Jenny Slate, Milton Class of 2000, was a student speaker at her own graduation, on this stage 13 years ago. On the eve of that graduation, Jim Connolly, Jenny Slate’s advisor during her years in the Upper School, made a grand pronouncement, he wrote, “Your youth is but a prelude to the greatness that awaits you.” In fact, Mr. Connolly had a great sense of where her talent might land her. “In my nightmares,” he wrote, “I see you doing a ‘Saturday Night Live’ impression of [me] and I cringe.” An actress and comedienne, Jenny was a “Saturday Night Live” cast member during the 2009–2010 season, following work at the improv/sketch comedy theater, Upright Citizens Brigade, where she performed her one-woman show Dead Millionaire.
Jenny and her husband, director Dean Fleischer-Camp, co-wrote the viral success, stop-motion short film “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” (Jenny performs the unique and endearing voice of Marcel.) The two then co-authored the New York Times best-selling Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me. A sequel to the picture book is due out later this year.
Jenny has made guest appearances on television programs such as “Parks and Recreation,” “Girls” and “Raising Hope.” You can hear her voice as Ted’s mom in the 2012 animated film Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.
Jenny attended Columbia University, where she earned a degree in English and comparative literature. She lived in New York City and Brooklyn for 12 years, working as a standup comedienne, both in partnership with friend Gabe Liedman and performing solo shows. Jenny now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their dog, Reggie. She performs standup comedy weekly.