Michaela Watkins was born on December 14, 1971, in Syracuse, New York. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in theater. Before her breakthrough in comedy, she worked extensively in regional theater.
Watkins joined the cast of Saturday Night Live as a featured player in 2008. She was a cast member for one season (2008-2009). During her time on the show, she was known for her impressions of Arianna Huffington, Hoda Kotb, and Angelina Jolie, as well as her original characters.
Following her departure from SNL, Watkins transitioned into a successful television career. She starred as Jackie in the USA Network series Benched (2014). She also played Valerie Olivo in the Hulu series Casual (2015-2018), earning critical acclaim for her performance. Other notable television roles include appearances in Enlightened, Transparent, Search Party, and The Dropout.
Watkins has appeared in numerous films, often in supporting roles. Her film credits include:
Watkins has received positive reviews for her performances across various comedic and dramatic roles. Her work in Casual earned her particular praise, and she has been recognized for her versatility as an actress. She is also a writer