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| Heidi Gardner | |
|---|---|
| Name | Heidi Gardner |
| Birth date | 27 July 1983 |
| Birth place | Wichita, Kansas |
| Occupation | Actress; Comedian; Voice actress |
| Years active | 2013–present |
Heidi Gardner is an American actress and comedian known for her work as a repertory cast member on Saturday Night Live and for numerous film, television, and voice roles. Born in Wichita, Kansas and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, she trained at improvisational institutions and joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in the late 2010s before branching into feature films, streaming series, and animated projects. Gardner's career spans sketch comedy, character work, and voice acting across major studios and networks.
Gardner was born in Wichita, Kansas and grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. She attended local schools before studying at institutions associated with improvisation and theater training in Los Angeles, including classes linked to The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and Second City affiliates. Early influences included performers and playwrights associated with Saturday Night Live, Saturday Night Live alumni workshops, and regional theater companies in Midwest United States communities. Gardner's practical education combined improv troupes, sketch teams, and workshops connected to Comedy Bang! Bang! collaborators and other contemporary comedy institutions.
Gardner's professional trajectory began with sketch and character work in Los Angeles comedy clubs and at improv theaters. She performed at venues tied to Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, shared stages with comedians active in The Groundlings, and appeared in web series distributed by platforms allied with Funny or Die and CollegeHumor. Her early credits include guest appearances on variety programs and small roles in television series produced by networks such as ABC, NBC, and FOX. Gardner expanded into roles for streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, collaborating with writers and directors from institutions like Late Night with Seth Meyers and production companies connected to Lorne Michaels and Broadway Video.
Gardner joined the cast of Saturday Night Live as a featured player in a season following the departures of several ensemble members, later being promoted to repertory status. On Saturday Night Live, she created recurring characters and impressions, interacting with hosts booked from Hollywood and musical guests represented by labels such as Republic Records and Columbia Records. Her sketches often involved collaborators from SNL writers room alumni and guest stars from Saturday Night Live history, with episodes airing on NBC and promoted through Saturday Night Live digital shorts and the show's official social channels. Gardner participated in live broadcasts from Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and in promotional appearances on late-night programs including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Outside of Saturday Night Live, Gardner appeared in feature films distributed by studios such as Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros. Pictures. She had roles in comedies and independent films screened at festivals including Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, and SXSW. Gardner also guest-starred on scripted television series broadcast on CBS, The CW, and cable channels such as HBO and FX. She worked with directors and producers associated with franchises from Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures spin-offs, and appeared in projects produced by companies like Happy Madison Productions and Skydance Media. Her television credits include appearances on series connected to creators from 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation alumni.
Gardner expanded into voice acting for animated series and feature animation produced by studios including DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network Studios. She lent her voice to characters in original animated series on streaming platforms such as Netflix and HBO Max, as well as to video game franchises developed by studios like Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard. Collaborators in animation included showrunners and directors who previously worked on projects for Peabody Awards–nominated series, and writers with credits on Archer and Bob's Burgers. Gardner's voice work extended to audiobooks and animated shorts showcased at festivals like Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Gardner has maintained a private personal life while engaging with professional communities in Los Angeles and attending industry events such as the Emmys, Golden Globe Awards, and charity galas hosted by institutions including United Service Organizations affiliate fundraisers. She has cited influences from comedians affiliated with Second City, The Groundlings, and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and has participated in benefit performances alongside performers connected to USO Shows and nonprofit arts organizations. Gardner's public statements and interviews have appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.
Gardner's work on Saturday Night Live and in film and television has drawn attention from industry awards bodies and critics. Her performances have been noted in coverage by publications including Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. She has been nominated for ensemble and newcomer recognitions in awards administered by organizations such as the Television Academy and critics' associations that honor achievements in comedy and ensemble performance. Gardner continues to be recognized among contemporary comedians associated with major comedy institutions and broadcast networks.
Category:American actresses Category:American comedians Category:Saturday Night Live cast members