Mindy Sterling (born Mindy Lee Sterling on July 11, 1953) is an American actress and voice actress best known for her memorable comedic roles in film and television. She was born in Paterson, New Jersey, before growing up in Miami, Florida, and later moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
Early Life
Sterling was born into a family of entertainers. Her father, Dick Sterling, was a nightclub comedian and actor, while her mother, Florence Adele “Bookie” Sterling, was a dancer. Encouraged by her father, she began acting lessons as a teenager and eventually became a member of the renowned Los Angeles improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings, where she honed her comic talents.
Career Highlights
Although she had been working steadily in television and film since the late 1970s, Sterling’s breakthrough came in 1997 when she played Frau Farbissina, Dr. Evil’s loud and intimidating assistant, in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. She reprised the role in both sequels, making the character one of the most recognizable comedic villains of the era.
Television
Sterling has appeared in dozens of television series, including:
- The Goldbergs as Linda Schwartz
- iCarly as Miss Francine Briggs
- A.N.T. Farm as Principal Susan Skidmore
- Desperate Housewives
- Friends
- The Larry Sanders Show
- That’s So Raven
- The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
- Scrubs
- King of Queens
Voice Acting
Her distinctive voice has also made her a sought-after voice actress. Notable roles include:
- Lin Beifong in The Legend of Korra
- Miss Endive in Chowder
- Morgana in Winx Club
- Voices in Monsters University, Despicable Me 3, and The Grinch (2018).
Awards and Recognition
In 2017, Sterling received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her performances in Con Man and Secs & EXECS.
Personal Life
Sterling is a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 1998 after a routine mammogram, she underwent treatment and has since been active in raising awareness about early detection and survivorship. She has one son, Max Gadson.
Connection to Paterson
Although she spent little of her childhood in Paterson, Mindy Sterling joins a distinguished list of entertainers born in the city, including:
- Lou Costello
- Patrick Warburton
- Fetty Wap
Her successful career in comedy, television, film, and voice acting has made her one of Paterson’s notable native-born performers.