One of the most well-known names in modern American comedy is Fortune Feimster. She offers humor that is both highly relevant and extremely successful in establishing a space for gay voices in the comedy scene, with a Southern drawl that punctuates each punchline. She first became well-known on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010, but her role as a writer and panelist on Chelsea Lately really helped her hone her humor for a wider audience.
She was already demonstrating how effectively her comedic skills translated to scripted television when she played Colette on The Mindy Project. She was remarkably transforming in addition to being humorous. Her performances often featured parts that may have been dismissed as comic relief, but she gave them nuance, giving typically lighthearted sitcom scenes a surprising amount of weight. The distinction between the humorous and the real was greatly lessened by this capacity to infuse comedy with emotional depth.
Bio Data and Career Summary – Fortune Feimster
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Fortune Feimster |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1980 |
| Age | 45 |
| Birthplace | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Peace College |
| Professions | Comedian, Writer, Actress |
| Known For | Chelsea Lately, The Mindy Project, Sweet & Salty |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Jacquelyn Smith, m. 2020–2025) |
| Sexual Orientation | Lesbian (came out in 2005) |
| Radio Show | What a Joke with Papa and Fortune on Sirius XM |
| Podcast | Sincerely Fortune |
| Netflix Special | Sweet & Salty (Critics Choice-nominated) |
| Authenticated Source Link |
Co-hosted with Tom Papa, Feimster’s radio program What a Joke with Papa and Fortune created a stir as the first live program on Netflix’s Sirius XM channel. She had a remarkable ability to communicate with celebrities and other comedians, striking a balance between humor and questioning in a manner that rarely sounded forced. She adds another level of intimacy and candor to her public life through her podcast, Sincerely Fortune, which includes her mother and ex-wife. Many fans find this to be remarkably similar to the admissions of a best friend.
Feimster’s Netflix stand-up show Sweet & Salty received a Critics Choice Award nomination. Her anecdotes throughout the hour demonstrated both her development as a comedian and her ability to simplify difficult personal situations into laughable humor. From her early years in the South to her coming out as a lesbian at age 25, her examination of identity struck a profound chord. By providing solace through humor, the presentation was especially helpful for viewers navigating their own paths.
Her on-screen personas are varied and frequently humorously subversive. She costarred with Jennifer Garner in Yes Day and with Jennifer Aniston in Office Christmas Party. She demonstrated her immense versatility by lending her voice to characters in Pixar’s Soul, The Simpsons, and Bless the Harts. These endeavors demonstrated her capacity to modify her comedy for a variety of media, including popular films and animated programs.
Feimster’s experience as a writer distinguishes her from other comedians. She worked as an entertainment journalist for seven years before to appearing on TV, which honed her storytelling skills and provided her screenplays a unique framework. She later developed and starred in the Tina Fey-produced pilot Family Fortune, a partnership that highlighted her increasing influence in the comedy industry. Her multifaceted talent was further highlighted when Amblin acquired two of her original screenplays, Bad Cop, Bad Cop, and Field Trip, with her attached as the protagonist.
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ people has greatly influenced her profession. She aggressively reshapes popular comedy to fit stories that Hollywood frequently ignores, rather than just being a token presence. Her prominence and humorous candor have made her an unofficial spokesperson for LGBT narratives. Feimster is especially appealing to anyone looking for humor that is both compassionate and incisive since, in contrast to other comedians like Wanda Sykes or Tig Notaro, her humorous style tends more toward personal anecdotes than political commentary.
This transparency is also evident in her personal life. Fortune started dating kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn Smith in 2016, and the two got married in 2020. In 2025, the couple announced their separation in a joint statement that was more respectful of one another than resentful. LGBTQ+ supporters were particularly moved by this maturity, as many identified with Fortune’s dedication to love and openness. They divided their time between Belmont, North Carolina, and Los Angeles for a number of years, navigating the fast-paced entertainment world while staying connected to their Southern heritage.
By means of clever alliances, steady touring, and a constantly growing media presence, Feimster has managed to be remarkably resilient in a comedy market that frequently loses talent far too soon. She continues to appear as a frequent guest on Kenan and co-hosts The Netflix Afterparty alongside London Hughes and David Spade. These jobs are cultural markers as well as career milestones, demonstrating that queer, female comedians can be both popular and profitable.
Fortune Feimster is well-positioned to broaden her creative horizons in the years to come. She consistently connects new audiences without losing the devoted following that has followed her from Chelsea Lately to Sirius XM by fusing poignant stories with witty comedic timing. Her influence is still quite effective, touching on social issues without ever compromising fun, whether she’s voicing a cartoon character or performing as the headline act on her next stand-up tour.
