Biography
Who is Kristen Johnston?
Early life and education
Kristen Angela Johnston was born in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Whitefish Bay High School and completed her studies there in 1985. Following high school, she pursued higher education to refine her craft.
She attended New York University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. She also studied at the Circle in the Square Theatre School. This foundation in theatrical training served as the launchpad for her professional career in New York City.
Professional stage and television career
Kristen Johnston began her career with the Atlantic Theater Company in New York. She appeared in multiple productions such as As You Like It and Stage Door. Her work with the Naked Angels Theater Company included roles in The Stand-In and Hot Keys. She also performed in Kim's Sister alongside David Strathairn and Jane Adams.
Her breakout role came after a casting agent saw her performance in The Lights at the Lincoln Center Theater. This led to her casting as Sally Solomon on the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun. She starred on that show from 1996 until 2001. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Film roles and other projects
Beyond television, she has appeared in several commercially successful motion pictures. Her film credits include Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, released in 1999, and The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, which came out in 2000. She also acted in Music and Lyrics in 2007 and Bride Wars in 2009.
In 2012, she published her memoir titled Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster. The book, released by Gallery Books, reached the status of a New York Times best-seller. It provides personal insight into her life experiences, including her past struggles with addiction to alcohol and pills.
Personal challenges and health
Kristen Johnston has been open about her health struggles during her career. In November 2013, she received a diagnosis of lupus myelitis. The condition was debilitating and forced her to miss filming for some episodes of the sitcom The Exes.
She underwent treatment that included chemotherapy, steroids, and IVIG after consulting with seventeen different doctors. She is currently in remission. Also, she has spoken publicly about her history with substance abuse, noting in 2021 that she had maintained sobriety for 14 years.
Birthday and age
Kristen Johnston was born on September 20, 1967, which makes Kristen 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Kristen shares the date with 62 other famous people.
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