Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mindy Kaling
Discover the career path of Mindy Kaling, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Mindy Kaling, born Vera Mindy Chokalingam, is a prominent American actress, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. She's widely recognized for her contributions to television, earning a Tony Award and six Primetime Emmy Award nominations. In 2012, Kaling established her own production company, Kaling International.
2001: Graduation from Dartmouth
In 2001, Mindy Kaling graduated from Dartmouth College with a bachelor's degree in playwriting.
August 2002: Matt & Ben Play
In August 2002, Mindy Kaling portrayed Ben Affleck in an off-Broadway play called Matt & Ben, which she co-wrote with Brenda Withers.
2004: Joining The Office
In 2004, Mindy Kaling was hired as a writer-performer for The Office after Greg Daniels read a spec script she wrote.
2005: Curb Your Enthusiasm TV appearance and The Office Debut
In 2005, Mindy Kaling appeared in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm and debuted as Kelly Kapoor in the second episode of The Office.
April 2006: Saturday Night Live Guest Writer
In April 2006, Mindy Kaling guest-wrote parts of an episode of Saturday Night Live.
2007: License to Wed Role
In 2007, Mindy Kaling had a small part in the movie License to Wed.
2009: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Role
In 2009, Mindy Kaling starred in the movie Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian as a Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum tour guide.
2010: Despicable Me Voice Role
In 2010, Mindy Kaling provided a voice role in the movie Despicable Me.
September 15, 2011: New Contract and Promotion for The Office
On September 15, 2011, Mindy Kaling signed a new contract to stay with The Office for Season 8 and was promoted to full executive producer.
September 29, 2011: Things I've Bought That I Love Blog
On September 29, 2011, Mindy Kaling's blog, Things I've Bought That I Love, reemerged on her website, written under the name Mindy Ephron.
2011: No Strings Attached Live Action Role
In 2011, Mindy Kaling had a live action role in the movie No Strings Attached.
2012: Kaling International Founded
In 2012, Mindy Kaling founded her production company called Kaling International.
2012: Wreck-It Ralph and The Five-Year Engagement Roles
In 2012, Mindy Kaling had voice role in Wreck-It Ralph and live action role in The Five-Year Engagement.
2012: The Five-Year Engagement Role
In 2012, Mindy Kaling made an appearance as Vanetha in the movie The Five-Year Engagement.
2012: The Mindy Project and Kaling International
In 2012, Mindy Kaling pitched The Mindy Project to Fox and founded Kaling International.
May 2015: The Mindy Project Canceled by Fox
In May 2015, Fox canceled Mindy Kaling's series, The Mindy Project.
September 15, 2015: Why Not Me? Published
On September 15, 2015, Mindy Kaling's second book, Why Not Me?, was published.
2015: Inside Out Voice Role
In 2015, Mindy Kaling provided a voice role in the movie Inside Out.
March 2017: The Mindy Project Ending Announcement
In March 2017, Mindy Kaling announced that the sixth season of The Mindy Project would be the last.
September 2017: The Mindy Project Final Season
In September 2017, the sixth and final season of The Mindy Project aired.
November 14, 2017: The Mindy Project Series Conclusion
On November 14, 2017, The Mindy Project concluded.
2017: Champions Series Co-Creator
In 2017, Mindy Kaling co-created, wrote, and produced the NBC series Champions.
March 8, 2018: Champions Premiere
On March 8, 2018, the NBC series Champions, co-created by Mindy Kaling, premiered.
2018: A Wrinkle in Time and Ocean's 8 Roles
In 2018, Mindy Kaling played roles in the movies A Wrinkle in Time and Ocean's 8.
2019: Late Night Role and Writing
In 2019, Mindy Kaling wrote, produced, and starred in the movie Late Night.
2020: Never Have I Ever Premiere
In 2020, Mindy Kaling created the television comedy series Never Have I Ever.
2020: Nothing Like I Imagined Published
In 2020, Mindy Kaling published her third memoir, Nothing Like I Imagined (Except For Sometimes), with Amazon Original Stories.
February 2021: Velma Scooby-Doo Spin-Off Series Announced
In February 2021, HBO Max announced they had ordered the adult-oriented Scooby-Doo spin-off series Velma, with Mindy Kaling as executive producer and voicing the titular character.
2021: The Sex Lives of College Girls Series
In 2021, Mindy Kaling created the television comedy series The Sex Lives of College Girls.
January 12, 2023: Velma Series Premiere and Reception
On January 12, 2023, the HBO Max series Velma, executive produced and voiced by Mindy Kaling, premiered to mixed to negative reviews and polarizing fan reception.
2023: Never Have I Ever Ends
In 2023, the television comedy series Never Have I Ever ended.
August 21, 2024: Democratic National Convention Speech
On August 21, 2024, Mindy Kaling spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Kamala Harris.
2024: Anuja short film
In 2024, Mindy Kaling joined the short film Anuja, as a producer. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
2025: Running Point Premiere
In 2025, Mindy Kaling co-created the Netflix sports comedy Running Point.
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