Fortune Feimster stands out as a beloved figure in comedy, blending sharp wit with heartfelt storytelling that resonates with audiences everywhere. Known for her confessional style that tackles love, identity, and everyday mishaps, this North Carolina native has carved a niche as a stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer. From her breakout on NBC’s Last Comic Standing to starring in hit Netflix specials like Sweet & Salty and Crushing It, Feimster’s journey reflects resilience and authenticity, especially as an openly gay woman from the South.
Her work extends beyond laughs, influencing LGBTQ+ representation in media while earning nominations for Critics’ Choice Awards. With roles in major films like Zootopia 2 and series such as FUBAR alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Feimster continues to thrive in Hollywood. As of 2026, her estimated net worth sits at around $2 million, built through diverse income streams in entertainment.
What makes Feimster particularly notable is her ability to bridge divides, using humor to foster connection in a polarized world. Whether sharing tales of her Southern upbringing or navigating modern relationships, she proves that comedy can be both hilarious and healing.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Emily Fortune Feimster |
| Nickname / Stage Name | Fortune Feimster |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1980 |
| Age | 45 |
| Birthplace | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, writer, actress, producer, podcaster |
| Education | Peace College (majored in communications, graduated summa cum laude) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5’8″ (1.73 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
| Marital Status | Separated |
| Spouse / Partner | Jacquelyn Smith (m. 2020; sep. 2025) |
| Children | None |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, and Belmont, North Carolina |
| Active Years | 2002-present |
| Current Status | Active |
| Net Worth (Year) | $2 million (2026) |
| Primary Income Sources | Stand-up comedy, acting, writing, Netflix specials, podcasts |
| Major Awards / Achievements | Critics Choice Award nominations for Sweet & Salty (2020) and Good Fortune (2022); semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing (2010); voice role in blockbuster Zootopia 2 (2025) |
| Social Media Presence: | |
| Instagram Followers | 1 million |
| Twitter / X Followers | 200,000 (approx.) |
| TikTok Followers | 500,000 (approx.) |
| YouTube Subscribers | Not publicly disclosed |
| Facebook Followers | 940,000 |
Early Life & Background
Growing up in Belmont, North Carolina, as the youngest of three siblings with brothers Price and Jay, Fortune Feimster experienced a quintessential Southern childhood. Born Emily Fortune Feimster, she drew her stage name from her maternal great-grandmother’s maiden name, adding a personal touch to her persona. Her parents, Mike and Ginger Feimster, provided a supportive foundation in a conservative environment where she attended Belmont Central Elementary, Belmont Junior High, and South Point High School, graduating in 1998.
A self-proclaimed tomboy, Feimster excelled in sports like basketball, softball, and tennis during her school years. She pursued higher education at Peace College in Raleigh, a then women-only institution, on an academic scholarship. Majoring in communications, she served as student body president, played soccer and tennis, and graduated summa cum laude in 2002. Actress Emily Procter, the commencement speaker, became an early connection that later influenced Feimster’s move to Los Angeles.
These formative years shaped her comedic voice, blending Southern charm with relatable tales of self-discovery. Early inspirations included classic SNL stars like Dana Carvey and David Spade, fueling her passion for humor as a way to connect and cope.
Career Beginnings
Feimster’s entry into entertainment was unconventional. After a year teaching English in Spain and backpacking Europe, she relocated to Los Angeles in 2003 to serve as Emily Procter’s personal assistant while pursuing comedy. For seven years, she honed her skills as an entertainment journalist for the Los Angeles Daily News, gaining insider knowledge of Hollywood.
In 2005, she joined The Groundlings Theatre for improv and sketch comedy classes, eventually earning a spot in their prestigious Sunday Company. This training ground, known for launching SNL talents, helped her develop a confessional style. Her big break came in 2010 as a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where she debuted her authentic, gay-inclusive material despite initial hesitations.
From there, she landed writing and performing gigs on E!’s Chelsea Lately (2011-2014), appearing in 158 episodes as a round table co-host. This exposure opened doors to guest spots on shows like 2 Broke Girls and Workaholics, marking her transition from journalism to full-time comedy.
Rise to Fame
Feimster’s ascent accelerated with her role as Colette Kimball-Kinney on Hulu’s The Mindy Project (2015-2017), a fan-favorite that showcased her comedic timing. She followed with recurring parts on Life in Pieces, The L Word: Generation Q, and Champions, solidifying her TV presence.
Her stand-up specials propelled her to stardom: Netflix’s Sweet & Salty (2020) earned a Critics Choice nomination, followed by Good Fortune (2022) and Crushing It (2024). These specials, blending stories of her Southern roots, coming out, and relationships, have been praised for their inclusivity and humor.
In film, she delivered memorable performances in Office Christmas Party (2016), Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021), and Family Switch (2023). Voice work in hits like Soul (2020) and Zootopia 2 (2025) expanded her reach, with the latter becoming a critical and commercial success. Currently, she stars as Roo in Netflix’s FUBAR (2023-2025) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and co-hosts podcasts like Handsome with Tig Notaro and Mae Martin, plus Sincerely Fortune.
Feimster’s influence extends to writing, with pilots sold to ABC and features acquired by Amblin, where she’s attached to star. Her Live Laugh Love Tour continues to sell out, proving her enduring appeal.
Net Worth Breakdown
As of 2026, Fortune Feimster’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, a figure consistent across sources like Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth stems from multifaceted earnings: stand-up tours and Netflix specials form the core, with specials like Crushing It generating substantial revenue through production and streaming deals.
Acting gigs in TV (FUBAR, Kenan) and films (Zootopia 2) contribute significantly, alongside voice roles in animations. Podcasting, including Handsome and Sincerely Fortune on Sirius XM’s Netflix is a Joke channel, adds a steady income. Writing credits, such as pilots for ABC and features for Amblin, bolster her finances.
Notable assets include homes in Los Angeles and Belmont, North Carolina. While not extravagant, her net worth reflects smart career moves rather than high-profile investments. Compared to peers like Tig Notaro, Feimster’s figure aligns with mid-tier comedians who prioritize authenticity over blockbuster deals.
Personal Life
Feimster came out as lesbian at 25 in 2005, a pivotal moment she humorously recounts in her specials, crediting a Lifetime movie for her realization. She met kindergarten teacher Jacquelyn “Jax” Smith at a 2015 Chicago Pride event, sparking a long-distance romance that led to Smith’s move to California.
Engaged in 2018 during a Big Sur trip, they married in October 2020 in a small Malibu ceremony amid the pandemic, motivated partly by fears over marriage equality after Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death. Their pomeranian, Biggie, served as ring bearer. Smith transitioned to supporting Feimster’s career, executive producing specials like Sweet & Salty.
In June 2025, after 10 years together and nearly five years married, they announced their separation and divorce, citing family health issues. Feimster remains private about her lifestyle, focusing on family ties and her Southern roots, often visiting North Carolina.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy
Beyond comedy, Feimster has ventured into production, executive producing her Netflix specials and co-creating pilots like Family Fortune for ABC. Amblin acquired her scripts Bad Cop, Bad Cop, and Field Trip, where she stars, showcasing her writing prowess.
Philanthropically, she’s active in causes close to home. In 2025, she appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy! to raise $30,000 for MANNA FoodBank’s hurricane recovery in Western North Carolina. She also donated tickets and meet-and-greets to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, inspired by family experiences with the disease. Feimster supports LGBTQ+ initiatives, using her platform to promote visibility and acceptance.
Social Media Influence
Feimster leverages social media to connect authentically, sharing tour updates, personal anecdotes, and viral clips from her specials. On Instagram (@fortunefeimster), with 1 million followers, she posts relatable content like pet videos and behind-the-scenes glimpses, fostering engagement.
Her X (formerly Twitter) account, with around 200,000 followers, amplifies her humor and commentary. TikTok, boasting about 500,000 followers, features short stand-up bits that go viral, drawing younger audiences. Facebook, with 940,000 followers, hosts longer updates and fan interactions.
Notable moments include her 2025 divorce announcement, handled with grace, and promotional reels for FUBAR. These platforms extend her influence, turning followers into tour attendees and amplifying her message of inclusivity.
Interesting Facts
- Feimster’s stage name “Fortune” honors her maternal great-grandmother’s maiden name, a nod to her family heritage.
- She was presented at the Gastonia Debutante Ball in 1998, a traditional Southern rite she now jokes about in her routines.
- Before comedy, she backpacked in Europe and taught English in Spain, experiences that broadened her worldview.
- Feimster auditioned for SNL twice, narrowly missing out, but credits The Groundlings for honing her skills.
- Her coming-out story involves a Lifetime movie, a tale she shares hilariously to normalize LGBTQ+ journeys.
- She’s a dog mom to Biggie, who often steals the show in her social media and in her specials.
- Feimster played multiple sports in high school, including tennis, which she still enjoys recreationally.
Challenges / Controversies
Feimster’s career has been largely controversy-free, focusing on positive, inclusive humor. She navigates online trolls with wit, as seen in her 2022 response to hate comments, finding hope in supportive fans. Her 2025 divorce drew media attention, but she handled it neutrally, requesting privacy without fueling speculation.
In a polarized climate, she addresses political divides in her comedy, performing in red states to promote understanding. While some critics question her material’s depth, Feimster emphasizes authenticity over provocation, avoiding major scandals.
Legacy & Influence
Fortune Feimster’s legacy lies in her role as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in comedy, especially from a Southern perspective. By sharing stories of her late coming-out and relationships, she provides representation for those in conservative areas, helping parents understand queer kids and fostering empathy across divides.
Her influence extends to aspiring comedians, proving improv and authenticity can lead to success. Specials like Crushing It and roles in diverse projects inspire inclusivity in media. As a podcaster and writer, she shapes narratives that unite through laughter, leaving a mark as a relatable voice in an evolving industry.
Conclusion
Fortune Feimster’s career embodies good fortune earned through talent and tenacity, from Southern roots to Netflix stardom. With a $2 million net worth and strong social media presence, she continues to entertain while championing connection and representation. As she tours and takes on new projects, Feimster reminds us that humor can bridge gaps, making her an enduring force in comedy.
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