Fran Gillespie
Fran Gillespie is a talented writer and former writing supervisor for "Saturday Night Live," a role she assumed in 2017 after contributing to the iconic show from 2015 to 2021. Hailing from Chicago, Fran relocated to New York City to study English and Spanish at New York University.
Her journey in comedy began in 2004 while she was still a student at NYU when she joined the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). Over the years, she showcased her improvisational skills with several groups, including The Faculty, Only in LA, The Law Firm, Diamond Lion, and many others. Fran has also been part of UCB TourCo and has taught aspiring comedians at UCB, honing her craft and sharing her knowledge.
In a significant career milestone, she was brought onto "Saturday Night Live" during its 41st season, joining fellow UCB alumni Sudi Green and Will Stephen. Both Gillespie and Green departed from SNL in 2021, although Green made a return for the first half of Season 50 in 2024.
In addition to her writing and improv work, Fran has made guest appearances on several popular television series, including "Big Mouth," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "Love," "The Good Place," and "Comedy Bang! Bang!" She has left a mark on the comedy scene with her diverse talents and continues to be a significant figure in the industry.