Stephanie Courtney, born on February 8, 1970, in Stony Point, New York, is an American actress and comedian widely recognized for her portrayal of Flo, the perky insurance salesperson in Progressive Corporation’s advertising campaigns since 2008.
Her infectious energy and retro-styled character have made her a household name, with Flo becoming one of the most iconic figures in modern advertising.
Beyond her commercial fame, Courtney is a seasoned performer with a rich background in improvisational comedy and acting, having built a career that spans television, film, and theater.
She graduated from Binghamton University in 1992 with a degree in English, where her passion for acting was solidified through roles in plays like The Crucible.
Siblings
Stephanie has an older sister, Jennifer Courtney, who is also an actress, and the two have shared a close professional and personal bond.
Together, they created and performed a sketch comedy show called Those Courtney Girls, which they showcased in Los Angeles and at the Aspen Comedy Festival.
This collaboration highlighted their shared comedic talents and helped them navigate the competitive acting world early in their careers.
Career
After graduating from Binghamton University, Courtney moved to New York City, where she studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse while working as a secretary to support herself.
Her roommate at the time was future author Meghan Daum.
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Seeking greater opportunities, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she roomed with her sister Jennifer and began performing stand-up comedy.
The sisters’ sketch Those Courtney Girls gained attention, marking an early milestone.
Courtney joined The Groundlings, a renowned improvisational and sketch comedy troupe in Los Angeles, becoming a main company member in 2004.
This experience honed her comedic skills and led to her meeting her husband, Scott Kolanach, the theater’s lighting director.
Her early television roles included guest appearances on shows like Everybody Loves Raymond, Angel, and The Man Show.
She gained notable recognition for recurring roles, such as Marge in Mad Men (2007), Diane in Cavemen (2007), and Essie Karp in The Goldbergs.
Courtney also voiced characters like Renee the Receptionist and Joy Peters in Tom Goes to the Mayor (2004–2006) and lent her voice to animated series like Phineas and Ferb and The Looney Tunes Show.
Her film credits include Melvin Goes to Dinner (2003), Blades of Glory (2007), and The Heartbreak Kid (2007).
However, her role as Flo in Progressive’s commercials, starting in 2008, catapulted her to widespread fame.
With over 50 commercials filmed, Flo’s quirky charm has inspired fan pages, Halloween costumes, and a lasting cultural impact.
Accolades
Courtney’s work has earned her critical and industry recognition, particularly for her ensemble performances.
In 2003, she won a Copper Wing Award at the Phoenix Film Festival for Best Ensemble Acting for her role in Melvin Goes to Dinner, a Bob Odenkirk-directed indie comedy.
In 2010, she was nominated for a Streamy Award for Best Ensemble Cast in a Web Series for Back on Topps.
Her portrayal of Flo has not only garnered commercial success but also cultural significance, with the character becoming a beloved advertising icon.
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