Noel Wells

Noël Wells – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Delve into the life and art of Noël Wells—actor, comedian, writer, director, voice artist—and explore her creative journey, key works, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Noël Kristi Wells (born December 23, 1986) is a multi-talented American artist: actress, comedian, writer, director, and voice actor. She first gained attention as a featured player on Saturday Night Live, and later earned acclaim for her acting in Master of None, her directorial debut Mr. Roosevelt, and her voice roles in Star Trek: Lower Decks and Craig of the Creek. Her work often blends humor, introspection, and emotional nuance, reflecting a creative journey marked by persistence, reinvention, and personal voice.

Early Life and Background

Wells was born in San Antonio, Texas.

She attended Memorial High School in Victoria, Texas, where she was active in speech and debate and graduated salutatorian.

She then studied at the University of Texas at Austin, earning degrees in Plan II Honors and Radio-Television-Film in 2010. Esther’s Follies, working in sketch, ventriloquism, and even magic.

Career and Achievements

Comedy, Sketch, and Early Work

After graduation, Wells moved to Los Angeles, where she immersed herself in the improv / sketch comedy scene. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and was part of a sketch group called New Money.

Saturday Night Live

In 2013, Wells became a featured player on Saturday Night Live (Season 39).

During that period, she contributed original material, performing and writing sketches.

Film, Television & Voice Roles

After SNL, Wells expanded into more acting and voice work:

• She played Rachel Silva in Master of None, a Netflix comedy-drama, and earned praise for her portrayal.

• In 2017, she wrote, directed, and starred in the film Mr. Roosevelt.

• She ventures in voice acting:

  • She voices Kelsey Pokoly in Craig of the Creek.

  • She voices Ensign D’Vana Tendi in Star Trek: Lower Decks, part of the main cast.

• She also released a debut album, It’s So Nice! in 2019, marking her musical side.

In her career, she often moves fluidly between acting, writing, directing, and voice work—demonstrating broad creative range.

Historical Milestones & Context

• 1986: Born in Texas

• 2010: Graduated from UT Austin; began comedy / sketch work in L.A.

• 2013–14: Cast on Saturday Night Live

• 2015: Appears in Master of None

• 2017: Releases Mr. Roosevelt, a personal film project

• 2019: Debut music album It’s So Nice!

• 2020 onwards: Voice roles in Star Trek: Lower Decks and Craig of the Creek

In broader context, Noël’s career reflects the modern age of multi-disciplinary artists: someone who leverages digital media, comedy, and independent film to create a personal brand—not limited to a single medium.

Legacy and Influence

Though still in mid-career, Wells has already made a distinct mark:

• She demonstrates that comedians and sketch artists can transition into substantive acting, directing, and voice work without being pigeonholed.

• Mr. Roosevelt is often cited as a “passion project” that shows how creators can make deeply personal films on small budgets and still find critical success.

• Her voice roles in animated series connect her to audiences of different ages and show her flexibility.

• She stands as a model for emerging artists who want to do more than act—many aspire to write, direct, produce, and craft their own work rather than wait for offers.

Personality and Creative Traits

From her interviews and quoted remarks, some traits and themes emerge:

• Authenticity & honesty: She speaks about comedy as a form of honesty—“whether things are going well or bad.”

• Collaborative mindset: She expresses a desire not always to be the center of attention, but to be part of creative community.

• Willingness to risk: She notes that sometimes you have to do “something really stupid” to learn or to get somewhere.

• Perfectionism and self-awareness: She says she likes being good at things and wrestles with comparisons and expectations.

• Early identity as a “goofball”: In childhood she was energetic, liked parody, and loved spoofing.

She also has spoken about the audition processes and challenges in comedy institutions (like SNL) and how sometimes voices don’t “mesh” with the establishment.

Famous Quotes by Noël Wells

Here are selected quotes by Noël Wells that offer insight into her worldview and creative philosophy:

“I’m sure there have been a lot of boys I’ve chased over the years that has been fueled by alcohol and stupidity. But that’s kind of how things happen — sometimes you have to do something really stupid, and sometimes it works out, and sometimes you fall flat on your face.”

“As a kid, I think people would have described me more as a goofball, or being energetic. But I always loved parodies; I loved spoofing things.”

“I don’t want to get ahead at the expense of somebody else. I don’t even want to be the center of attention … I want to collaborate with people and be a part of a creative community.”

“Growing up, I felt like it was very dangerous to mess up in any way, both in front of men and in front of other girls.”

“Comedy is just honesty. Whether things are going well or bad.”

“Getting on ‘SNL’ wasn’t just about getting cast. … But to me, I’ve never been interested in being picked … I pass on things because it doesn’t feel fulfilling.”

“To run a successful business, you have to be tough.”

These quotes illustrate her mix of humility, introspection, creative impulse, and boundary-setting.

Lessons from Noël Wells

1. Don’t limit yourself to one role
   Being an actor doesn’t mean you can’t write, direct, voice, or make music. Wells’s career shows how branching out can enrich your voice.

2. Vulnerability fuels creativity
   Some of her best lines come from admitting mistakes, fear of messing up, and emotional risk.

3. Collaboration over spotlight
   Her desire to “collaborate” rather than always be in the center is a reminder that creating often thrives in community.

4. Persistence through rejection
   She auditioned for SNL multiple times before making it, and even then was let go—but kept building.

5. Tell your own stories
   Mr. Roosevelt is a concrete example of making the stories you want to see, rather than only waiting for offers.

6. Comedy as truth-telling
   For Wells, comedy is not escapism but a form of articulation of real feelings—both the funny and the uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Noël Wells is a contemporary creative whose work defies narrow categorization. She shows that humor, honest emotion, and the courage to try new mediums can coexist and strengthen one another. Whether on screen, behind the camera, or in voice roles, she continues to build a distinctive voice in the entertainment world.