Born in 1977, Liz Cackowski is an accomplished American comedian, actress, and writer, who has made her mark across television, film, and online platforms. With her strong roots in improvisational comedy, she has established herself as a versatile and sharp comedic voice in the entertainment industry.
Launching a Comedy Career
Cackowski began her career in comedy at Chicago’s renowned The Second City, an institution famous for nurturing some of the biggest names in comedy. It was here that her talent for writing and performing was recognized, leading to her being hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL). From 2003 to 2006, she contributed to some of the show’s signature sketches, helping shape the humour of one of television’s most iconic comedy programs.
Cackowski’s comedic talent is part of a rich family tapestry. On her father’s side, her family descends from Polish immigrants, with her grandparents having settled in Pennsylvania. Her mother’s family, deeply rooted in North Carolina, offers another dimension to her diverse background. This mix of cultural heritage has no doubt played a role in the wide variety of characters she’s portrayed on screen.
Transitioning to Film and Television
After her stint at SNL, Cackowski broadened her creative horizons, co-creating The Jeannie Tate Show, an innovative online series, with filmmaker Maggie Carey. The show spotlighted her ability to craft offbeat, character-driven humour.
Cackowski also ventured into film, appearing in popular comedies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I Love You, Man, showcasing her range as both a comedic actress and writer. Her work didn’t stop at mainstream films—she took on more experimental roles, such as “Byte” in Adult Swim’s Fat Guy Stuck in Internet, and a quirky housewife in the dark humour of Infomercials (2014).
Writing for Television
As a writer, Cackowski contributed to some of television’s most beloved comedies. From 2009 to 2010, she was part of the writing team and served as a story editor on NBC’s cult-favorite Community, known for its meta-humor and sharp wit. She later wrote for NBC’s Up All Night and penned two episodes of the Fox comedy The Last Man on Earth in 2015, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled comedy writer.
Cackowski also returned to the screen with memorable roles in the hit comedy Neighbors (2014) and its sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), where she played Wendy, a sarcastic realtor whose deadpan humour resonated with audiences.