Leslie Mann

Leslie Jean Mann was born on March 26, 1972, in San Francisco, California. She was raised in Newport Beach, California, by her mother, Janet Ann Ayres. At the age of seventeen, Mann began her professional career by appearing in various television commercials. Her initial screen appearances included a role as Nurse Mary in the television series “Birdland” in 1994. In 1996, she secured a role in “The Cable Guy,” where she met producer Judd Apatow, whom she later married. Subsequent film engagements included “George of the Jungle” in 1997 and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” in 2005. She also appeared in “Knocked Up” (2007), “Funny People” (2009), and “This Is 40” (2012), often alongside her daughters, Maude and Iris Apatow.

Mann’s career progressed with notable performances across various genres. In 2007, her role in “Knocked Up” received critical attention, earning her a “Best Supporting Actress” nomination from the Chicago Film Critics Association. The film also won the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Movie Comedy.” In 2009, she appeared in “17 Again” with Zac Efron and Matthew Perry, which grossed over $125 million worldwide. She lent her voice to animated films such as “Rio” (2011) and “ParaNorman” (2012). Her performance in “This Is 40” in 2012 led to a nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy by the Broadcast Film Critics Association. Later roles include “The Other Woman” (2014), “Blockers” (2018), and “The Croods: A New Age” (2020), showcasing her continued presence in both live-action and voice acting.

Throughout her career, Mann has consistently engaged in projects that have achieved commercial success and critical recognition. She has worked with a range of actors and directors, including Adam Sandler, Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, and Judd Apatow. Her work in films like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up” established her as a comedic actress, while other roles demonstrated her versatility. Mann has also contributed to television projects, such as “Modern Family” and a voice role in “The Simpsons.” Outside of her acting career, she and her husband support charitable organizations like 826LA and the UCLA Rape Treatment Center’s Stuart House.