Judy Greer

Judy Greer has long been the bedrock of cinematic ensemble casts, a versatile character actress capable of transforming effortlessly from comedy to drama and back again. Over her prolific career, Greer has become synonymous with the kind of performances that anchor films with a vibrant sense of warmth and relatability, often elevating the protagonists while simultaneously stealing scenes. Born Judith Therese Evans in Detroit, Michigan on July 20, 1975, Greer's journey from the Midwest to Hollywood was marked by early ambition and fortuitous opportunities. She grew up in Redford Township and Livonia, raised in a home imbued with a strong work ethic and artistic flair. Her father, Rich Evans, worked as a mechanical engineer, while her mother, Mollie Ann, was a hospital administrator first and foremost, although she nurtured an appreciation for the performing arts in her daughter. Greer’s early exposure to theatre started at a Catholic high school for girls, Marian High School, where she first cut her teeth in acting. Greer's pursuit of acting led her to the prestigious Theater School at DePaul University, where she honed her craft and graduated in 1997. Mere weeks after relocating to Los Angeles, she secured a role in the 1998 David Schwimmer-helmed film "Kissing a Fool." Her career quickly began to gather momentum, and she became part of a new echelon of actors maneuvering around the thriving comedy and drama scenes of the late '90s and early 2000s. One of Greer's career-defining attributes has been her chameleonic ability to mold to various genres and narratives. Her recognizable persona is perhaps the best exhibited in the realm of romantic comedies where she has often been cast as the protagonist's best friend. Films like "13 Going on 30" (2004) and "27 Dresses" (2008) showcase her ability to provide both comedic relief and sincere moments of grounding within potentially frivolous plots. While she made waves in supporting roles, her performances were indelible, adding layers to films that might have otherwise faltered on predictability. Television proved to be a fertile ground for Greer as well. In 2003, she would land what became one of her most beloved roles as Kitty Sanchez on "Arrested Development." Kitty, with her tumultuous energy and erratic inclinations, became a standout character that highlighted Greer's knack for comedy infused with a sense of untethered unpredictability. Her work on "Arrested Development" captured the essence of Greer’s talent—her ability to create memorably nuanced characters even with limited screen time. In the competitive glories and subsequent challenges of the Hollywood terrain, Greer crafted a career uniquely her own. Her presence continued to be felt across both mainstream and indie cinema; from notable turn-based roles in “The Descendants” (2011) opposite George Clooney, where she portrayed a woman grieving a profound betrayal, to leading roles in independent films like "Addicted to Fresno" (2015), revealing her adeptness in drama and satire alike. Another domain that Greer mastered during her astonishing career is voice acting. In 2009, she joined the cast of the acclaimed animated series "Archer," lending her voice to Cheryl Tunt, an indelibly eccentric and unbridled character that spurred conflicting emotions from annoyance to adoration. Her voice work has demonstrated her versatility as an entertainer, cementing her status in yet another corner of the entertainment industry. Greer's ambitions didn’t halt at acting. She embarked on directorial endeavors with “A Happening of Monumental Proportions” (2017), showcasing her eagerness to expand her artistic repertoire into storytelling from behind the camera. Her first book, published in 2014, titled “I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star” reflects on her life and career with the same humor and humanity she injects into her performances. Throughout her career, Greer has stood as a paragon of consistency and resilience, gracefully transitioning across different forms of media. She has embraced her role as a supporting actress with pride and skill, understanding that such parts often serve as the emotional linchpin of their respective stories. Judy Greer exists as a testament to the intricate art of subtlety in acting, crafting an illustrious career grounded in a commitment to portraying vivid and dynamic roles that connect profoundly with audiences. Greer’s work continues to resonate as she remains active in the industry, contributing her remarkable talents to large franchises such as "Jurassic World" and "Ant-Man." As new projects come to fruition, Greer's legacy finds its sure footing in the breadth and depth of her diverse portrayals—a reflection of an actor whose career path, robust and multidimensional, mirrors the dynamic depth of Hollywood itself.