History of Fortune Feimster in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

Fortune Feimster is a prominent American comedian, writer, and actress known for her distinct brand of relatable, self-deprecating humor. She first gained significant public attention as a writer and panelist on E!'s 'Chelsea Lately,' which launched her career in television. Feimster has since established herself as a regular in the comedy circuit, releasing successful stand-up specials such as 'Sweet & Salty' and 'Good Fortune' on Netflix. Beyond stand-up, she has appeared in numerous television series, including 'The Mindy Project' and 'Bless the Harts,' and is a frequent guest on popular podcasts. Recognized for her authentic storytelling regarding her personal life and upbringing in North Carolina, she has become a celebrated figure in the LGBTQ+ community and the broader entertainment industry, praised for her charismatic stage presence and comedic timing.

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Full Timeline

July 1, 1980: Birth of Fortune Feimster

On July 1, 1980, Emily Fortune Feimster was born; she would go on to become a well-known American comedian, writer, and actress.

Others born on this day/year

1998: Graduation and Debutante Ball

In 1998, Fortune Feimster graduated from South Point High School. During this same year, she was also presented to society at the Gastonia Debutante Ball.

2002: Graduation from Peace College

In 2002, Fortune Feimster graduated summa cum laude from Peace College, where she had served as student body president, participated in soccer and tennis, and majored in communications. During the 2002 commencement ceremony, she served as the student speaker and subsequently became acquainted with the event's guest speaker, actress Emily Procter.

2003: Relocation to Los Angeles and Career Beginnings

In 2003, after spending a year living in Spain, Fortune Feimster moved to Los Angeles to work as a personal assistant to Procter and to begin her career in the comedy industry.

2005: Coming Out

At the age of 25 in 2005, Fortune Feimster publicly came out as a lesbian.

2005: Joining The Groundlings Theatre

In 2005, Fortune Feimster started her training in sketch comedy and improvisation by joining The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles.

2010: Television Debut

In 2010, Fortune Feimster made her first television appearance as a contestant on the NBC show Last Comic Standing.

2015: Role in The Mindy Project

Starting in 2015, Fortune Feimster began her recurring role as the character Colette on the television series The Mindy Project.

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2016: Beginning of Relationship with Jacquelyn Smith

In 2016, Fortune Feimster began a romantic relationship with kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn Smith.

2017: Conclusion of The Mindy Project Role

In 2017, Fortune Feimster concluded her multi-year run playing the character Colette on The Mindy Project.

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2018: Engagement to Jacquelyn Smith

Fortune Feimster and Jacquelyn Smith became engaged to be married in early 2018.

July 2019: Launch of What a Joke with Papa and Fortune

In July 2019, Fortune Feimster teamed up with Tom Papa to launch the radio show What a Joke with Papa and Fortune, serving as the inaugural live program for the Netflix is a Joke channel on SiriusXM.

October 23, 2020: Marriage to Jacquelyn Smith

On October 23, 2020, Fortune Feimster and kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn Smith were married in a small, private ceremony.

June 2025: Separation and Divorce Announcement

In June 2025, Fortune Feimster and Jacquelyn Smith publicly announced that they had been separated for an unspecified period and were in the process of getting a divorce.

2025: Supporting role in Zootopia 2

In 2025, Fortune Feimster provided the voice for the character Nibbles Maplestick, a beaver conspiracy theorist and podcast host, in the successful animated film Zootopia 2.