Born in New York City and raised in Washington, D.C., Julia Louis-Dreyfus became interested in acting at a young age. She studied theater at Northwestern University and, while there, worked extensively as a member of The Practical Theater Company, an improvisational group with a large following in the Chicago area. Her talent and improv skills eventually also brought her to the attention of the world-renowned Second City troupe, which she also joined. During a performance of The Practical Theater's "Golden 50th Anniversary Jubilee," she garnered attention and was asked to join the ensemble cast of "Saturday Night Live." She remained with the late-night comedy series for three years.

Adept at both comedy and drama, her film credits include Woody Allen's "Deconstructing Harry" and "Hannah and Her Sisters," Ivan Reitman's "Fathers' Day," with Robin Williams and Billy Crystal; and "Queen of the Whole Wide World." Louis-Dreyfus also starred in the television adaptation of the Neil Simon comedy "London Suite."

She has also been seen frequently on television as a commercial spokesperson for such companies and products as AT&T and Clairol "Nice and Easy."

Louis-Dreyfus is married to writer/producer Brad Hall; the pair have known each other since their college days at Northwestern and were co-stars on "Saturday Night Live."