Ellie Kemper Net Worth

Ellie Kemper’s Net Worth: A Look at the Actress’s Career and Finances

Ellie Kemper is a beloved American actress, comedian, and writer, known for her infectious charm and versatile talent. With a career spanning over a decade, she has captivated audiences with her roles in popular television series and blockbuster films. This comprehensive article delves into Ellie Kemper’s life, career, and financial standing, exploring the key milestones that have shaped her success.

Early Life and Family Background

Elizabeth Claire “Ellie” Kemper was born on May 2, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up in St. Louis, she was raised alongside three siblings by her mother, Dotty, and father, David. David Kemper’s lineage is notable; he is a member of a prominent Missouri family and held the positions of CEO and chairman of Commerce Bancshares. Adding to her family’s legacy, her great-great-grandfather, William Thornton Kemper Sr., was a successful railroad magnate and banker. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis is named after her grandmother. Ellie’s younger sister, Carrie Kemper, is an accomplished television writer and producer, having contributed to shows such as “The Office” and “Silicon Valley.”

Ellie’s formative years were spent attending Conway Elementary School and the prestigious John Burroughs School. During her time at John Burroughs, she was fortunate to have Jon Hamm, later known for his role in “Mad Men” and co-starring with her in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” as her acting teacher. After graduating, she pursued higher education at Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2002. Her extracurricular activities at Princeton included participation in the field hockey team and the university’s improv group and touring musical-comedy troupe. She further expanded her educational experience by spending a year at Worcester College, Oxford, studying towards a graduate degree in English Literature.

Career Beginnings and Early Roles

Ellie Kemper’s path to stardom began with a few memorable experiences. Her entry into the Screen Actors Guild was marked by a 2006 Kmart commercial, where she showcased her acting skills. She gained experience by interning at “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” alongside fellow “The Office” castmates Mindy Kaling, John Krasinski, and Angela Kinsey. She appeared in sketches on the show in 2007 and 2008. During this time, she also took on roles in the TV movie “Redeeming Rainbow” (2007), the Comedy Central series “Important Things with Demetri Martin” (2009–2010), and the films “Cayman Went” (2009) and “Mystery Team” (2009). Kemper further honed her comedic talents by working with the People’s Improv Theatre and Upright Citizens Brigade; at UCB, she performed with the improv teams fwand and Mailer Daemon and also created and starred in the one-woman show “Dumb Girls.” Her growing reputation led her to audition for “Saturday Night Live” in 2008, and in 2009, “Variety” recognized her potential by naming her one of “10 Comics To Watch.”

‘The Office’ and ‘Bridesmaids’: Breakthrough Roles

A pivotal moment in Kemper’s career came when an audition for “Parks and Recreation” led co-creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur to cast her in their other hit series, “The Office.” She joined the cast during the show’s fifth season, playing the quirky and lovable Erin Hannon. This role proved to be a major breakthrough, allowing her to showcase her comedic timing and endearing personality. Kemper appeared in over 100 episodes of “The Office” and also starred in several web series spin-offs, including “Subtle Sexuality” (2009), “The Mentor” (2010), “The 3rd Floor” (2010), “The Podcast” (2011), and “The Girl Next Door” (2011).

While working on “The Office,” Kemper continued to take on various film and television roles, guest-starring on shows like “NTSF:SD:SUV::” (2012) and “The Mindy Project” (2012–2013). She appeared in movies such as “Get Him to the Greek” (2010) and “21 Jump Street” (2012). Her role in the ensemble comedy “Bridesmaids” (2011), alongside Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Melissa McCarthy, further elevated her profile. The film was a box office success, grossing $288.4 million worldwide and receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Kemper also had a small, uncredited role in the film “Identity Thief” (2013) with Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy.

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‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ and Other Ventures

In 2015, Kemper took on the lead role in the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. The show, which ran for 51 episodes and a 2020 interactive special “Kimmy vs. the Reverend,” allowed Kemper to showcase her talent and comedic range. She played the titular character, Kimmy Schmidt, a woman adjusting to life after being rescued from a doomsday cult. The role was critically acclaimed and further solidified her status as a leading actress.

Kemper’s versatility extends beyond live-action roles. She has also lent her voice to several animated projects, including “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016) and its 2019 sequel, where she voiced the character of Katie. Both films were major hits, grossing a combined $1.3 billion worldwide. She also contributed her voice to “The Lego Batman Movie” (2017), “Sofia the First” (2013–2018), “WordGirl” (2015), “All Hail King Julien” (2016), and “The Simpsons” (2020). In 2017, she guest-starred on “Julie’s Greenroom” and on “At Home with Amy Sedaris” in 2018. Kemper also portrayed Gloria Stivic in a 2019 “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons.” In 2019, she was cast in the sixth film in the “Home Alone” franchise, and in 2020, she appeared in “The Stand In” with Drew Barrymore. Kemper also appeared in the films “Laggies,” “Sex Tape,” and “They Came Together.”

Personal Life and Family

Ellie Kemper’s personal life is marked by a loving marriage and a growing family. On July 7, 2012, she married comedy writer Michael Koman, who has written for popular shows such as “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Colbert Report,” and “Saturday Night Live.” The couple has two sons: James, born in July 2016, and Matthew, born in September 2019. Despite Koman being Jewish, they chose to marry in the Catholic Church and are raising their children in the Catholic faith.

Awards and Nominations

Throughout her career, Ellie Kemper has received numerous accolades and nominations for her outstanding performances. She earned Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” in 2016 and 2017. The series also garnered her a Gracie Allen Award and a Webby Award, along with nominations from the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, Critics Choice Television Awards, Gold Derby Awards, Online Film & Television Association, Satellite Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Kemper’s work on “The Office” also earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, and she received a nomination for Outstanding Actress – Comedy Series for her role at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival. The cast of “Bridesmaids,” including Kemper, won an MTV Movie Award for Best Gut-Wrenching Performance and ensemble awards from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, New York Film Critics Online, and the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association.

Real Estate Holdings

In 2016, Kemper and her husband, Michael Koman, invested in a pre-war co-op in the Upper West Side of New York City, paying $2.8 million for the property. The home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms and is located near Tina Fey’s residence. In April 2022, they listed the co-op for sale at $2.875 million.

Ellie Kemper’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Ellie Kemper’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. This figure reflects her successful acting career, encompassing her work in television, film, and voice acting, as well as her writing endeavors and other ventures. Her roles in “The Office” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” along with her appearances in popular films such as “Bridesmaids” and “The Secret Life of Pets,” have significantly contributed to her financial success.

Conclusion

Ellie Kemper’s journey from a Midwestern upbringing to Hollywood stardom is a testament to her talent, dedication, and infectious personality. Through her memorable roles in “The Office” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and her appearances in various films and animated projects, she has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her impressive net worth is a reflection of her consistent success and enduring appeal. Ellie Kemper continues to be a prominent and respected figure in comedy, and her future projects are eagerly anticipated by her fans.