Paula Poundstone
Biography
Paula Poundstone is an American stand‑up comedian, author, actress, interviewer and commentator. She was born on December 29, 1959. The Movie Database lists thirty‑four acting credits for her. She began performing one‑hour HBO comedy specials in the late 1980s. During the 1992 presidential election she gave backstage commentary on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She is a frequent panelist on NPR’s weekly news quiz Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. Her first book, There Is Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say, was published by Crown in 2006; a second, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, appeared from Algonquin in May 2017.
Career overview
Paula Poundstone, born December 29 1959, is an American performer whose career spans stand‑up comedy, writing, interviewing and acting. Although best known for her comedy work, TMDB lists her as “Known For Acting” and records thirty‑four film and television credits, indicating a substantial body of on‑screen appearances across both mediums. Her acting work runs alongside a series of one‑hour comedy specials that aired on HBO beginning in the late 1980s, showcasing her ability to blend performance and comedic timing for televised audiences.
In addition to scripted roles, Poundstone has contributed her voice and perspective to broadcast events. She provided backstage commentary during the 1992 presidential election coverage on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and she is a frequent panelist on National Public Radio’s weekly news quiz program Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. These appearances demonstrate her versatility in both comedic and informational formats, complementing her credited acting work. Her career thus reflects a multifaceted engagement with television and film, combining traditional acting roles with a broader presence as a commentator and panelist.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
37 titles- Inside Out 2 (2024) as Forgetter Paula (voice)
- Have I Got News for You (2024) as Self
- Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated (2021) as Self
- Summer Camp Island (2018) as Paulette (voice)
- The Comedy Club (2016) as Self
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) as Self - Comedian
- Inside Out (2015) as Forgetter Paula (voice)
- 3 Still Standing (2014)
- Why We Laugh: Funny Women (2013) as Self
- Gotham Comedy Live (2012) as Self - Hostess
- Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! (2011) as Self - Panelist
- Paula Poundstone: Look What The Cat Dragged In (2006) as Self
- Paula Poundstone: Look What The Cat Dragged In (2006) Writer
- The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005) as Self
- Real Time with Bill Maher (2003) as Self
- Home Movies (1999) as Paula Small (voice)
- Hollywood Squares (1998) as Self - Panelist
- Hercules (1998) as Armageddon Bow (voice)
- The View (1997) as Self
- Science Court (1997)
- Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard (1996) as Self
- Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard (1996) Writer
- Cybill (1995) as Minnie Arbogast
- Comic Relief VII (1995) as Self
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993) as The Computer (voice)
- Wisecracks (1992)
- Kellogg's Pop Tarts Comedy Video (1992) as Self - Host
- The Paula Poundstone Show (1992) as Self
- Paula Poundstone: Cats, Cops and Stuff (1990) as Self
- Paula Poundstone: Cats, Cops and Stuff (1990) Writer
- One Night Stand (1989)
- On Location: Women of the Night (1987) as Self
- Hyperspace (1984) as Karen
- The 8th Annual Young Comedians Show (1983)
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982) as Self - Guest
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Paula Poundstone best known for?
Paula Poundstone is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Inside Out 2 (2024), Summer Camp Island (2018), The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015), Inside Out (2015).
When and where was Paula Poundstone born?
Paula Poundstone was born on December 29, 1959.
How many credits does Paula Poundstone have?
Paula Poundstone has accumulated over 37 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1962 to 2024.
What is Paula Poundstone's background in cinema and television?
Paula Poundstone is an American stand‑up comedian, author, actress, interviewer and commentator. She was born on December 29, 1959. The Movie Database lists thirty‑four acting credits for her. She began performing one‑hour HBO comedy specials in the late 1980s. During the 1992 presidential election she gave backstage c...