The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Comedian›Tina Fey
Entertainment • Comedian

Tina Fey

Tina Fey is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and the sitcom 30 Rock.

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

Tina Fey is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and the sitcom 30 Rock. She is also known for creating Mean Girls, co-creating Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and writing the memoir Bossypants.

Early life and education

Elizabeth Stamatina Fey was born on May 18, 1970, in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

Saturday Night Live

Fey joined Saturday Night Live as a writer and became the show's first female head writer, a role she held from 1999 to 2006. She also co-anchored the Weekend Update segment.

30 Rock

Fey created and starred in the sitcom 30 Rock, which aired from 2006 to 2013. The series was based on her experiences at Saturday Night Live.

Mean Girls and other projects

Fey wrote the screenplay for the film Mean Girls (2004) and later adapted it into a Broadway musical, which inspired a 2024 musical film. She also co-created the series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Writing and stage work

Fey expanded into publishing with her memoir Bossypants, which became a New York Times best seller and received a Grammy nomination. She also worked on the Broadway musical adaptation of Mean Girls.

Key facts

  • First female head writer of Saturday Night Live, serving from 1999 to 2006.
  • Co-anchored the Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live.
  • Created and starred in the sitcom 30 Rock.
  • Wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls and later adapted it into a Broadway musical.
  • Wrote the bestselling memoir Bossypants.
🍁
Canadian context

Tina Fey's work has been widely broadcast and distributed in Canada through television, film, streaming, and Broadway-related adaptations, making her a familiar figure to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tina Fey best known for?
She is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Mean Girls.
Was Tina Fey the first female head writer of Saturday Night Live?
Yes. Britannica and other sources identify her as Saturday Night Live's first female head writer.
What books has Tina Fey written?
Her best-known book is the memoir Bossypants, published in 2011.
What awards has Tina Fey won?
She has won multiple Emmy Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, among other honours.
Is Tina Fey married?
Yes. She married composer and producer Jeff Richmond in 2001.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Fey
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, education, occupations, years active, spouse, children, Bossypants, Mean Girls, Broadway adaptation.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Fey
    Supports: Biography, birth details, first female head writer of Saturday Night Live, and 30 Rock.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/tina-fey
    Supports: Early career, Saturday Night Live role, Mean Girls, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and family details.
  4. PBS — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/pioneers-of-television/pioneering-people/tina-fey/
    Supports: Career at Second City, Saturday Night Live, and 30 Rock.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tina-fey/bio/3000396920/
    Supports: First female head writer of SNL, Mark Twain Prize, Emmy Awards, and education.