Jessica Chaffin
A sharp-witted comedian and actress who co-created the beloved, cringe-inducing talk show alter egos Ronna and Beverly.
Born 1974 (age 52)·American actress, comedian, writer and podcaster·Birthday: January 5·Generation X
Biography
Jessica Chaffin's comedy springs from a place of hilarious, uncomfortable truth, best embodied by her most famous creation: Ronna Glickman. With partner Jamie Denbo, Chaffin developed 'Ronna and Beverly,' a podcast and stage show where they played two tactless, middle-aged Jewish women from Boston conducting brutally frank interviews with celebrities. The characters became a cult sensation, a masterclass in improvised cringe. This success opened doors to a steady stream of television and film roles where Chaffin often steals scenes with her impeccable timing, whether as a harried mom on 'Man with a Plan' or a foul-mouthed agent in 'Spy.' Her career is a testament to the power of a fully realized character, proving that a strong, specific point of view can resonate far beyond the comedy club.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Jessica was born in 1974, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jessica Was Born
The biggest hits of 1974
#1 Movie
The Towering Inferno
Best Picture
The Godfather Part II
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Jessica's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1974Born
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1979Started school
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1987Became a teenager
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Could drive
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1992Could vote
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
1995Turned 21
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2004Turned 30
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 40
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 50
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 52 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-created and stars as 'Ronna' in the acclaimed comedy podcast and stage show 'Ronna & Beverly' with Jamie Denbo.
- Played recurring roles on network sitcoms including Marie Faldonado on 'Man with a Plan' and Beth on 'Abby's'.
- Appeared in hit comedy films like 'Spy' and 'The Heat,' directed by Paul Feig.
Did You Know?
The 'Ronna and Beverly' characters originated from a single live show in Los Angeles that developed a major following.
She voiced the character of 'Additional Voices' on the animated series 'Bob's Burgers'.
She is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
She played Coco Wexler on the Nickelodeon series 'Zoey 101'.
“Comedy is about finding the truth in the awkwardness.”
