Kate Clinton is an acclaimed actress and writer, known for her comedic performances and political commentary, often from a lesbian perspective. After launching her distinguished stand-up comedy career in 1981, Kate Clinton quickly established herself as an acclaimed actress and writer, known for her sharp comedic performances and incisive political commentary. Her unique style, which she terms ‘fumerist,’ seamlessly integrates personal experiences with observations on current events, often from a lesbian perspective. Over her extensive career, Clinton has authored three impactful books: Don’t Get Me Started, What the L, and I Told You So.
Clinton’s prolific output extends to eight comedy CDs, including notable titles like Climate Change, Comedy You Can Dance To, Read These Lips, and The Marrying Kind, alongside two available DVDs. In 2002, she debuted on screen as an actress in the film The Secret Lives of Dentists, followed by her writing contribution to Here Comedy Presents Kate Clinton in 2005. Her acting career continued with a guest appearance on The L Word in 2006, the same year she marked her 25th anniversary as a professional stand-up comedian with a highly successful tour. She also served as a writer for Kate Clinton: 25th Anniversary Tour in 2007.
Clinton’s commitment to social justice is evident through her extensive involvement with nonprofit organizations, frequently serving as an emcee for high-profile fundraising events and dinners. She has been a regular emcee at the Out & Equal Workplace Awards Dinner, including the 2010 event in Los Angeles, and a fixture at major fundraising events for organizations such as the NYC LGBT Center, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the ACLU. In 2012, she further diversified her acting portfolio with an appearance on the hit series Smash, continuing to be a prominent voice and performer.