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Image source: StarsUnfolded

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Mindy Kaling Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 5, 2026 • 3 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birthJune 24, 1979

BirthplaceCambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.

ProfessionActress, Comedian, and Writer

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyDaughter - Katherine; Father - Avu Chokalingam; Mother - Swati Chokalingam; Brother - Vijay Jojo Chokalingam

Mindy Kaling Biography

Mindy Kaling is an American actress, comedian, writer and producer who rose from improv and off-Broadway stages to television and film success. Born in 197

Early life and background

Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam on June 24, 1979, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was raised in Massachusetts and attended Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge before going on to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in playwriting. Her parents emigrated to the United States in the year she was born; her father worked as an architect and her mother practiced obstetrics. Kaling’s family background includes Tamil and Bengali heritage.

Career

Kaling built her early career in comedy and theatre. As a young performer she gained practical experience as an intern on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. She achieved an early breakthrough with the off-Broadway play Matt & Ben, which she helped create and perform. That production opened doors into film and television work; her on-screen debut came in 2005 with appearances in both The 40-Year-Old Virgin and an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Over time Kaling expanded from acting into writing and producing. She became widely known for developing and starring in television projects, notably becoming the first Indian-American to have her own network show. Beyond screen work, she is also an author of two memoirs that became New York Times best sellers: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Why Not Me?. Kaling has received industry recognition for her creativity and influence, including being named among Entertainment Weekly’s 50 Coolest and Most Creative Entertainers, one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, and one of Glamour’s Women of the Year.

Public profile

Kaling’s public image blends comedy with candid writing. She has shared personal anecdotes through her books and public appearances, and her career has spanned stand-up, stage, television and film. Her physical profile has been publicly noted as approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall with dark brown eyes and black hair.

Personal life

Kaling identifies as straight and is unmarried. She has a daughter named Katherine; Kaling has not publicly revealed the identity of her daughter’s father. Her parents’ origins and careers have featured in profiles of her background, and her mother died of pancreatic cancer in 2012. Kaling has acknowledged cultural influences from her family, including the story behind her name.

Other interests and pursuits

Outside of writing and performance, Kaling has shown an interest in sports ownership as a minority investor; she has been a 1% owner of Swansea City A.F.C., a professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. She has cited tastes and hobbies that include watching romantic movies, reading, and sharing humor on social media. Public listings have also noted favorite things such as Australian red licorice and an appreciation for the author Jhumpa Lahiri.

Latest updates

Kaling remains a visible figure in entertainment, with accomplishments spanning acting, writing, producing and publishing. Her career milestones include bestselling memoirs and recognition from major publications for her influence and creativity. Public reports have placed her salary and estimated net worth figures in the media, and she continues to be noted for breaking new ground for Indian-American creators in television.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Mindy Kaling, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Recent Work

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

Film debut (2005)

2005
Curb Your Enthusiasm

Television debut (2005)

2005
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Memoir and New York Times best seller

Why Not Me?

Memoir and New York Times best seller

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Career Highlights

  1. Wrote and starred in the off-Broadway play Matt & Ben
  2. Became the first Indian-American to have her own network television show
  3. Author of two New York Times best-selling memoirs
  4. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World
  5. Recognized by Entertainment Weekly and Glamour for creativity and influence
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Mindy Kaling born?

Mindy Kaling was born on June 24, 1979.

What is Mindy Kaling known for?

Mindy Kaling is known for actress, Comedian, and Writer.

What is Mindy Kaling’s marital status?

Mindy Kaling's marital status is listed as Unmarried.