Honestly, if you look at the career of Ellie Kemper, it’s basically a masterclass in how to weaponize perkiness. We’ve all seen the "sunny-but-clueless" archetype a million times, but Kemper does something different. She doesn’t just play happy; she plays a brand of optimism that feels slightly dangerous, like a pressurized steam valve about to pop.
You probably first met her when she stepped into the massive, Pam-sized shoes of the Dunder Mifflin reception desk. Most actors would have crumbled under the pressure of replacing a fan favorite, but Kemper's Erin Hannon was so weird—and so genuinely kind—that she carved out her own space. Since then, her filmography has expanded into everything from R-rated comedies to Netflix survivalist sitcoms.
The Office and the Invention of Erin Hannon
It’s easy to forget that Ellie Kemper movies and tv shows really took off because of a four-episode guest stint that spiraled into a series-long residency. Erin Hannon wasn’t supposed to be a main character. Originally, the writers wanted her to be a sarcastic "straight man" type.
Can you imagine? A sarcastic Erin?
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Thankfully, the producers realized that Kemper’s natural energy was way more interesting if they leaned into her "exaggerated self." She became the daughter Michael Scott never had and the weirdly intense girlfriend Andy Bernard didn’t know how to handle. Whether she was boiling Gatorade like tea or getting way too excited about a disposable camera, she brought a necessary softness to a show that was becoming increasingly cynical in its later seasons.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Beyond the Bubblegum
When Tina Fey and Robert Carlock moved to Netflix to create Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, they essentially built a show around Kemper's specific "unbreakable" vibe. This is where the depth comes in. People often dismiss this show as just "a girl in bright clothes in New York," but it’s actually a pretty dark exploration of trauma.
Kimmy was a kidnapping victim. She spent 15 years in a doomsday cult.
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Kemper manages to play the recovery from that horror with a smile that feels earned, not faked. It’s a performance that earned her two Emmy nominations, and for good reason. She manages to balance the "fish out of water" comedy (like her obsession with light-up sneakers) with the sudden, sharp flashes of PTSD that remind you why she’s so resilient in the first place.
The Supporting Roles: Bridesmaids to 21 Jump Street
While she’s a powerhouse on the small screen, her film career is built on being the ultimate ensemble player.
- Bridesmaids (2011): She played Becca, the "innocent" newlywed who ends up vomiting in a sink. It’s a classic Kemper role—starting at a 10 in terms of politeness and ending in total chaos.
- 21 Jump Street (2012): As Ms. Griggs, the high school teacher with an inappropriate crush on Channing Tatum’s character, she stole every scene she was in.
- Happiness for Beginners (2023): This was a bit of a pivot. It’s a Netflix rom-com where she plays a divorcee on a wilderness survival course. It’s quieter, more grounded, and shows she can do more than just high-energy sketch comedy.
The Voice Acting Era
If you have kids—or just a penchant for animated animals—you've heard her voice everywhere. She has this specific vocal quality that sounds like a hug, which makes her perfect for animation.
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She voiced Katie in The Secret Life of Pets (and its sequel), Phyllis in The Lego Batman Movie, and even Smurf Blossom in Smurfs: The Lost Village. It’s a smart move. Voice work allows her to keep that "Ellie Kemper energy" alive without having to be on a set 14 hours a day, which is probably great considering she’s also a mom and a writer (check out her book My Squirrel Days if you want to see her actual personality, which is just as funny as her characters).
What’s the Current Status?
As of 2026, Kemper has moved into a more "hosting" phase of her career while still picking up selective acting roles. She took over hosting duties for The Great American Baking Show, which is basically the perfect marriage of person and concept. Who else would you want judging a lemon tart than the personification of a lemon tart?
There are also persistent rumors about The Office reboots or "spiritual sequels." While nothing is set in stone, Kemper has always been vocal about her love for the Dunder Mifflin crew. If a revival ever actually happens, Erin Hannon is the character most likely to have a totally bizarre, yet successful, life update.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Ellie Kemper movies and tv shows, don't just stick to the hits.
- Watch the "Dryer" Video: Before she was famous, she did a sketch for The Onion and some early viral videos on CollegeHumor. They show her improv roots and are much edgier than her Office persona.
- Read "My Squirrel Days": It’s a collection of essays. It explains her upbringing in St. Louis and her time at Princeton, providing context for why she plays "privileged-but-sweet" so well.
- Binge "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend": This interactive special is the best way to see the full range of the Kimmy character, plus you get to make the choices.
Kemper’s career proves that you don't have to be "edgy" or "dark" to be a top-tier comedian. Sometimes, being the brightest person in the room is the most radical choice you can make.