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She's a writing supervisor at SNL.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Nov 06, 2019
It seems like there’s an endless supply of talent these days, especially on the comedy circuit. While we have well-known comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, and Ellen DeGeneres, there are always new faces making their way onto the scene. Whether it’s with stand-up, hour-long specials on Comedy Central, or having their own show, it’s hard to deny that we’re being introduced to more talented comedians than ever.
But many of these comedians also work behind the scenes, curating hilarious content for shows, television, and movies. And with Vulture doing a round-up of comedians to be on the lookout for in the next few months, it’s only right that we add one woman to our list.
Who is Fran Gillespie? There are a few things to know about this accomplished and intelligent comic.
1. She holds dual degrees.
Originally from Chicago, Gillespie moved to New York City to attend NYU. She earned a degree in English and Spanish.
2. She’s been in comedy for quite a while.
In 2004, she began performing with the Upright Citizens Brigade. Since then, she’s performed with improv groups including The Faculty, Only in LA, The Law Firm, Diamond Lion, Bangs, Tantrum, Asssscat 3000, Stone Cold Fox, Onassis, Gorilla Gorilla, Slow Burn, Sketchcram, and The Wicked Wicked Hammerkatz. She’s toured with the UCB TourCo, and even teaches at UCB.
3. But she has writing credits too.
Gillespie joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live in 2015, before the 41st season. Writers she’s worked with on the show include Fred Armisen, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Mikey Day. She’s been a writing supervisor since 2017.
4. She’s appeared on television shows.
Aside from her writing and improv skills, she’s also appeared as a guest on multiple television shows, including Big Mouth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Love, The Good Place, Comedy Bang! Bang!, The Untitled Web Series That Morgan Evans Is Doing for MTV, Kroll Show, Two Guys Named Josh, and The Birthday Boys.
5. She’s a repeat Emmy nominee.
Since 2016, Gillespie has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, though she hasn’t taken home an actual award.
6. She worked with Donald Glover.
Most of us know that Donald Glover, AKA Childish Gambino, used to act on Derrick Comedy videos, but he also did some work with Funny or Die. He also worked with improv groups, including Hammerkatz, in which he did a short sketch with Gillespie!
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.