Who is Mindy Kaling? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Vera Mindy Chokalingam

Age: 45 Years, 45 Year Old Females

Family:

father: Avu Chokalingam

mother: Swati Roysircar

siblings: Vijay Chokalingam

children: Katherine Kaling, Spencer Kaling

Born Country: United States

Actresses Comedians

Height: 5'4" (163 cm), 5'4" Females

Ancestry: Indian American

U.S. State: Massachusetts

More Facts

education: Dartmouth College

Recommended For You

1

Is Mindy Kaling on social media?

Yes, Mindy Kaling is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
2

What are some of Mindy Kaling's notable projects?

Some of Mindy Kaling's notable projects include "The Office," "The Mindy Project," and "Never Have I Ever."
3

Has Mindy Kaling written any books?

Yes, Mindy Kaling has written books such as "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" and "Why Not Me?"
4

Does Mindy Kaling have a production company?

Yes, Mindy Kaling founded her own production company called Kaling International.
5

Is Mindy Kaling involved in any philanthropic activities?

Yes, Mindy Kaling is known for supporting various charitable causes, including organizations that promote education and health initiatives.

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Childhood & Early Life

Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam on June 24, 1979, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, to Swati, an obstetrician/gynecologist, and Avu Chokalingam, an architect. Her parents were from India. They met while working in a hospital in Nigeria. Kaling’s family moved to the US in 1979.

Kaling graduated in 1997 from ‘Buckingham Browne & Nichols’ in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A year later, she was enrolled at ‘Dartmouth College.’

At ‘Dartmouth,’ she became part of the college’s comedy troupe named ‘The Dog Day Players.’ She also wrote for the campus’ daily newspaper and humor magazine. In 2001, Kaling graduated from the college with a bachelor's degree in playwriting.

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Career

Mindy Kaling interned on the sets of ‘Late Night with Conan O'Brien’ while she was still at ‘Dartmouth.’ She then made her acting debut in an off-Broadway play titled ‘Matt & Ben’ in 2002. She also co-wrote the play along with her friend Brenda Withers. This play was a huge hit and was named one of the ‘Top Ten Theatrical Events of The Year’ by ‘Time’ magazine.

In 2005, Kaling landed the recurring role of ‘Kelly Kapoor’ in the TV sitcom ‘The Office.’ The same year, she appeared in the series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ as well as in her first film ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin.’

From the year 2006 to 2010, she did a few movies, including ‘Unaccompanied Minors,’ ‘License to Wed,’ ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,’ and ‘Despicable Me.’

In 2011, she was featured in the flick ‘No Strings Attached.’ In addition, she also published a memoir titled ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?’ which became a ‘New York Times’ best-seller.

In 2012, she appeared in the movie ‘The Five-Year Engagement’ and voiced a character in the film ‘Wreck-It Ralph.’ The same year, she also started her TV show ‘The Mindy Project.’

In 2014, the American actress appeared as herself in an episode of the show ‘Sesame Street.’

In the year 2015, she lent her voice to the movie ‘Inside Out’ as well as to the short film ‘Riley's First Date.’ She also portrayed the role of ‘Sarah’ in the flick ‘The Night Before.’ The same year, Kaling appeared in the episode ‘Single all the Way’ from ‘The Muppets.’ During this time, her second book titled ‘Why Not Me’ got published.

In 2018, she portrayed ‘Mrs. Who’ in the science fantasy adventure film ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’ The same year, she also played ‘Amita’ in Gary Ross' heist comedy film ‘Ocean's 8.’

She was then seen in the 2019 American comedy-drama film ‘Late Night.’

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Major Works

At the age of 24, Mindy Kaling joined the cast of ‘The Office’ and debuted in the show’s second episode ‘Diversity Day’ as ‘Kelly Kapoor.’ She co-wrote the episode ‘Niagara’ for which she was nominated for an ‘Emmy Award.’

She directed a few webisodes for ‘The Office,’ including ‘The 3rd Floor.’ She made her television directorial debut with the Season 6 episode ‘Body Language.’ On September 15, 2011, Kaling signed a new contract with the show and also became its executive producer.

Awards & Achievements

Mindy Kaling has received five ‘Emmy Award’ nominations for her contribution to the series ‘The Office.’

In 2012, she was named by ‘Time’ magazine in its list of ‘100 Most Influential People in the World.’ The following year, she earned a place in the list of ‘50 Coolest and Most Creative Entertainers’ of Hollywood by ‘Entertainment Weekly.’

In 2014, the actress was listed as one of the ‘Women of the Year’ by ‘Glamour’ magazine.

She received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from ‘Dartmouth College,’ Hanover, New Hampshire, on June 10, 2018.

Personal Life

Mindy Kaling is the daughter of Swati Chokalingam and Avu Chokalingam. She has a brother named Vijay Jojo Chokalingam who is an educational consultant. Kaling’s mother died in the year 2012 after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Kaling was involved in a relationship with B.J. Novak whom she met while working for ‘The Office.’ The couple had an on-again, off-again relationship.

On August 15, 2017, this American actress announced her pregnancy. In December 2017, she gave birth to a baby girl and chose not to disclose the identity of her daughter's father.

Facts About Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling's real name is Vera Mindy Chokalingam, but she decided to go by her middle name to make it easier for people to pronounce and remember.

Mindy Kaling is a talented writer and has written several episodes of the hit TV show "The Office," where she also played the character Kelly Kapoor.

In addition to her work in television and film, Mindy Kaling is also a published author and has written several best-selling books, including "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" and "Why Not Me?"

Mindy Kaling is known for her sense of humor and wit, which she often incorporates into her writing and performances, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Mindy Kaling is a strong advocate for diversity and representation in Hollywood, using her platform to speak out about important issues and promote inclusivity in the industry.

Mindy Kaling Biography

You wanted to know

Is Mindy Kaling on social media?

What are some of Mindy Kaling's notable projects?

Has Mindy Kaling written any books?

Does Mindy Kaling have a production company?

Is Mindy Kaling involved in any philanthropic activities?