Fortune Feimster

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Fortune Feimster – Life, Comedy, and Writing

Explore the life and work of Fortune Feimster: American comedian, writer, and actress. Learn about her upbringing, creative journey, major projects, quotes, and what makes her voice unique in comedy and media.

Introduction

Emily Fortune Feimster (born July 1, 1980) is an American comedian, writer, and actress. Known for her warm, confessional comedic style, she blends personal storytelling with sharp observation. Over the years, she has appeared on television (e.g. The Mindy Project), performed stand-up specials (like Sweet & Salty), hosted radio shows, and used her writing skills behind and in front of the camera. Her journey from North Carolina to national stages is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and humor.

Early Life and Family

Fortune Feimster was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to parents Mike and Ginger Feimster.

She grew up in Belmont, North Carolina, where she attended Belmont Central Elementary and Belmont Junior High, then graduated from South Point High School in 1998.

Her middle name “Fortune” comes from her maternal great-grandmother’s maiden name.

Education and Formative Years

After high school, Feimster attended Peace College (then a women-only college) where she majored in communications. summa cum laude.

Upon graduation, she spent time living in Spain for a year.

In L.A., she worked in entertainment journalism for several years before turning seriously toward comedy.

Career and Achievements

Early Career & Television Breakthroughs

Feimster first gained wider public attention by appearing on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010. Chelsea Lately, earning more exposure in comedic TV circles.

From 2015 to 2017, she starred as Colette on The Mindy Project, making her presence felt as a regular cast member. Claws, 2 Broke Girls, Glee, Workaholics, Dear White People, and The L Word: Generation Q.

In radio and podcasting, she co-hosts What a Joke with Papa and Fortune (with Tom Papa) beginning in July 2019, on SiriusXM’s “Netflix is a Joke” channel—one of the first live programs of that channel.

Stand-up Specials & Recent Work

Feimster has released stand-up specials, notably Sweet & Salty (2020) and Good Fortune. Crushing It, which examines themes from her honeymoon, life with her mother, and her comedic evolution.

She also appears in film and voice roles: e.g. in Office Christmas Party, The Happytime Murders, and voices parts in animated series.

Themes, Voice & Style

• Confessional humor: Feimster often weaves personal stories—about family, identity, relationships—into her comedy, making her work relatable and emotionally resonant.

• Southern and queer identity: She brings her Southern background into her comic voice, and as an openly lesbian comedian, she combines identity, inclusivity, and humor.

• Warmth & connection: Her style tends toward warmth and approachability rather than abrasive satire.

• Multi-medium adaptability: She shifts between writing, acting, stand-up, and hosting—showing her versatility.

Personal Life

Feimster publicly came out as a lesbian in 2005, at age 25.

She began a relationship with kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn “Jax” Smith in 2016, and the two married in October 2020.

In June 2025, Feimster and Smith announced they were divorcing after 10 years together.

In 2025, Fortune Feimster revealed that her mother, Ginger, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) and is undergoing treatment.

Memorable Quotes

Here are a few lines attributed to or associated with Feimster’s public voice (or paraphrased from interviews):

“Through laughter and storytelling, Fortune shows audiences … that common ground is only a joke or two away.” “I want people to know me and Jax are like everybody else … we happen to be gay, but our story is not much different from other people’s.” (on her relationship)

As her career continues, more direct quotations from specials, interviews, and essays are likely to emerge.

Lessons from Fortune Feimster’s Journey

1. Be authentic: Feimster’s willingness to share personal experience (identity, family, love) helps audiences connect and trust her voice.

2. Versatility = longevity: Working across writing, stand-up, acting, and hosting has allowed her to adapt and expand her platform.

3. Find your lane—but expand it: She uses her Southern, queer identity not as limitation but as a distinctive perspective in comedy.

4. Humor as bridge: Her goal is often to bring people together—with laughter—regardless of background or orientation.

5. Courage in vulnerability: In moments like her mother’s illness or personal transitions, she shows that vulnerability can be strength.