Jillian Leigh Bell, born on April 25, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American actress, comedian, and screenwriter known for her sharp wit and versatile performances in both television and film.
Raised by her parents, Ron and Tanzy Bell, Jillian showed an early passion for comedy, beginning improv training at the age of eight.
After graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in 2002, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career, joining the renowned improv comedy troupe The Groundlings.
Her comedic talent and dedication have made her a prominent figure in Hollywood, with roles in popular films and TV shows that highlight her ability to blend humor with emotional depth.
Siblings
Jillian has one sibling, an elder sister named Breanna Bell.
Born to parents Ron and Tanzy Bell, Jillian maintains a private personal life but has often credited her family for their unwavering support throughout her career.
Career
Bell’s career began with her early improv training, which led her to Los Angeles, where she honed her skills at The Groundlings.
In 2009, she landed a writing gig for the 35th season of Saturday Night Live, a significant milestone, though her contract was not renewed after the season.
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Undeterred, she transitioned to acting, gaining recognition for her role as Jillian Belk, the quirky executive assistant in the Comedy Central series Workaholics (2011–2017).
Her performance caught the attention of director Paul Thomas Anderson, who cast her in small roles in The Master (2012) and Inherent Vice (2014).
Bell’s breakout came with her role as Mercedes in 22 Jump Street (2014), showcasing her comedic timing alongside Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.
She continued to build her resume with roles in Goosebumps (2015), The Night Before (2015), Fist Fight (2017), and Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019), where she starred as the lead, demonstrating her range in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Other notable projects include her role as the Fairy Godmother in Disney’s Godmothered (2020), voicing Violet Hart in Bless the Harts, and playing Gina in AMC’s Tales of the Walking Dead.
Bell’s ability to steal scenes and her work as a writer and actress have solidified her status as a comedic talent with a growing influence in the industry.
Accolades
JBell’s work has earned her several nominations and awards, reflecting her impact in comedy and entertainment.
In 2010, she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for her contributions to Saturday Night Live.
Her role in 22 Jump Street garnered nominations for an MTV Movie Award for Best Fight (shared with Jonah Hill) and Best Villain in 2015.
Her starring role in Brittany Runs a Marathon earned critical praise, resulting in nominations for a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead in 2019.
That same year, she received the Fairbanks Award at the San Diego International Film Festival and the Next Wave Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival, recognizing her as a rising talent.
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