

Post-SNL Success

After leaving SNL in 2002, Gasteyer appeared in various television programs, films, and stage productions. One of her most notable roles was as the mother of Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) in the 2004 feature film Mean Girls, written by SNL castmate Tina Fey. The film also featured other former SNL castmates, including Fey, Tim Meadows, and Amy Poehler. She has since starred in popular sitcoms such as ABC's Suburgatory, TBS's People of Earth, and NBC's American Auto, showcasing her versatility as a comedic actress.

Awards and Accolades

• Nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children's or Pre-School Children's Series for her work on ABC's Sebastian Says (2004)
• Won a Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Lead in a Comedy Series for her role on ABC's Suburgatory (2012)

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Gasteyer is married to Charlie McKittrick, a Catfish Pictures executive, and they have two children together. She is an advocate for women's rights and has supported various charitable organizations, including the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. Gasteyer has also been involved in several environmental initiatives, using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.

With a career spanning over three decades, Ana Gasteyer has solidified her position as a comedy legend, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her impressive body of work continues to inspire new generations of comedians and actresses, cementing her legacy as one of the most talented and beloved performers of our time.