Maya Rudolph was born on July 27, 1972 in Gainsville, FL. Her family moved to LA to pursue music careers when she was only a year old. Her mother, Minnie Riperton, recorded in the 60s Rotary Connection and went on to record solo albums with Maya's father, songwriter/producer Dick Rudolph. Together they penned the "Lovin' You" before Minnie passes away when Maya was only 7.
Maya attended high school at Crossroads in Santa Monica, CA. She went onto College at the University of California in Santa Cruz, majoring in photography. While in school, she formed a nine-piece funk band called Super Sauce, and eventually joined a second group, The Rentals. With Maya on vocals and keyboard, The Rentals toured across the US and Europe, opening for Alanis Morisette, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Garbage. When the band broke up, Maya decided she wanted to pursue a career in comedy.
As most of the SNL members, Maya joined SNL from The Groundlings Theatre in LA. Along with Maya, Laraine Newman, Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz, Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer, and Chris Kattan also performed there.
Maya Rudolph first appeared on SNL in May 2000 as a featured player and returns for her second full season, now a full cast member. In her first year, Rudolph performed memorable characters such as Britannica of the pop group �Gemini�s Twin� opposite cast member Ana Gasteyer; and Megan, host of high school morning talk show �Wake Up Wakefield.�
Maya has appeared on such television shows as �City of Angels,� �Chicago Hope� and �Fired Up.� She was also seen in the film �Duets� and in the independent feature �Chuck & Buck.�
She is 29. |
