Mindy Lee Sterling, born on July 11, 1953, in Paterson, New Jersey, is an American actress, voice actress, and comedian renowned for her vibrant character roles in film and television.
Raised in a Jewish family with a show business background, Sterling was encouraged by her father, Dick Sterling, a comedian and actor, to pursue performing arts from a young age.
Her mother, Florence Adele “Bookie” Sterling, was a dancer, adding to the family’s artistic legacy.
Growing up in Miami after moving from New Jersey, Sterling overcame childhood shyness through drama classes, which sparked her passion for acting.
She graduated from Miami Norland Senior High School in 1972 and later earned a degree in acting from Miami Dade College.
Sterling’s career, spanning over five decades, is marked by her comedic timing and versatility, honed through her long association with the Los Angeles-based improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings.
She is best known for her iconic portrayal of Frau Farbissina in the Austin Powers film series, a role that brought her widespread recognition.
Siblings
Mindy has one sibling, a brother named Mark Sterling.
Born and raised alongside Mindy in Paterson, New Jersey, before the family relocated to Miami, Mark grew up in the same entertainment-oriented household influenced by their parents’ careers in comedy and dance.
Unlike Mindy, who pursued a high-profile career in acting and comedy, Mark has remained out of the public spotlight.
Career
Sterling’s career began in the early 1970s with a recurring role on the syndicated children’s series Dusty’s Treehouse around 1973.
Her move to Los Angeles led her to join The Groundlings in the 1980s, where she developed her improvisational skills alongside future stars like Phil Hartman and Lisa Kudrow.
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This experience sharpened her comedic prowess, paving the way for her breakout role as Frau Farbissina, Dr. Evil’s henchwoman, in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997).
The character, inspired by female villains from James Bond films, became a fan favorite, and Sterling reprised the role in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002).
Her film credits also include Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999), where she played a pageant coordinator, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), where she appeared as a Whoville towns-person.
Sterling’s television work is equally extensive, with recurring roles as Francine Briggs on Nickelodeon’s iCarly (2007–2012), Susan Skidmore on Disney Channel’s A.N.T. Farm (2011–2013), Mitzi Kinsky on ABC’s Desperate Housewives (2010–2011), and Linda Schwartz on The Goldbergs (2017–2023).
Her voice acting portfolio is impressive, featuring roles like Ms. Endive in Chowder (2007–2010), Lin Beifong in The Legend of Korra (2012–2014), and Morgana in Nickelodeon’s Winx Club (2012).
Sterling has also lent her voice to projects like The Brave Little Toaster (1987), Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), and Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022).
Her guest appearances span shows like Friends (1996), That’s So Raven (2005), and Curb Your Enthusiasm (2017), showcasing her ability to portray memorable, often villainous or comedic authority figures.
In 2024, she guest-starred in the series premiere of St. Denis Medical, continuing her active presence in the industry.
Accolades
Sterling received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her work in Con Man (2015–2017) and Secs and Execs (2017).
Her voice acting as Lin Beifong in The Legend of Korra garnered a BTVA People’s Choice Voice Acting Award in 2015 for Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series – Action/Drama, highlighting her skill in animation.
Sterling’s role as Frau Farbissina in the Austin Powers series, while not resulting in specific awards, was critically praised and significantly boosted her career, establishing her as a comedic force.
Her work with The Groundlings and her extensive voice-over roles in series like Chowder and Scooby-Doo! have also contributed to her reputation as a versatile performer.
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