Stephanie Courtney

2.1. Early life and background

Stephanie Courtney was born on February 8, 1970, in Stony Point, New York, located in Rockland County, New York. She is the youngest of three children. Her father worked as a high-school history teacher, and her mother was a singer.

2.2. Education

In 1992, Courtney graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in English. During her time there, her performance as Elizabeth Proctor in a production of The Crucible solidified her decision to pursue an acting career. Following her graduation, she relocated to New York City. While living in New York, she shared an apartment with future author and columnist Meghan Daum. To support herself, Courtney worked as a secretary for Smith Barney chairman Robert F. Greenhill while simultaneously studying acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

2.3. Move to Los Angeles and early career

Courtney later moved to Los Angeles, where she lived with her sister, Jennifer Courtney, who is also an actress. The sisters collaborated on and performed a sketch titled "Those Courtney Girls," which they showcased in Los Angeles and at the Aspen Comedy Festival. During her initial period in Los Angeles, Courtney took on various odd jobs, including catering, to support herself. She subsequently joined the training program of The Groundlings, an improvisational and sketch comedy group. In 2004, she became a member of its main company, which consists of 30 performers. It was at The Groundlings that she met Scott Kolanach, the theater's lighting director, whom she married in 2008.

3.1. The Groundlings

Stephanie Courtney became deeply involved with The Groundlings, a prominent improvisational and sketch comedy theater based in Los Angeles. She initially joined their rigorous training program, honing her skills in comedic performance and improvisation. Her dedication and talent led her to become a member of The Groundlings' main company in 2004, a select group of 30 performers. Her time with the group was instrumental in developing her comedic timing and character work.

3.2. Progressive Insurance's "Flo"

Courtney is most widely known for her iconic portrayal of "Flo," the enthusiastic and quirky cashier for Progressive Corporation in their television and radio commercials. She began playing the character in 2008. The character of Flo has become a highly recognizable and popular figure in advertising, significantly contributing to Progressive's brand identity. Her performance as Flo has garnered widespread recognition and has been a defining role in her career.

3.3. Television roles

Courtney has had a prolific career in television, appearing in numerous series in both recurring and guest roles. She lent her voice to the characters of Renee the Receptionist and Joy Peters in the Adult Swim comedy Tom Goes to the Mayor from 2004 to 2006. She also played Marge in five episodes of the critically acclaimed AMC drama Mad Men in 2007. Another notable recurring role was Diane in three episodes of the ABC comedy Cavemen from 2007 to 2008. Her television credits also include an appearance in the second-season premiere of Men of a Certain Age and a recurring role as Essie Karp in 31 episodes of The Goldbergs from 2018 to 2023. Other appearances include Mr. Show with Bob and David, Angel, Everybody Loves Raymond, ER, The Comeback, Celebrity Deathmatch (voice roles), United States of Tara, House, The Looney Tunes Show (voice of young Granny), 2 Broke Girls, Comedy Bang! Bang!, You're the Worst, Mike Tyson Mysteries (voice roles), W/ Bob and David, Major Crimes, and Green Eggs and Ham (voice roles).

3.4. Film roles

Stephanie Courtney has also appeared in several films throughout her career. Her filmography includes roles such as Alex in Melvin Goes to Dinner (2003), a boom operator in For Your Consideration (2006), a reporter at sign-ups in Blades of Glory (2007), Sara in The Brothers Solomon (2007), and Gayla in The Heartbreak Kid (2007). She also played Janet in Fred: The Movie (2010) and Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred (2011), Cathy Gile in Girlfriend's Day (2017), and Lydia Friedman in Peak Season (2023).

3.5. Web series

Courtney has extended her acting work to web series as well. She appeared as Glenda in the 2007 episode "Troubled Times: Part 2 - Murder & Deception" of Derek and Simon: The Show. In 2008, she played Mary McQueegle in Face to Bush. From 2008 to 2009, she had a role as Debbie Topps in Back on Topps.

4.1. Marriage

Stephanie Courtney is married to Scott Kolanach. They met at The Groundlings theater, where Kolanach worked as the lighting director. The couple married in 2008.

5.1. Filmography

5.2. Television work

5.3. Web appearances