Jenny Slatehas been appearing in film and TV for years, regularly starring in some of the most successful comedy TV shows, films, and animated shows. She is most widely known for her recurring role inParks and Recreationas Mona-Lisa Saperstein, one which still regularly circulates sites such as Twitter today — in particular, her"Don’t Be Suspicious"dance with co-star Ben Schwartz. Slate is also a highly acclaimed comedian and hasseveral Netflix specialsthat can be watched today.
More than just comedy, of course, Slate’s filmography includes some dramatic roles as well. With films likeObvious ChildandGifted, she proves just how well-rounded of a talent she is. This year, she has so far appeared in two major hit films: the record-breakingEverything Everywhere All at OnceandMarcel the Shell with Shoes On, the latter of which is one of an elite crop of films to receive a100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As we await for Slate to return to our screens, here’s a look at her best performances, ranked.
9Obvious Child
An A24 film,Obvious Childwas released in 2014 and follows a comedian (Slate) who is trying to get her life back on track after her boyfriend ends their relationship. She then has a one-night stand and becomes pregnant. The film portrays the decisions taken around having an abortion, removing the stigma associated with it. It’s a different role to Slate’s usual and one in which she excels.
Related:Roe v. Wade in Cinema: Movies About Abortion and the Right to Choose
8Bored to Death
Bored to Deathis a TV series that ran from 2009 to 2011, and follows a young author named Jonathan (Jason Schwartzman) who leads a double life as he pretends to be a private detective. The HBO series follows the comical situations he finds himself in as an unlicensed detective. Slate plays Stella, Jonathan’s partner, who becomes a reoccurring character throughout the series, bringing a comedic flair that only she can bring.
Giftedis a film that follows Frank (Chris Evans) and his niece, Mary (McKenna Grace), as they navigate the world of gifted learning when it’s discovered that Mary has the potential to advance in her courses. Slate plays Mary’s teacher who realizes her potential, and it’s a unique role for her in a film that we would not usually associate as a typical choice for the actress. Overall,Giftedis a sensitive look into the different realities of parenthood.
6Big Mouth
Big Mouthis one of the many animated series that Slate has lent her voice to. Slate voiced the role of Missy in the first three seasons, however, as outlined byDeadline, a decision was made to recast the part with a Black actress (Ayo Edebiri) in the role. The series has been a huge success and Missy is a very lovable character.
Zootopiawas released in 2016 and portrays a world of anthropomorphic animals who are living and working together. The animals are often separated by predators and prey, and the two groups rarely mix. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, and she discovers how difficult this job will be for her. She forms an unlikely bond when she works with a fox (Jason Bateman) as they take on a case together. Slate voices the assistant mayor, Dawn Bellwether, and it’s another success for her in the world of animation.
Related:These Are the Best Jason Bateman Movies, Ranked
4Bob’s Burgers
Bob’s Burgershas been running since 2011 and has created a strong and devoted fan group. The series follows the Belcher family in their lives at the restaurant where they all work, as well as during their daily lives, which always prove to be interesting. Slate voices Tina’s classmate, Tammy, who has a strange relationship where she regularly belittles Tina, however, the pair remain friends. Tammy is a hilarious character, and Slate brings her to life perfectly.
3Adventure Time
Adventure Timeis an animated series that follows the characters Finn and Jake, depicting their lives in a post-apocalyptic world, where they go on various adventures and meet a vast number of different characters. Slate voices the Huntress Wizard in several episodes, and the series has been hugely popular among audiences, developing a strong and dedicated following.
2Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Marcel the Shell with Shoes Onis a 2022 mockumentary film that was written by Slate, and features her as the titular character. The film tells the story of Marcel, a shell who lives alone with his grandmother after a tragedy wiped out their community of shells. It is clever and quirky, and totally unique in the world of mockumentary films.
1Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreationran from 2009 to 2015 and features the office of an Indiana town’s public officials as they pursue different projects to attempt to make their town a better place. Slate joined the series as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein’s twin, Mona-Lisa, who was equally quirky and irritating to the other characters as her sister when she joined. She was a welcome addition to the cast and is a strong part of what made the series so great.
