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Retta

Retta is the stage name of Marietta Sangai Sirleaf, an American stand-up comedian and actress born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1970.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Retta is the stage name of Marietta Sangai Sirleaf, an American stand-up comedian and actress born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1970. She is best known for portraying Donna Meagle on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation and Ruby Hill on the NBC crime drama Good Girls.

Early life and education

Retta was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1970. She is of Liberian descent and attended Duke University, initially on a pre-med track before shifting her focus to comedy.

Career

Retta began her career in stand-up comedy. Early television appearances include a role on the sitcom Moesha. Her breakout role came with Parks and Recreation, where she played Donna Meagle. She later gained further recognition for her starring role as Ruby Hill on Good Girls. She has also appeared in various film and television roles beyond these best-known characters.

Notable roles

Retta is most closely associated with her performances as Donna Meagle on Parks and Recreation and Ruby Hill on Good Girls. She has additionally taken on guest roles and film appearances throughout her career.

Public profile

Beyond acting, Retta has remained visible through comedy appearances, interviews, and hosting work. Her public image is strongly tied to her sharp comedic delivery and character performances.

Key facts

  • Retta began her career in stand-up comedy before moving into television and film.
  • She gained wide recognition for her role as Donna Meagle on Parks and Recreation.
  • She later starred as Ruby Hill on Good Girls.
  • She has appeared in film and television roles beyond her best-known characters.
  • Retta was born Marietta Sangai Sirleaf in Newark, New Jersey, and is of Liberian descent.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Retta?
Retta is the professional name of Marietta Sangai Sirleaf, an American stand-up comedian and actress.
What is Retta best known for?
She is best known for playing Donna Meagle on Parks and Recreation and Ruby Hill on Good Girls.
Where was Retta born?
She was born in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States.
What is Retta's real name?
Her birth name is Marietta Sangai Sirleaf.
What is Retta's background?
She is described in sources as being of Liberian descent and as having grown up in New Jersey.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retta
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, occupation, and major roles.
  2. Women's Suffrage Monument Foundationhttps://womensmonument.org/leadership/retta/
    Supports: Liberian immigrant family background, upbringing in New Jersey, and career summary.
  3. Country Livinghttps://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a68063965/retta-scariest-house-hgtv-and-tv-career/
    Supports: Stage name origin, education, and career highlights including Parks and Recreation and HGTV hosting.
  4. Fandangohttps://www.fandango.com/people/retta-565053/biography
    Supports: Career path, Duke University education, early television work, and breakthrough role.
  5. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0802876/bio/
    Supports: Birth details, birth name, height, ancestry, education, and acting credits.