Fortune Feimster (born July 1, 1980) is an American writer, comedian, and actress who has become a beloved voice in modern comedy. At 45 years old, she first broke onto television with NBC’s *Last Comic Standing* in 2010 and later won fans as Colette on *The Mindy Project* (2015‑2017). In July 2019 she launched the popular Sirius XM radio show *What a Joke with Papa and Fortune* alongside Tom Papa, marking the first live programming on the “Netflix is a Joke” channel. She also appears as Heather in *The L Word: Generation Q*. While her net worth, salary, married status, and height are not publicly disclosed, Feimster’s vibrant career and sharp wit continue to earn her a dedicated audience.
Early Life and Education
Early Life and Education
Fortune Feimster was born on July 1, 1980, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to parents Mike and Ginger Feimster. As the youngest of three siblings, she has two older brothers, Price and Jay. The name “Fortune,” which she adopted professionally, honors her maternal great-grandmother’s maiden name. Growing up in nearby Belmont, North Carolina, Feimster developed an early interest in performance and storytelling, traits that would later define her career as a comedian and writer.
Feimster attended Belmont Central Elementary School and Belmont Junior High before graduating from South Point High School in 1998. That same year, she was presented at the Gastonia Debutante Ball, a rite of passage that highlighted her family’s emphasis on tradition. At South Point, she balanced academics with athletics, playing basketball and softball, showcasing her energetic personality. Her early education and community experiences laid the groundwork for her future success, blending discipline with creativity.
Career Overview
Fortune Feimster’s biography took a decisive turn in 2003 when, at age 23, she left North Carolina for Los Angeles to assist Procter & Gamble’s president and chase stand-up dreams. Four Groundlings training years later she cracked the Sunday Company, sharpening the improv skills that landed her 2010 debut on NBC’s *Last Comic Standing*. That exposure snowballed into her breakout run as Colette on *The Mindy Project* (2015-2017), steady acting salary, and a net worth now estimated in the low-seven-figure range.
Refusing to be type-cast, Feimster pivoted to prestige drama, playing Heather on Showtime’s *The L Word: Generation Q* reboot, and leapt into family films by voicing Nib in Disney’s upcoming 2025 release *Zootopia 2*. In July 2019 she and Tom Papa launched *What a Joke with Papa and Fortune*, the first live show on Sirius XM’s Netflix Is a Joke channel, cementing her status as a multi-platform force. Whether riffing on dating, married life with wife Jacquelyn Smith, or her 5’8″ height and weight-loss journey, Feimster’s career arc proves she can turn every personal anecdote into mainstream gold.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Fortune Feimster |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1980 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Writer, Comedian, Actress |
| Years Active | (No specific years mentioned) |
| Notable Works/Achievements | Last Comic Standing, The Mindy Project, What a Joke with Papa and Fortune, The L Word: Generation Q |
Personal Life and Relationships
Personal Life and Relationships
Fortune Feimster, born on July 1, 1980, has been open about her personal life, particularly her journey as a lesbian. She came out as a lesbian in 2005 at the age of 25. This significant moment marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to be authentic and find love. Her net worth and successful career have enabled her to build a life with her loved ones.
In 2016, Feimster began dating kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn Smith. The couple’s relationship blossomed, and they became engaged in early 2018. They own homes in Los Angeles and Belmont, North Carolina, showcasing their ability to balance their personal and professional lives. With a thriving career and a loving relationship, Feimster seemed to have it all.
However, in June 2025, Feimster and Smith announced that they had been separated for an unspecified amount of time and were in the process of divorcing. Despite their marriage on October 23, 2020, the couple faced challenges that ultimately led to their decision. Feimster’s height and weight are not publicly disclosed, but her salary and biography reveal a talented and accomplished individual. As she navigates this new chapter, Feimster continues to focus on her career, which has taken her from dating and relationships to comedy and acting.
Net Worth and Salary
Fortune Feimster was born on July 1, 1980, making her 43 years old as of 2023. While her exact net worth has never been publicly disclosed, her steady rise in the comedy world—starting with a 2010 debut on NBC’s *Last Comic Standing*—has secured her a respectable income stream. From 2015 to 2017, she earned a steady salary playing Colette on *The Mindy Project*, and in July 2019 she stepped into a new role as host of the hit Sirius XM radio show *What a Joke with Papa and Fortune*. These high‑profile gigs, coupled with her recurring role as Heather in *The L Word: Generation Q*, have amplified her earnings and visibility.
Feimster’s career has been marked by versatility: writer, comedian, actress, and radio personality. Though she has never publicly discussed her married status or dating life, her professional focus remains on expanding her brand. Her height and weight are not typically highlighted in her public profile, underscoring her preference to let her work speak for itself. As she continues to write, perform, and host, her salary will likely grow, reflecting her expanding influence in comedy and entertainment.
Notable Works and Achievements
As a renowned American writer, comedian, and actress, Fortune Feimster has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born on July 1, 1980, she made her television debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010. Her notable works include starring as Colette on The Mindy Project from 2015 to 2017 and playing Heather in The L Word: Generation Q, a reboot of The L Word. Feimster’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including her work on The Mindy Project and The L Word: Generation Q.
At the age of 43, Feimster has achieved immense success, and her career continues to inspire many with her talent and perseverance. As a host of the hit radio show What a Joke with Papa and Fortune, she interviews comedians and celebrities, making her a household name. With a thriving career in writing, comedy, and acting, Feimster’s net worth and salary are expected to increase, making her one of the most successful comedians and actresses of her time. Her ability to take on diverse roles has made her a sought-after actress in the industry.
Awards and Nominations
Fortune Feimster’s career has earned her a steady stream of industry recognition, even though she has not yet been listed for major award ceremonies. After breaking onto television with NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010, she quickly became a fan‑favorite on The Mindy Project, where her portrayal of Colette (2015‑2017) garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. The success of that role helped her land the co‑hosting gig on Sirius XM’s “What a Joke with Papa and Fortune” in July 2019, a milestone that highlighted her versatility as both a comedian and an interviewer. While specific salary figures and net worth remain private, the longevity of her radio show and continued television appearances signal a solid and growing professional standing.
In the broader biography, Feimster’s personal details such as age (born July 1, 1980, making her 45 in 2026), height, weight, and married or dating status are not publicly disclosed, reflecting her preference for privacy beyond the spotlight. Although she has not yet accumulated formal award nominations, her work on *The L Word: Generation Q* and frequent guest spots on talk shows illustrate a respected career trajectory. This blend of consistent performance and audience love continues to position her as a noteworthy figure in contemporary comedy, even without a trophy cabinet to display.
Public Appearances and Tours
Public Appearances and Tours
Fortune Feimster, born on July 1, 1980, has built a dynamic career through a mix of stand-up comedy, television roles, and radio hosting. Her breakthrough came in 2010 on *Last Comic Standing*, launching her into the spotlight and paving the way for roles in shows like *The Mindy Project* (2015–2017) and *The L Word: Generation Q*. These performances, coupled with her stand-up tours, have solidified her reputation as a versatile entertainer.
In July 2019, Feimster co-hosted the Sirius XM radio show *What a Joke with Papa and Fortune* with Tom Papa, showcasing her interviewing skills and comedic chemistry. Her diverse career—spanning writing, acting, and radio—has undoubtedly contributed to her financial success. At 44 years old, Feimster continues to balance her career with public appearances, proving her enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.
Feimster’s career achievements include starring as Colette on *The Mindy Project* and playing Heather in *The L Word: Generation Q*. Her hosting of *What a Joke with Papa and Fortune* has become a key platform for engaging with fellow comedians and celebrities. While exact figures for her salary or net worth remain private, her career has undoubtedly contributed to her financial success.
