Alex Borstein, born on February 15, 1971, is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer who has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Best known as the voice of Lois Griffin in Family Guy (1999-present), a role for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award, and for her portrayal of Susie Myerson in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Borstein has showcased her versatility and comedic talent across various platforms.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Raised in Deerfield, Illinois, before moving to Northridge, California, Borstein graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1989. She has two older brothers. Her father hails from Atlanta. Borstein honed her improvisational comedy skills at the ACME Comedy Theater near Hollywood. There she met her writing partner and future husband, Jackson Douglas. After working together on the animated series The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper and Pinky and the Brain, Borstein transitioned from writing print ads for Barbie at an ad agency to becoming a full-time writer.
MADtv and Breakthrough Success
In 1997, Borstein joined the cast of MADtv during its third season. Her memorable characters included Ms. Swan (owner of the Gorgeous Pretty Beauty Nail Salon). Borstein also played Eracist Anne, "Stick Chick" Echo, singer Jasmine Wayne-Wayne, child prodigy Karen Goddard, lounge singer Shaunda, Sue Napersville (a News at Six outside-the-studio reporter), and Cordo the GAP troll.
While working on MADtv, Borstein connected with Seth MacFarlane, who was developing the animated sitcom Family Guy for Fox. MacFarlane cast Borstein as the voice of Lois Griffin. Despite facing cancellation twice, Family Guy returned in 2005 and has become a long-running success. Borstein has also served as a producer and staff writer.
Beyond Comedy: Exploring Dramatic Roles
In 2000, Borstein was cast as Sookie St. James in the WB drama Gilmore Girls. However, her MADtv contract prevented her from continuing the role after the pilot. Borstein's film appearances include The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003), Catwoman (2004), and Good Night, and Good Luck (2005). She also had roles in Bad Santa (2003) and Kicking & Screaming (2005). In 2004, Borstein co-hosted GSN's Celebrity Blackjack.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
In 2010, Borstein joined the Showtime comedy-drama series Shameless as a writer and supervising producer. She later became a writer and consulting producer in the second season. Borstein starred as Dawn Forchette on the HBO comedy series Getting On. From 2017 to 2023, Borstein starred as Susie Myerson in the Amazon Prime Video historical comedy-drama series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, earning critical acclaim and Emmy Awards.
"Alex Borstein is Thirsty": A Personal Exploration
Borstein's one-woman show, Alex Borstein is Thirsty, allows her to explore her own identity and experiences. Unlike her well-known characters, this project focuses on Borstein herself. While early performances touched on topics like abortion rights, ICE, and aging, Borstein's charm and connection with the audience made the show engaging.
Personal Life and Influences
Borstein met actor and writer Jackson Douglas at the ACME Comedy Theatre. They married in 1999 and divorced in 2014. Borstein emphasizes the importance of family traditions. "Having a mother and a grandmother who are Holocaust survivors, I feel a large responsibility to continue that culture and those traditions-not necessarily the dogma, but what it feels like to be Jewish."
Borstein's Perspective on Comedy and Self-Perception
Borstein embraces self-deprecation and honesty in her comedy. "I’m a huge fan of self-deprecation. And I think that term is incorrect and gives it a negative connotation. I prefer just honesty, and willingness to laugh at yourself." She also acknowledges the changing landscape of comedy. Ms. Swan is based on her grandmother, but Borstein admits that the character "is something that, in this landscape, I could never do and would not want to do. Comedy ages, and sometimes it does not age well. It’s like jeans. You pull them out and you realize this cut no longer makes more sense on my body. It doesn’t make sense to the fashion world. And that’s how I feel about Swan."
Embracing Change and New Challenges
As The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel concluded its five-season run, Borstein embarked on new creative endeavors, including her comedy special Corsets & Clown Suits. She also reflects on her past roles and experiences with a sense of humor and perspective. "Much like award shows, never in a million years did I think that I would be a divorced person. In my family, the only thing that separates you from your spouse is death, and even then, you’re still hooked. But so far, it’s working out. We’re all going to a movie Wednesday night together."
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation