Retta
Biography
Retta is an American actress and comedian. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she graduated from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Before pursuing a career in comedy, she worked in the pharmaceutical research field. Retta started performing stand-up comedy in 1996, initially touring on the college circuit. She is known for her starring role in the NBC series Parks and Recreation. Retta has appeared in several films and television shows, and has performed stand-up on Comedy Central's Premium Blend. She has also hosted the HGTV series Ugliest House in America since 2022.
Career overview
Retta is an American actress known for her work in television and film. She has appeared in numerous projects, with a total of 70 acting credits listed. One of her most notable roles is as Donna Meagle in the NBC series Parks and Recreation. Retta has also performed stand-up comedy on Comedy Central's Premium Blend.
Before pursuing a career in comedy, Retta worked in the pharmaceutical research field. She began performing stand-up comedy in 1996, initially touring on the college circuit. Retta started earning money from her stand-up performances in 1998. Her career in comedy has led to various acting opportunities in film and television.
Retta's acting credits include appearances in several films and television shows. Her work in the entertainment industry has spanned multiple genres, showcasing her versatility as an actress. With a career spanning over two decades, Retta has established herself as a talented and accomplished actress in the industry.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Retta.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
74 titles- That Friend (2026) as Christine
- That Friend (2026) Executive Producer
- Elsbeth (2024) as Margo Clarke
- Hit Man (2024) as Claudette
- The Greatest Hits (2024) as Dr. Evelyn Bartlett
- Scariest House in America (2024) as Self - Host
- Scariest House in America (2024) Executive Producer
- The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie (2024) as Mrs. Bundy
- 80 for Brady (2023) as Self
- Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong (2023) as Self
- The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022) as Self
- The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022) as Ghost's Mom (voice)
- Ugliest House in America (2022) as Self - Host
- Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (2021) as Self - Contestant
- Duncanville (2020) as Makeover Station Employee (voice)
- Home Movie: The Princess Bride (2020) as The Mother
- A Parks and Recreation Special (2020) as Donna Meagle
- Get Organized with The Home Edit (2020)
- The Paley Center Salutes Parks and Recreation (2020) as Donna Meagle
- The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019) as Self
- The Morning Show (2019) as Retta
- A Little Late with Lilly Singh (2019) as Self
- Good Boys (2019) as Lucas' Mom
- Where's Waldo? (2019) as Wizard Nightingale (voice)
- Good Girls (2018) as Ruby Hill
- A Legendary Christmas with John & Chrissy (2018) as Self
- DuckTales (2017) as Harp (voice)
- DuckTales (2017) as Mystical Harp (voice)
- Big Mouth (2017) as Duke's Mother (voice)
- Carpool Karaoke: The Series (2017) as Self
- The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017) as Maggie the Cheerleader (voice)
- Where's the Money (2017) as Roberta
- To the Bone (2017) as Lobo
- Band Aid (2017) as Carol
- Father Figures (2017) as Annie
- Match Game (2016) as Self - Panelist
- To Tell the Truth (2016) as Self - Panelist
- The $100,000 Pyramid (2016) as Self - Guest
- Other People (2016) as Nina
- Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016) as Ida Stricker
- Operator (2016) as Pauline 'Roger' Rogers
- Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015) as Party Planner
- Rebel on Ice (2015) as Self
- Rebel on Ice (2015) Director
- Come Simi (2015) as Nurse Lipps
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self - Guest
- Celebrity Name Game (2014) as Self
- Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce (2014) as Barbara
- Sex Ed (2014) as Sydney
- Muffin Top: A Love Story (2014) as Leah
- Drunk History (2013) as Sylvia Robinson
- Hollywood Game Night (2013) as Self
- Key & Peele (2012) as Woman
- Bob's Burgers (2011) as Animal Control Officer (voice)
- Bubble Guppies (2011) as General Yuck (voice)
- Critics' Choice Television Awards (2011) as Self - Host
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (2009) as Self - Guest
- Parks and Recreation (2009) as Donna Meagle
- First Sunday (2008)
- First Sunday (2008) as Roberta
- Kissing Cousins (2008) as Shawna the Chef
- Fracture (2007) as Evidence Room Cop
- Sex and Death 101 (2007) as Ethel Walters (#100)
- Dragon Wars: D-War (2007) as Receptionist Nurse
- Lipshitz Saves the World (2007) as Virginia
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005) as Hardware Store Clerk
- Freddie (2005) as Joan
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Heckler
- Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003) as Sad Eye Sadie
- Slackers (2002) as Bruna
- Comedy Central Presents (1998) as Self
- Moesha (1996)
- LIVE with Kelly and Mark (1988) as Self - Guest
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Retta best known for?
Retta is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including That Friend (2026), That Friend (2026), Elsbeth (2024), Hit Man (2024).
When and where was Retta born?
Retta was born on July 12, 1978 in Newark, New Jersey, USA .
How many credits does Retta have?
Retta has accumulated over 74 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1988 to 2026.
What is Retta's background in cinema and television?
Retta is an American actress and comedian. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she graduated from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Before pursuing a career in comedy, she worked in the pharmaceutical research field. Retta started performing stand-up comedy in 1996, initially touring on the college circuit. She is kno...