Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tina Fey

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

How Tina Fey built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tina Fey is an accomplished American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Her career took off as a cast member and head writer for Saturday Night Live (1997-2006). She's the creator and star of the sitcom 30 Rock and also created Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Beyond television, Fey has written and starred in numerous films, including Mean Girls (2004 and 2024), Baby Mama, Date Night, and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, showcasing her versatility in comedy and acting.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Entertainer of the Year

In 2001, Entertainment Weekly named Tina Fey as one of their Entertainers of the Year for her work on Weekend Update.

2007: Entertainer of the Year

In 2007, Entertainment Weekly named Tina Fey as one of their Entertainers of the Year.

2008: Named Entertainer of the Year

In 2008, Entertainment Weekly placed Tina Fey number two in the magazine's Entertainers of the Year.

2008: Received AP Entertainer of the Year Award

In 2008, Tina Fey received the AP Entertainer of the Year Award from the Associated Press.

2009: One of the Entertainers of the 2000s

In 2009, Entertainment Weekly named Tina Fey as the fifth individual in their 15 Entertainers of the 2000s list.

2009: Named Among Mothers Who Make a Difference

In 2009, Love Our Children USA organization named Tina Fey among their Mothers Who Make a Difference. She was also the 2009 national spokesperson for the Light the Night Walk, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

2009: Appeared on Forbes's Celebrity 100 List

In 2009, Tina Fey appeared on Forbes's annual Celebrity 100 list of the 100 most powerful celebrities at No. 86.

June 2010: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Announced

In June 2010, it was announced that Tina Fey would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.

2010: Appeared on Forbes's Celebrity 100 List

In 2010, Tina Fey appeared on Forbes's annual Celebrity 100 list of the 100 most powerful celebrities at No. 90.

2010: Awarded the Mark Twain Prize

In 2010, Tina Fey was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the award.

September 2011: Highest-Paid TV Actress

In September 2011, Tina Fey was ranked at the top of Forbes magazine's list of the highest-paid TV actresses.

2011: Appeared on Forbes's Celebrity 100 List

In 2011, Tina Fey appeared on Forbes's annual Celebrity 100 list of the 100 most powerful celebrities at No. 92.

2011: Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2011, Tina Fey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2012: Appeared on Forbes's Celebrity 100 List

In 2012, Tina Fey appeared on Forbes's annual Celebrity 100 list of the 100 most powerful celebrities at No. 79.

2013: Crowned "The Once and Future Queen"

In 2013, Entertainment Weekly crowned Tina Fey as "The Once and Future Queen" in their feature on "Women Who Run TV", calling her "the funniest woman in the free world."