Kristen Johnston

Kristen Angela Johnston was born on September 20, 1967, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin suburb and later attended New York University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. Johnston began her acting career on stage with the Atlantic Theater Company in New York City, co-founded by David Mamet. Her early stage work included productions such as “As You Like It” and “Stage Door.” A notable performance in “The Lights” at Lincoln Center Theater earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Johnston’s television career began with guest appearances on shows like “Chicago Hope,” “Hearts Afire,” and “The 5 Mrs. Buchanans.” Her breakout role came in 1996 when she was cast as Sally Solomon in the NBC sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun.” She starred in the series until its conclusion in 2001, receiving two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1997 and 1999. Following this success, Johnston diversified her career with memorable film roles, including Ivana Humpalot in “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999) and Wilma Slaghoople in “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” (2000). She also appeared in “Music and Lyrics” (2007) and “Bride Wars” (2009).

In later years, Johnston maintained a consistent presence in television. She had a recurring role in “Ugly Betty” (2009) and starred as Holly Franklin in the TV Land sitcom “The Exes” from 2011 to 2015. From 2018 to 2021, she held a significant role as Tammy Diffendorf on the CBS sitcom “Mom,” transitioning from a guest star to a series regular. Beyond her acting career, Johnston is an advocate for sobriety and founded the non-profit organization SLAM (Sobriety, Learning and Motivation), working to establish sober high schools in New York City. She is also a New York Times Bestselling author of her memoir, “GUTS: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster” (2012).