Maya Rudolph Turns 51: Celebrate The Comic Queen’s Birthday With Photos From Her ‘SNL’ Days To Now

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July 27, 2023 10:21AM EDT

Maya Rudolph is a class act. Celebrate her 51st birthday with a look at her best photos through the years.

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Maya Rudolph: Through The Years

Maya Rudolph: Through The Years — Maya Rudolph has been making people laugh for an entire generation. Maya was born July 27, 1972 in Gainesville, Florida, the daughter of singer Minnie Riperton. She got her start on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2000, where she became beloved. After leaving ‘SNL’ in 2007, her film career soared. She appeared in ‘Grown Ups’, ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Inherent Vice’, ‘Sisters’, ‘CHiPs’, ‘Life of the Party’, and ‘Wine Country’ just to name a few. She’s one three Emmys for her TV work, including the cartoon ‘Big Mouth’ and for her cameos at Kamala Harris son ‘SNL’.

It’s wild to think how far Maya Rudolph has come since her silly start. Here, the fresh-faced comic is seen in 2002. She was already a favorite on ‘SNL’ and looked ready to take on the world.

Want to see more Maya Rudolph? Check out our gallery for her very best photos from through the years and leave us a comment with your favorite Maya moment.

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Maya Rudolph & Gwyneth Paltrow On ‘SNL’

Maya Rudolph & Gwyneth Paltrow On ‘SNL’ — Maya Rudolph made guest host Gwyneth Paltrow laugh out loud during her 2002 appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Maya was on the show from 2000 to 2007.

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Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch & Amy Poehler In 2003

Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch & Amy Poehler In 2003 — Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch and Amy Poehler attend the 2003 amfAR gala in New York. They were each dresses in elegant black looks for the event, which too place at the posh Cipriani 42nd Street on Feb. 4.

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Maya Rudolph & David Spade In 2004

Maya Rudolph & David Spade In 2004 — Maya Rudolph and David Spade attend the 7th annual Mark Twain Awards at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center on Oct. 25, 2004. She wore a faded rose dress with green cap sleeves during the celebration of America’s best comedy.

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Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph & Amy Poehler In 2005

Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph & Amy Poehler In 2005 — Funny gals! Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler pose together at the 2005 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony on Mar. 14, 2005. The ladies met on ‘SNL’ and continued to collaborate for years.

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‘Idiocracy’

‘Idiocracy’ — Dummies! Maya Rudolph and Luke Wilson appear in 2006’s ‘Idiocracy’ together. The film was about a future where people had devolved into very simple people.

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‘Shrek The Third’

‘Shrek The Third’ — Maya Rudolph poses next to her computer-animated character from 2007’s ‘Shrek The Third’. She played Rapunzel.

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Paul Thomas Anderson & Maya Rudolph In 2008

Paul Thomas Anderson & Maya Rudolph In 2008 — Paul Thomas Anderson and Maya Rudolph attend Miramax’s Post-BAFTA Party in London on Feb. 10, 2008. The acclaimed director and comic have been together since 2001, but are no legally wed.

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‘Away We Go’

‘Away We Go’ — Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski appear in 2009’s ‘Away We Go’. The film was about an expecting couple who travel around the U.S. in order to find a perfect place to start their family.

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‘Grown Ups’

‘Grown Ups’ — Maya Rudolph appears opposite Chris Rock in 2010’s ‘Grown Ups’. The movie was about five friends who reunite to celebrate their high school basketball coach after he passes away.

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Maya Rudolph In 2012

Maya Rudolph In 2012 — Maya Rudolph looks classic in black at the 17th annual Critics Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles on January 12, 2012. Her sleeveless frock had subtle ruffles on the hips.

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Maya Rudolph At The 2012 Creative Arts Emmys

Maya Rudolph At The 2012 Creative Arts Emmys — Maya Rudolph looks lovely in black lace during the 2012 Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles on September 15, 2012. She had her hair in glam waves and went with a peachy lip tint.

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Maya Rudolph In 2015

Maya Rudolph In 2015 — Maya Rudolph gets leggy in a little sparkling dress during Comedy Central’s ‘Night of Too Many Stars’ in New York on Feb. 28, 2015. Wow!

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Tina Fey, Amy Poehler & Maya Rudolph At The Premiere Of ‘Sisters’

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler & Maya Rudolph At The Premiere Of ‘Sisters’ — Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph team up for the premiere of ‘Sisters’ on Dec. 8, 2015. They were thrilled to screen the comedy, which was about a pair of grown-up sisters who decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home.

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Maya Rudolph At The 2019 Emmys

Maya Rudolph At The 2019 Emmys — Maya Rudolph is super chic in a dress by The Vampire’s Wife during the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sep. 22, 2019. The dark floral dress had a long skirt and lace details on the sleeves.

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Maya Rudolph At The 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Maya Rudolph At The 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party — Maya Rudolph was cute in crimson while attending the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Feb. 9, 2020. Her red mini dress had a bow and long bishop sleeves.

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Maya Rudolph At The 2022 Academy Awards

Maya Rudolph At The 2022 Academy Awards — Maya Rudolph glows in orange Valentino during the 94th Annual Academy Awards on Mar. 27, 2022. The long caftan was trimmed with bright ostrich feathers.

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Maya Rudolph At The Premiere Of ‘Loot’

Maya Rudolph At The Premiere Of ‘Loot’ — Maya Rudolph looks thrilled during the red carpet premiere of ‘Loot’ in LA on Jun. 15, 2022. The show is about a millionaire divorcee as she embarks on life as a single woman.

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