Nicole Parker

Nicole Frances Parker (born February 21, 1978) is an American actress, comedian, writer, podcaster, and singer. She is best known for her work on Fox's sketch comedy show Mad TV (2003–2009, 2016), which she was a regular cast member. In July 2009, Parker concluded her run as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, a role that she reprised on tour across North America. She voiced Penelope Pitstop in the animated series Wacky Races (2017–2019) and has appeared in the parody films Meet the Spartans and Disaster Movie (both 2008). Parker currently co-hosts the Earwolf podcast The Neighborhood Listen, along with comedian Paul F. Tompkins.

Not to be confused with Nicole Ari Parker.
Nicole Parker
Parker in September 2006
Born
Nicole Frances Parker

(1978-02-21) February 21, 1978
Irvine, California, U.S.
Occupation
  • Actress
  • comedian
  • writer
  • podcaster
  • singer
Years active2003–present
Spouse(s)
Seth Redford
​
(m. 2011)​
Children1

Early life

In her hometown of Irvine, California, she performed at South Coast Repertory and Laguna Playhouse. She also studied Theatre and Voice at Indiana University and performed in an improv troupe called Full Frontal Comedy. After college, Parker performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Second City in Chicago, Bloemendaal, Unhinged Academy and Groningen. In addition, she and some college friends formed a theater company in New York City called Waterwell Productions. Parker moved to Amsterdam for two years, where she performed in the comedy show Boom Chicago alongside MADtv alumni Ike Barinholtz and Jordan Peele.

Career

Mad TV

In 2003, Parker joined the Season 9 cast of Mad TV. She was a featured performer, until Season 10, when she was promoted to cast member. Parker left the show on March 28, 2009, but appeared in sketches until the series finale in 2009.

Parker's most notable characters include Pat-Beth LaMontrose and the Disney Girl. She also had impersonated many notable celebrities, mostly singers such as Britney Spears, Ashlee and Jessica Simpson, Julie Andrews, James Blunt, and Judy Garland.

Characters
  • Amy Little
  • Annetta Bussley
  • Beth
  • Candy Matsumoto
  • Charlene
  • Disney Girl
  • Elisssa
  • Holly
  • Pat-Beth LaMontrose
  • Sharon
  • Toni Horse
  • Tori McLachlan

Celebrity impressions

Theatre

In 2004, Parker was nominated for a Jeff Award for her performance in The People vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo and Juliet.

From July 2006 to January 2007, Parker performed in the comedy musical Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.

In 2009, Parker replaced Marcie Dodd in the role of Elphaba in the Broadway production of the musical Wicked, from January 16. She starred opposite Alli Mauzey as Glinda.[1] She exited on July 19 at the end of her six-month contract, and was replaced by Dee Roscioli.

Parker starred in the new musical The People in the Picture, which began performances at Studio 54 on April 1, 2011 and officially opened on April 28, 2011.[2]

Parker again starred as Elphaba in Wicked on the show's first North American tour. She reunited with Mauzey beginning performances in Denver, Colorado May 18, 2012. She replaced Mamie Parris.[3] She later left the production on September 24, 2012.

The Groundlings

Parker frequently guest performs in the improvisational comedy show Cookin' With Gas at The Groundlings Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Filmography

Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
2007 Four Years Stacy
2008 Meet the Spartans Britney Spears, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton and Ellen DeGeneres
Disaster Movie Enchanted Princess, Jessica Simpson and Amy Winehouse
Proposition 8: The Musical California Gays and The People That Love Them Short film
2009 Funny People Dawn
Weathered Weather Wellington Short film
2012 Sitting Babies Keri Short film

Television roles
Year(s) Title Role Notes
2003–2009, 2016 Mad TV Various characters 113 episodes
2004–2008 Higglytown Heroes Window Washer Hero (voice) 1 episode
2005 Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List Herself 1 episode
2012 Bunk Herself 2 episodes
Trust Us With Your Life Herself 1 episode
2013 Key & Peele Fantine 1 episode
Mad Various voices 2 episodes
2014 It Could Be Worse Super Fan 1 episode
Hot in Cleveland Jessica 1 episode
2017 Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ Gwentolyn Swanson 2 episodes
2017–2018 Bunnicula Siobhan (voice) 2 episodes
2017–2019 Wacky Races Penelope Pitstop / Pandora Pitstop (voice) Regular

Theatre
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Fuenteovejuna Laurencia Musical (Regional)
Stuck Director Improv play (regional)
2004 The Magic Flute Pamina Musical (regional)
The People vs. Friar Laurence,
The Man Who Killed Romeo and Juliet		 Juliet Musical (regional)
2006–2007 Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me Various characters Comedy musical (Broadway)
2007–2008 Suitcase Full of Lies Jillane Jenkins Comedy musical (regional)[4]
2009 Wicked Elphaba Musical (Broadway)
2010 Suitcase Full of Lies Jillane Jenkins Comedy musical (regional)
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Rosemary Musical (limited engagement)[5]
2011 The People in the Picture Red Musical (Broadway)[6]
2012 Wicked Elphaba Musical (1st North American tour)
2014 Dog & Pony Mags Musical (regional)[7]
2015 These Paper Bullets Bea Comedy musical (off-Broadway)[8]

Awards and nominations
Year Result Award Category Nominated Work
2004 Nominated Jeff Award[9] Best Actress in a Principal Role The People vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo and Juliet
2009 Won GLAAD Media Awards[10] Special Recognition Prop 8: The Musical
Won Damah Film Festival[11] Best Actress (Audience Award) Short film, Weathered

References
  1. "Madtv" Star Parker Will Be Broadway's New Elphaba; Tveit Returns, Too Archived 2009-01-18 at the Wayback Machine
  2. People in the Picture Come Into Focus With Christopher Innvar, Alexander Gemignani, Chip Zien, Nicole Parker Archived 2011-02-05 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Wicked Tour to Welcome Nicole Parker and PJ Benjamin Archived 2012-05-01 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Desk, BWW News. "Nicole Parker Returns To Birdland In SUITCASE FULL OF LIES 5/24".
  5. BWW. "Photo Flash: Reprise Theater Company's HOW TO SUCCEED".
  6. "Alexander Gemignani, Nicole Parker & More Join The People in the Picture on Broadway".
  7. Verini, Bob (7 June 2014). "San Diego Theater Review: 'Dog and Pony'".
  8. "Justin Kirk and Nicole Parker Rock Billie Joe Armstrong's These Paper Bullets! Musical, Starting Tonight - Playbill".
  10. "Los Angeles Recap". 22 September 2011.
  11. Joseph, Mark (3 October 2009). "Damah Film Festival Announces Winners".
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