Ellie Kemper

Ellie Kemper began her entertainment career behind-the-scenes, writing comedy skits and editorial satires, but she soon caught Hollywood's attention by starring in a viral Web video that showcased her fearless talent. Her breakthrough performance as bubbly and naive receptionist Erin Hannon on "The Office" (NBC, 2005-2014) further made the improv theater-trained actress into a household name. Kemper's natural charisma and comic timing were well received by the show's critics, while fans celebrated her onscreen chemistry with co-star Ed Helms. Their characters, Erin and Andy, were even dubbed the new "Jim and Pam" - the show's much-loved couple played by John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer - a timeless honor that cemented Kemper's place as one of the funniest, most endearing women on television. Following her scene-stealing turn in the comedy smash "Bridesmaids" (2011), Kemper made an even bigger splash as the title star of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" (Netflix 2015- ), in which she played an irrepressibly cheerful survivor of a doomsday cult making her way in New York City.