Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling (born Vera Mindy Chokalingam on June 24, 1979) is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer who rose to prominence as a cast member and writer on NBC's "The Office," where she played the memorable character Kelly Kapoor. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Indian-American parents, Kaling graduated from Dartmouth College and performed with the comedy group The Upright Citizens Brigade. Beyond her iconic role on "The Office," she created, starred in, and produced the romantic comedy series "The Mindy Project," which ran for six seasons and became a critical darling for its fresh, irreverent humor and representation of South Asian American culture in mainstream media. Kaling has since established herself as a prolific writer and producer, contributing to Hollywood with films like "Ocean's 8" and developing television content for major streaming platforms. Her memoir "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" became a bestseller, showcasing her wit and candid perspective on life in entertainment. Kaling's impact extends beyond comedy—she's become an advocate for diversity in Hollywood and a role model for aspiring South Asian American entertainers.