Paula Pell

Paula Pell is a comedy writer, producer, and actress known for her significant contributions to sketch comedy and television writing. Pell served as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" for nearly two decades, becoming the longest-tenured female writer in the show's history. Her journey to NBC's iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza began after studying acting and visual art, followed by work at Walt Disney World and participation in the SAK Comedy Lab improv troupe. A sketch comedy pilot with the troupe ultimately led to her recruitment by SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels.

Pell joined "Saturday Night Live" as a writer during the 1995–96 season, collaborating with cast members such as Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri to develop memorable characters like the Spartan Cheerleaders. She played a key role during a period of creative resurgence for the show, particularly as writing supervisor, contributing sketches that highlighted the talents of Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph. Pell created the well-known "Debbie Downer" sketch, which became a hallmark of the show's comedic style. Her work on "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" has been recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program and six Writers Guild of America Awards. Pell has also received the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special and the Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence.

Beyond her work on "Saturday Night Live," Pell contributed as a producer and writer for "30 Rock," penning episodes such as "Argus" and "Floyd." She wrote the feature screenplay for "Sisters," produced by Tina Fey, and provided additional writing for the films "Bridesmaids" and "This Is 40." Pell has produced, written, and performed in numerous television series and has written for major awards ceremonies including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and MTV Video Music Awards.

Pell has also established herself as a performer, voicing characters in the Pixar film "Inside Out" and co-starring in the Netflix comedy "Wine Country." She co-wrote and executive produced the comedy-mystery "Mapleworth Murders," earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. Pell stars as Gloria McManus in the Peacock comedy series "Girls5eva," further demonstrating her versatility in the entertainment industry. Her career encompasses television writing, sketch comedy, film, and performance, making her a prominent figure in American comedy.