Cleo King
A beloved character actress whose rich voice and commanding presence have brought warmth and authenticity to dozens of film and television roles.
Born 1962 (age 64)·American character actress·Birthday: August 21·Baby Boomers
Biography
Cleo King’s face and voice are instantly familiar, a testament to a long career built on memorable character work. Born in 1962, she honed her craft on stage before breaking into television and film in the 1990s. She possesses a rare combination of earthy warmth and formidable strength, which she channels into roles that often serve as the emotional anchor or comic relief. While many know her as Rosetta, the no-nonsense neighbor on the sitcom 'Mike & Molly,' her filmography is vast and varied. She’s appeared in everything from indie dramas to blockbuster comedies, working with directors like Cameron Crowe in 'We Bought a Zoo' and Alexander Payne in 'The Descendants.' King’s impact is in her ability to create fully realized people in just a few scenes, turning what could be stereotypical parts into nuanced portraits of resilience and humor.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Cleo was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cleo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Cleo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Rosetta on the CBS sitcom 'Mike & Molly' for its entire six-season run from 2010 to 2016.
- Appeared in Alexander Payne's acclaimed film 'The Descendants' as the hospital receptionist.
- Had recurring roles on popular TV series including 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,' 'My Name Is Earl,' and 'Hart of Dixie.'
Did You Know?
She is a trained stage actress and performed in August Wilson's play 'Seven Guitars' on Broadway.
She provided the voice for the character Mrs. Butterworth in a series of popular syrup commercials.
She studied theater at the University of Washington.
“I'm not the star, but I'm the one you remember.”
