Mindy Kaling (b. 1979) is an American writer, producer, actor, and director. Kaling grew up in an Indian immigrant family in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Kaling was a serious student who enjoyed spending time with her family and watching comedy on the weekends with her best friend Mavis. The writer cites shows like Frasier, Kids in the Hall, and Saturday Night Live for developing her interest in comedy. Kaling and Mavis rehearsed sketches they saw on television but also wrote and recorded their own.

Kaling attended Buckingham Browne & Nichols and Dartmouth College, where she graduated with a playwriting degree. While in university, the actor participated in an improvisational group called The Dog Day Players and an a cappella group. While at Dartmouth, Kaling worked as an intern on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, fulfilling a lifelong dream. After college, she moved to New York City to pursue acting and writing work. She found a job as a production assistant on the show Crossing Over with John Edwards, referred to in her memoir as Bridging the Underworld with Mac Teegarden. The show featured a psychic medium who gave readings to audience members. Kaling fielded phone calls from individuals who formerly appeared on the show and wanted to talk more about their experience.