MAYA RUDOLPH BIRTHDAY- July 27 LOCATION OF BIRTH- Gainsville, Florida RESIDES IN- Los Angeles and New York She joins “SNL” from the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles where SNL alums Laraine Newman, Phil Hartman and Jon Lovitz as well as current “SNL” cast members Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer, Chris Kattan, Cheri Oteri and Chris Parnell also performed. Rudolph's has appeared on such television shows as “City of Angels,” “Chicago Hope” and “Fired Up.” She was also seen in the film “Duets” and in the independent feature “Chuck & Buck.” Born in Gainsville, Florida, Rudolph's family moved to Los Angeles to pursue music careers when she was one year-old. Her mother, vocalist Minnie Riperton, recorded in the 60s Rotary Connection and went on to record solo albums with Maya's father, songwriter/producer Dick Rudolph. Together Rudolph's parents penned the hit "Lovin' You" before Minnie passed away when Rudolph was age 7. Rudolph attended high school at Crossroads in Santa Monica, California. She furthered her studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in photography. While in school, she formed a nine-piece funk band, Super Sauce, and eventually joined a second group, The Rentals. With Rudolph on vocals and keyboard, The Rentals toured across the United States and Europe, opening for Alanis Morisette, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Garbage. When the band split up, Rudolph decided to pursue a career in comedy. *Biography courtesy of saturdaynightlive.com