Alison Brie

Biography

Alison Brie Schermerhorn (born December 29, 1982), widely known as Alison Brie, is an American actress, writer, and producer who has captivated audiences with her diverse range and ability to seamlessly navigate both comedic and dramatic roles. From beloved sitcoms to critically acclaimed dramas and independent films, Brie has consistently showcased her talent and versatility.

Early Life and Education: Born in Hollywood, California, Brie's upbringing was steeped in the entertainment world, with her father being a musician and freelance entertainment reporter. She developed an early interest in acting, performing in school plays and local theater productions. She further honed her craft at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater in 2005. 

During her studies, she also spent time at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, enriching her theatrical background. Notably, before her breakthrough, Brie even worked as a clown at children's birthday parties, an early demonstration of her comfort in performance.

Career Breakthroughs on Television: Brie first gained significant recognition for her role as Trudy Campbell in the AMC period drama series Mad Men (2007–2015). Her portrayal of the intelligent and often underestimated wife of Pete Campbell earned her critical acclaim and was part of the show's Screen Actors Guild Award win for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Concurrent with Mad Men, Brie cemented her status as a comedic talent with her role as Annie Edison in the NBC/Yahoo! View sitcom Community (2009–2015). Her performance as the ambitious, often neurotic, and endearing student at a community college garnered a dedicated fan base and showcased her impeccable comedic timing.

She further diversified her portfolio with a leading voice role as Diane Nguyen in the critically acclaimed animated comedy series BoJack Horseman (2014–2020), where she lent her voice to a complex and introspective character.

GLOW and Beyond: A pivotal role in Brie's career came with her starring performance as Ruth Wilder in the Netflix comedy-drama series GLOW (2017–2019). Her portrayal of an aspiring actress who finds her calling in the world of women's professional wrestling earned her widespread critical praise, including nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. GLOW allowed her to showcase both her comedic and dramatic abilities, along with an impressive physical transformation.

Film Career and Creative Ventures: Beyond television, Alison Brie has built a robust film career, appearing in a mix of independent and mainstream productions. Her film credits include Scream 4 (2011), The Five-Year Engagement (2012), The Lego Movie (2014), and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) as the voice of Princess Unikitty, The Disaster Artist (2017), and Steven Spielberg's The Post (2017).

She has also ventured into writing and producing, notably co-writing and starring in the Netflix film Horse Girl (2020), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and the romantic comedy Somebody I Used to Know (2023), which she co-wrote with her husband, Dave Franco, who also directed it. Her recent and upcoming projects continue to highlight her versatility, including the drama series Apples Never Fall (2024) and the action-comedy film Freelance (2023).

Personal Life and Impact: Alison Brie is married to actor and filmmaker Dave Franco. Her journey from acclaimed television roles to a growing presence in film and behind-the-scenes creative work underscores her commitment to evolving as an artist. She is celebrated for her nuanced performances, sharp comedic instincts, and willingness to explore challenging roles, making her one of the most respected and admired actresses of her generation.