Paula Pell's Transition from Writing to Acting in New Projects

Paula Pell, known for her extensive writing career at Saturday Night Live (SNL) and her recent acting roles in series like *Girls5Eva* and *AP Bio*, is making significant strides in her career. After two decades as a head writer at SNL, Pell is transitioning into acting while continuing her writing endeavors. Her latest projects include the Netflix comedy *The Fifth Wheel*, which she co-wrote with her wife, Janine Brito, and her role as a neighbor in the comedy-thriller *The Burbs*.

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*The Fifth Wheel* is a girls' friendship movie featuring Kim Kardashian, who plays a character that disrupts the lives of a group of friends portrayed by Nikki Glaser, Brenda Song, and Fortune Feimster. Pell recalls that the project emerged unexpectedly when her agent informed her that Kardashian was interested in developing a film. The duo brainstormed ideas, leading to a successful pitch to Netflix. Pell describes the film as having "a lot of heart" while also being "really hard comedy and filthy," which aligns with her and Brito's writing style.

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In *The Burbs*, Pell plays Keke Palmer's nosy neighbor, a role that allows her to explore the comedic and eerie tones reminiscent of the original film starring Tom Hanks. Pell notes that the new series captures the essence of suburban life, highlighting the "suffocating boredom" and the complex relationships among neighbors. Filming took place on the Universal backlot, a location steeped in television history, which Pell found particularly nostalgic.

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Pell's journey back to acting comes after a long hiatus, during which she focused on writing. She reflects on her time at SNL, where she felt a sense of codependency, often taking on a caretaker role for younger cast members. Now, in her sixties, Pell expresses a desire to prioritize her own aspirations and to embrace new opportunities in acting. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with supportive colleagues, particularly the women she collaborated with on *Wine Country*.

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Pell has expressed excitement about her current projects, stating, “It’s got a lot of heart. It’s also really hard comedy and filthy, because that’s what Janine and I do.” She also shared her thoughts on her transition from writing to acting, noting, “I never thought I would return to it, let alone be really having all this work.”

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• “My agent said, ‘Kim Kardashian is looking to put together some sort of girls’ friendship movie,” — Paula Pell, Writer/Actor

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• “Funny and scary sometimes do not mix, but they did it really elegantly here.” — Paula Pell, on *The Burbs*

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• “I wanted to be a mom to myself and go for what I wanted.” — Paula Pell, reflecting on her career

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As Pell continues to navigate her dual roles in writing and acting, she remains focused on her upcoming projects, including the release of *The Fifth Wheel* and the ongoing success of *The Burbs*. Her career evolution reflects a broader narrative of personal growth and professional reinvention in the entertainment industry.

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