18 Facts About Karen Kilgariff

Karen Kilgariff began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1990s and later became a television actress, most notably as a cast member on Mr Show.

Karen Kilgariff has written for many comedy television shows, including being the head writer on The Rosie Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Pete Holmes Show.

Karen Kilgariff grew up outside Petaluma, California with her mother Patricia, who died in 2016, her father Jim, and her older sister Laura.

Karen Kilgariff attended St Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma.

Karen Kilgariff started out as a stand-up comedian in Sacramento in the 1990s.

Karen Kilgariff went on to land comedy roles on television, including being a cast member on seasons 3 and 4 of Mr Show.

Karen Kilgariff played the role of Jean Pettengill for five episodes of The Book Group in 2003.

In 2015, Karen Kilgariff teamed up with Drennon Davis to record a live album of comedy songs titled I Don't Care, I Like It.

In 2003 Karen Kilgariff was hired by Ellen DeGeneres to help write for her comedy special, Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now.

Karen Kilgariff was then named head writer for the day time talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which launched in September 2003.

Karen Kilgariff occasionally appeared on screen in sketches and other segments.

Karen Kilgariff was part of a comic duo called Girls Guitar Club.

Karen Kilgariff served as the head writer for The Rosie Show, which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Karen Kilgariff later served as the head writer for The Pete Holmes Show, which aired on TBS.

Karen Kilgariff wrote for and starred in truTV's Talk Show: The Game Show and produced Making History on FOX Broadcasting Company.

Karen Kilgariff wrote four episodes for FX's comedy-drama Baskets between 2017 and 2019.

In 2025, Karen Kilgariff won the IHeartRadio Best Overall Ensemble award, for her podcast My Favorite Murder.

In 2014, Karen Kilgariff recorded a musical comedy album Live at the Bootleg.