A – Z Guide to Laraine Newman

Laraine Newman is one of the most versatile performers in American comedy history — an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, a founding member of The Groundlings, and a voice acting powerhouse with over 180 credited roles.

Here's a quick snapshot of who she is:

She grew up right here in Los Angeles — Beverly Hills High School, improv in South Central parks as a teenager, and eventually co-founding one of the city's most beloved comedy institutions. That's a very L.A. story.

What makes Newman's career remarkable isn't just how it started — it's how long it has lasted. From landing on live national television in 1975 with no safety net, to voicing characters in billion-dollar Pixar films decades later, she has quietly become one of the most enduring figures in entertainment.

And when asked whether new SNL cast members ever reach out to her for advice? Her answer was simple: "No one's ever asked my advice." A surprising admission from someone with this much to offer.

Long before she was a household name, Laraine Newman was a true product of the Los Angeles landscape. Born on March 2, 1952, she grew up in the heart of our city, attending Beverly Hills High School. While many of her peers were following traditional paths, Newman was already deep into performance. At just 16, she was performing improv in parks across South Central Los Angeles, a gritty and formative training ground for a young comedian.

Her commitment to the craft took her far beyond the zip codes of L.A. After high school, she moved to Paris to study the art of mime under the legendary Marcel Marceau. She spent a year and a half honing her physical comedy and expression, a skill set that would later set her apart on the small screen. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she briefly attended Cal Arts but left after only three months to pursue a more immediate calling: the burgeoning improv scene.

In 1972, along with her sister Tracy Newman and a handful of other visionaries, she became a founding member of The Groundlings. This improv troupe would go on to become a cornerstone of Hollywood comedy, but in those early days, it was a experimental workshop. It was during a Groundlings performance that Lorne Michaels first spotted her. Impressed by her range, he cast her in a Lily Tomlin Special he was producing. That connection proved pivotal; when Michaels began assembling a cast for a new late-night variety show in New York, Laraine Newman was one of the first people he called. You can read more about her transition from student to star in this Laraine Newman Biography.

In 1975, Laraine Newman became one of the original "Not Ready for Primetime Players" on Saturday Night Live. She was part of a ensemble that changed the face of television, appearing in 106 episodes between 1975 and 1980. While the show was a whirlwind of counter-culture energy, Newman brought a unique, often understated sophistication to her sketches.

She wasn't just a performer; she was a writer and a creator. In 1979, she shared a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series. Her impact was so profound that in 2017, she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame alongside her original castmates. Despite being a pioneer, she remains a humble observer of the show's evolution. She still watches SNL religiously, often seeing former Groundlings transition to the big stage, though she notes with a touch of humor that the current generation rarely seeks her out for veteran wisdom. For a look back at how she stacks up against her peers, check out The Best Saturday Night Live Cast Members of the 1970s.

Newman’s versatility allowed her to inhabit characters that ranged from the bizarre to the eerily relatable. Perhaps her most famous role was Connie Conehead, the teenage daughter in the "Coneheads" sketches who just wanted to fit in despite her family's extraterrestrial origins (and their habit of consuming "mass quantities" of potato chips and beer).

Other notable characters included:

Behind the laughter, the SNL years were a time of significant personal struggle for Newman. The high-pressure environment of live television, combined with the social scene of 1970s New York, led to a 21-year battle with drug use, including a heroin addiction. She also struggled with eating disorders during her tenure on the show.

However, her story is one of incredible resilience. In 1987, she made the life-changing decision to become sober and has remained so ever since. She has been remarkably open about these challenges in her 2021 audio memoir, May You Live in Interesting Times. In the book, she reflects on how these experiences shaped her and how she found the strength to rebuild her career and life after leaving the spotlight of 30 Rock.

When many actors find their "big break" on a show like SNL, they struggle to find a second act. Laraine Newman did the opposite—she built an entirely new empire in voice acting. With 182 credited voice roles, she has become one of the most sought-after talents in the industry.

Her transition wasn't an accident; her background in mime and character work made her a natural for animation. She became a staple in the Pixar universe, contributing voices to modern classics like Finding Nemo, WALL-E, Up, and Inside Out. Whether she's playing a main character or providing "additional voices" that bring a scene to life, her vocal range is staggering. For a deep dive into her auditory portfolio, see the Laraine Newman (visual voices guide).

Beyond the big screen, Newman has voiced some of the most recognizable characters in television animation. She voiced Lois Foutley, the wise and patient mother in As Told By Ginger, and played Miss Janeth and Nana in the Trollhunters series. Her credits read like a "Who's Who" of animation: Doc McStuffins (as Professor Hootsburgh), SpongeBob SquarePants, American Dad, and The Fairly OddParents.

Recently, she reprised her role as "Mom’s Fear" in the blockbuster Inside Out 2 (2024), proving that her voice is just as vital to the industry today as it was decades ago.

While voice work occupies much of her time, Newman has never left the live-action world. Her filmography includes a wide array of roles, from Woody Allen’s Stardust Memories to the holiday favorite Jingle All the Way. She famously reprised her role in the 1993 Coneheads movie and appeared in the cult classic Problem Child 2.

On the small screen, she has stayed relevant with guest spots on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Los Espookys, and a hilarious turn as "The President of the Network" in The Birthday Boys. Her ability to jump between high-concept comedy and grounded character work is a testament to her Groundlings roots.

In 2025, Newman takes on a new enchanting role in The Sisters Grimm on Apple TV+. Based on the beloved novels by Michael Buckley, she voices Relda, the grandmotherly figure who guides two orphans through a world where fairy tales are real. It’s a project that perfectly blends her comedic timing with a sense of wonder.

But acting isn't her only passion. Newman is a prolific writer with a deep love for the culinary world. As a contributing editor for the online food magazine One For The Table, she shares her insights on Los Angeles food culture and beyond. Her writing has also appeared in the Huffington Post, McSweeney’s, and The Believer. Whether she's writing about her favorite L.A. restaurants or sharing personal essays, her voice on the page is just as engaging as it is on screen.

Family is at the center of Newman's life. She was married to Chad Einbinder from 1991 to 2016, and they share two daughters who have followed in their mother's comedic footsteps. Spike Einbinder is a talented actor and comedian, and Hannah Einbinder has become a breakout star in her own right, earning acclaim for her role in the series Hacks.

Newman’s legacy is cemented by her peers and the industry. In addition to her 1979 Emmy nomination and her Television Hall of Fame induction, she has received an Annie Award nomination for her voice work. She also remains active in the community, serving on the board of San Francisco Sketchfest and performing regularly in the show Celebrity Autobiography.

While she played many characters, Connie Conehead is widely considered her most iconic role. The character's bizarre appearance and deadpan delivery became a cultural touchstone of the late 70s.

She has two daughters, Spike and Hannah Einbinder. Both are active in the entertainment industry, with Hannah gaining significant fame recently for her starring role in the critically acclaimed show Hacks.

Her most recent major project is the animated series The Sisters Grimm, which premiered on Apple TV+ in 2025. She provides the voice for the character Relda.

From the parks of South Central to the bright lights of Studio 8H and the recording booths of Pixar, Laraine Newman has navigated a career that is as diverse as the city she calls home. She is a reminder that resilience, adaptability, and a sharp sense of humor are the best tools for a long-lasting career in the arts.

At Edible LA, we celebrate the creators who make our city vibrant. Newman’s journey—including her contributions to food journalism and her deep L.A. roots—aligns perfectly with our mission to share the stories of local culture, season by season. Whether she’s voicing a beloved character or writing about a local meal, she remains a true Los Angeles original. For more on the local flavors that keep our city inspired, check out our More info about seasonal produce.