Jenny Slate

Early Life

Jenny Slate was born on March 25, 1982, in Milton, Massachusetts, to Nancy and Ronald Slate. Growing up in a Jewish family, she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from Milton Academy. She went on to attend Columbia University, where she majored in literature and was instrumental in forming the improv group Fruit Paunch. It was during her time at Columbia that she met Gabe Liedman, who would become her comedy partner.

Career

Slate's career began to take shape as she and Liedman formed the comedy duo Gabe & Jenny, performing stand-up shows that garnered critical acclaim. Their show, "Big Terrific," was named the best new variety show of 2008 by Time Out New York. Slate gained wider recognition as a cast member on the 35th season of "Saturday Night Live" in 2009, where she became known for her memorable character Tina-Tina Cheneuse. Despite a brief stint on SNL, she continued to build her career with roles in popular sitcoms such as "Bob's Burgers," "Parks and Recreation," and "House of Lies."

In addition to her television work, Slate co-created the beloved children's series "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" with her then-husband Dean Fleischer Camp, which included short films and books. Her talents extend beyond acting, as she is also a skilled voice artist, contributing her voice to various projects, including the "Zootopia Read-Along Storybook and CD."

Personal Life

Slate's personal life has been as colorful as her career. She married filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp in 2012, and they collaborated on the "Marcel the Shell" franchise before separating in 2016. Shortly after, she began dating actor Chris Evans. In 2019, Slate announced her engagement to art curator Ben Shattuck, and they welcomed a daughter in late 2020. After several pandemic-related wedding delays, they married in their living room on New Year's Eve 2021. Slate identifies as agnostic and has plans to return to Brooklyn in 2025.