Laraine Newman (born 1952)

Actress, comedian

What is Laraine Newman (born 1952) known for?

Born on March 2, 1952 in Los Angeles, California, Laraine Newman is a revered American actress, writer, and comedian. She is best known for her remarkable work as an original cast member of NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1975 until her departure in 1980, creating memorable characters like Connie Conehead, proto-Valley girl Sherry, and Christie Christina.

Newman first discovered her passion for improv while attending Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California. After completing her high school education, she spent a year in Paris studying mime with the renowned Marcel Marceau. Eventually, Newman returned to her hometown and channelled her talent into becoming a founding member of the improv group, The Groundlings.

She was first hired by Lorne Michaels for a Lily Tomlin TV special in 1974 prior to her landmark work on SNL. In 2017, Newman and her fellow original cast members of SNL were honored by the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

Beyond SNL, Newman's contributions to the world of entertainment are extensive. She appeared in films like 'Stardust Memories,' 'Problem Child 2,' 'Coneheads,' and 'The Flintstones.' In addition, she has lent her voice to various TV shows and movies, including several Pixar films like 'Finding Nemo,' 'WALL-E,' 'Up,' and 'Inside Out.' Newman released her memoir, 'May You Live in Interesting Times,' on Audible in 2021.

Aside from her individual achievements, Newman is part of a talented family. She is the younger sister of writer and musician Tracy Newman and the mother of comedian Hannah Einbinder.

In her personal life, Newman was married to actor-writer-director Chad Einbinder from 1991 until their divorce in 2016. They have two children, Spike and Hannah, both actors and comedians. Newman's life was also once the inspiration for Andrew Gold's song "Never Let Her Slip Away," which reached #5 on the UK charts in 1978.

Laraine Newman's journey from her first improv classes at 15 years old to becoming a revered name in comedy continues to inspire many aspiring comedians and entertainers. Her body of work and her influence on sketch comedy proves that she's indeed a notable alumna of Beverly Hills High School.