Susie Essman

Susie Essman was born on May 31, 1955, in The Bronx, New York City, and raised in Mount Vernon, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the State University of New York, Purchase. Essman began her career in stand-up comedy, performing in clubs across the country for over thirty years. Her early work included an appearance on HBO’s “On Location: Women of the Night II” in 1988 and a guest spot on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” in 1989. Her first half-hour special aired on HBO’s “One Night Stand” in 1992, showcasing her comedic style which often incorporates her ethnic background. She was featured in documentaries such as “Heroes of Jewish Comedy” and “A History of Jewish Comedy.”

Essman’s acting career started with minor roles in films like “Crocodile Dundee II” and “Punchline” in 1988. Her breakout role came as Susie Greene in the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which premiered in 2000 and concluded its run in 2024. This role brought her significant recognition, with critics and audiences highlighting her character’s memorable and outspoken nature. In 2008, she lent her voice to the character Mittens in Disney’s animated film “Bolt,” reprising the role in the 2009 short “Super Rhino.” She also voiced Helen Higgins on Comedy Central’s “Crank Yankers” and served as an occasional correspondent for “The Daily Show.”

Her career further expanded with recurring roles such as Bobbi Wexler on “Broad City” from 2009 to 2019, Malka in the television film “Loving Leah” in 2009, and Mrs. Lonstein in “American Dad!,” a role she has held since 2009. Essman has also made appearances in episodic television, including “Law & Order,” “The King of Queens,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In 2009, she authored the book “What Would Susie Say: Bullshit Wisdom About Love, Life and Comedy.” Her recent work includes roles in “Hacks” (2022) and “The Simpsons” (2024), demonstrating continued engagement in diverse comedic and acting projects.