Overview

Paula Pell, born on April 15, 1963, in Joliet, Illinois, is an American comedy writer, producer, and actress. She is widely recognized for her work as a writer on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1995 to 2013, becoming the longest-tenured female writer in the show’s history. Pell is credited with creating memorable characters and sketches like Debbie Downer and the Spartan Cheerleaders. Beyond SNL, she has written and produced for the TV series 30 Rock, earning a Primetime Emmy Award and six Writers Guild of America Awards. Pell co-wrote and co-starred in the Netflix film Wine Country (2019). She also co-created and starred in the series Mapleworth Murders. Her voice acting credits include Inside Out, Big Mouth, and Monsters at Work. From 2021 to 2024, Pell was a main cast member on the Peacock/Netflix musical comedy series Girls5eva. Pell has also contributed to various awards ceremonies and has more than 40 acting credits to her name.

What Is Paula Pell’s Net Worth?

Paula Pell, a multifaceted American talent, boasts a net worth of $2 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to her successful career as a comedy writer, actress, and producer. Her contributions to the entertainment industry span various platforms, including television, film, and digital media, all contributing to her financial success.

Paula Pell’s Career Highlights and Earnings

Pell’s career trajectory began with her role as a writer on NBC’s iconic television series, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), a position she held from 1995 to 2023. During her tenure on SNL, she played a crucial role in creating memorable recurring characters like the Spartan Cheerleaders and Debbie Downer. Her writing contributions to SNL earned her numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award in 2002 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. In addition to writing for SNL, Pell also produced and wrote for the NBC television series “30 Rock,” further solidifying her reputation as a versatile talent in the comedy industry.

Beyond her television writing and production credits, Pell has also made significant contributions to the film industry. She wrote the screenplay for the 2015 film “Sisters,” starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, which grossed $105 million worldwide on a budget of $30 million. In 2019, she reunited with Fey and Poehler for the film “Wine Country,” which was directed by Poehler and released on Netflix. Pell’s film roles include appearances in “Sisters” (2015), “Other People” (2016), and “Wine Country” (2019). She also voiced Dream Director / Mom’s Anger in the Disney Pixar film “Inside Out” (2015), which grossed $858.8 million at the box office, further contributing to her financial success. Her financial agreements for providing additional material for the Judd Apatow films “Bridesmaids” (2011) and “This is 40” (2012), though specific figures are not publicly available, contributed to her income during that period.

In recent years, Pell has continued to expand her portfolio with starring roles in television series such as “Girls5eva,” where she plays Gloria McManus. She also starred on and co-created the 2020 Quibi series “Mapleworth Murders,” showcasing her versatility as a writer, producer, and actress. Her earnings from these projects, while not publicly disclosed, contribute to her overall net worth.

Paula Pell’s Additional Ventures and Income Streams

Paula Pell’s career is not limited to writing and acting; she has also ventured into producing and voice acting. She executive produced the 2012 film “This Is 40” and served as a co-executive producer on the HBO series “Camping” (2018) and a consulting producer on the Apple TV+ comedy “Loot” (2024). Her involvement in these projects provides additional income streams, further contributing to her net worth.

In addition to her producing credits, Pell has also lent her voice to various animated television shows, including “The Awesomes” (2013–2015), “Big Mouth” (2017–present), “Duncanville” (2022), and “Monsters at Work” (2023). Her voice acting roles provide a consistent source of income, enhancing her overall financial stability.

Pell’s career is marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between different roles in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Her contributions to writing, acting, producing, and voice acting have all played a role in shaping her financial success. While specific financial details regarding her various projects and ventures are not publicly available, her consistent work in the entertainment industry has enabled her to accumulate a net worth of $2 million.

Awards and Recognition

Pell’s talent and dedication have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. She has earned 12 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for “Saturday Night Live” in 2002. Her other Emmy nominations include Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special for “The Women of SNL” (2011), Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for “Saturday Night Live: 40th Anniversary Special” (2015), and Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for “Mapleworth Murders” (2021) and “Die Hart” (2023).

Pell has also received 16 Writers Guild of America Award nominations, winning six: Comedy/Variety – Music, Awards, Tributes – Specials – Any Length for “Saturday Night Live 25” (2001), Comedy/Variety – (Including Talk) Series for “Saturday Night Live” (2007, 2009, 2010, and 2017), and Comedy Series for “30 Rock” (2010). In 2020, she received the Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence from the WGA, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the comedy industry.

Personal Life

Paula Pell was born on April 15, 1963, in Joliet, Illinois. She attended Seminole Community College in Orlando and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she studied both acting and visual art. Pell worked at Walt Disney World in the adults-only nightclubs in the theme park’s Pleasure Island area, a job that provided her with early performance experience and a source of income.

Pell is openly gay and married Janine Brito on November 13, 2020. The couple’s wedding was a small, private affair due to the ongoing pandemic. Pell announced the news on Instagram, sharing photos from the ceremony and expressing her joy at marrying her “beloved and extraordinary” partner. While details regarding their assets and investments are not publicly available, Pell’s successful career in the entertainment industry ensures a comfortable lifestyle for her and her family.

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