Jillian Leigh Bell, born on April 25, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an accomplished American actress, comedian, and screenwriter renowned for her versatile talent in comedy and acting. Bell’s journey from a young improv student in Nevada to a celebrated figure in Hollywood is marked by her unique blend of comedic talent and heartfelt performances. With a diverse portfolio spanning major film roles, television appearances, writing, and producing, she continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic entertainers in the industry today.
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Who is Jillian Bell?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 41 years |
| Parents | Ron Bell and Tanzy Bell |
| Sister | Breanna Bell |
| Husband/ Fiancé/ Partner | Luke McGarry |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
| Salary | Approximately $150,000 – $200,000 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Weight Loss | 40 pounds |
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Age, Early Life and Background
Growing up in Henderson, Nevada, Jillian Bell’s passion for performance began early, as she started studying improvisational comedy at the tender age of eight. She attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas and graduated in 2002. Following high school, Bell moved to Los Angeles, immersing herself in the comedy scene by joining the prestigious improv and sketch comedy troupe, The Groundlings.
Her Romanian heritage stems from her maternal grandmother, adding to her diverse cultural background.
Career Beginnings
Bell’s early career saw her writing for and appearing on television. In 2009, she became a writer for the 35th season of the iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL). Although she did not join the SNL cast as a performer, her writing credits marked an important step in her career. That same year, she made a memorable appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, playing a humorous role as a revealingly dressed assistant—a part that showcased her comedic timing.
Breakthrough and Television Roles
Jillian Bell’s breakthrough came with her role as Jillian Belk on the Comedy Central series Workaholics, which she starred in from 2011 to 2017. Her performance was widely praised for its quirky and vibrant humor, earning her a loyal fan base. Bell’s comedic flair attracted the attention of acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson, who cast her in small roles in his films The Master (2012) and Inherent Vice (2014).
She also gained further TV recognition with a recurring role as Dixie on the final season of Eastbound & Down.
Film Career and Notable Roles
The 2010s marked a flourishing film career for Bell. She appeared in the popular comedy 22 Jump Street (2014), starring alongside Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. In 2015, she co-starred in family-friendly and comedy films such as Goosebumps and The Night Before. Jillian’s comedic talents extended beyond live action into voice acting, contributing to projects like The Angry Birds Movie (2016) and the animated TV series Bob’s Burgers, where she voiced characters like Mandy and Nat.
Bell’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt performances shone brightly in Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019), where she played the lead role and earned both critical acclaim and a role as executive producer. She continued to develop her filmography with movies like Godmothered (2020), where she starred as the Fairy Godmother, I’m Totally Fine (2022), and seasonal favorites such as Candy Cane Lane (2023). Bell also continued to work on TV projects, including voice roles and starring appearances in various comedy series.
Writing and Producing
In addition to acting, Jillian Bell has demonstrated her talents behind the scenes as a writer and producer. Her early work on Saturday Night Live earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 2010. Beyond writing for SNL, she created and wrote the Comedy Central series Idiotsitter, which began as a web series in 2014 and later transitioned to television in 2016, where she starred as the lead character Gene Russell.
Husband, Fiancé, and Personal Life
Jillian Bell is engaged to Luke McGarry, an illustrator and musician, highlighting her personal connection to the creative arts beyond her own career. Their relationship started around January 2016. Jillian shared publicly that about six months into their relationship, she boldly asked Luke if they were probably getting married, which surprised him but eventually led to their engagement.
The couple has appeared together at events, including the 2025 New York premiere of the Netflix project “Kinda Pregnant,” in which Jillian starred. Known for her quick wit and engaging personality, Bell keeps active on social media, connecting with fans and sharing insights into her life and work.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her career, Jillian Bell has received several awards and nominations reflecting her versatility and impact in comedy and acting. Notably, she was nominated for two MTV Movie Awards in 2015 for her role in 22 Jump Street—one for Best Fight and another for Best Villain. In 2019, she was honored with the Fairbanks Award at the San Diego International Film Festival and the Next Wave Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival, acknowledging her growing influence in the industry.
Net Worth
Bell’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be approximately $2 million. She has built her wealth through a successful career as an actress, comedian, and screenwriter. Bell’s salary in 2025 is estimated to be in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 annually, consistent with actors of her level who appear in lead or significant supporting roles in TV shows and movies.
This salary is primarily earned from acting roles and film projects, along with occasional writing and comedy engagements.
is Jillian Bell married?
Bell is not married as of 2025, however, she is engaged to illustrator and musician Luke McGarry.
how old is Jillian Bell?
41 years.
who is Jillian Bell’s sister?
Bell’s sister is named Breanna Bell. The two sisters have a close relationship and have even collaborated professionally, notably on the Hulu original film “Summer of 69,” where Breanna produced and Jillian directed.
Who is Jillian Bell engaged to?
Bell is engaged to illustrator and musician Luke McGarry.
How did Jillian Bell get famous?
Bell’s breakthrough came with supporting roles in popular TV shows like “Workaholics” and films like “22 Jump Street,” where her comedic talent caught wider attention.
How much weight did Jillian Bell lose?
Bell lost a total of 40 pounds to prepare for her lead role in the movie “Brittany Runs a Marathon.” She lost 29 pounds before shooting began and an additional 11 pounds during the filming process.