Alison Brie has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses, captivating audiences with her performances in hit shows like Mad Men, Community, and GLOW. From her early days as a theater student to becoming a Golden Globe-nominated actress, writer, and producer, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

In this comprehensive biography, we’ll explore everything about Alison Brie—from her childhood and education to her breakthrough roles, personal life with husband Dave Franco, and her impressive net worth in 2025.

Quick Facts About Alison Brie

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Alison Brie Schermerhorn
Date of Birth	December 29, 1982
Age	42 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California, USA
Height	5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
Weight	117 lbs (53 kg)
Eye Color	Blue
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Mixed (Scottish, English, Dutch, Jewish)
Profession	Actress, Writer, Producer, Voice Artist
Education	BFA in Theater from CalArts (2005)
Spouse	Dave Franco (married 2017)
Children	None
Net Worth	$14 million (2025 estimate)
Famous For	Mad Men, Community, GLOW, BoJack Horseman

Who Is Alison Brie?

Alison Brie is an American actress, writer, and producer best known for her standout roles in hit series like Community and GLOW. Born on December 29, 1982, she built her career with a mix of sharp comedic timing, emotional depth, and versatile performances. Whether on TV or the big screen, Alison continues to shine as one of Hollywood’s most talented and charismatic stars.

Early Life and Family Background

Alison Brie Schermerhorn was born on December 29, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, right in the heart of the entertainment capital. Growing up in Pasadena and later South Pasadena, she was surrounded by the creative energy of Hollywood from an early age.

Family Heritage

Alison comes from a diverse cultural background that has shaped her worldview. Her father, Charles Terry Schermerhorn, is a musician and freelance entertainment reporter of Scottish, English, and Dutch descent. Her mother, Joanne Brenner, worked at a non-profit childcare agency and is of Jewish heritage (Ashkenazi Jewish roots).

This mixed heritage gave Alison a unique perspective on life. While her mother is Jewish, Alison has mentioned in interviews that she was raised in a secular household, celebrating both Jewish and Christian holidays growing up.

Siblings and Childhood

Alison has one younger sister, Lauren Schermerhorn. The two sisters grew up in a creative, supportive environment where artistic expression was encouraged. Her parents’ work in entertainment and nonprofit sectors exposed her to both the glamorous and meaningful sides of life.

Despite growing up near Hollywood, Alison has described her childhood as relatively normal. She attended local schools and developed an early interest in performing arts, participating in school plays and community theater productions.

Parents’ Divorce and Its Impact

When Alison was young, her parents divorced, which she’s mentioned had a significant impact on her. However, both parents remained actively involved in her life and continued to support her artistic ambitions. This experience later informed some of her acting choices, particularly in roles that dealt with complex family dynamics.

Education: From High School to Drama School

Alison’s educational journey reflects her serious commitment to mastering her craft. Unlike many actors who stumble into the profession, she methodically prepared herself for a career in performing arts.

South Pasadena High School (1997-2001)

Alison attended South Pasadena High School, where she was an active member of the drama department. She participated in numerous school productions, honing her skills on stage. Her teachers recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue acting professionally.

During high school, she also performed as a clown at birthday parties and community events—an experience that taught her physical comedy and improvisation skills that would later serve her well in roles like Annie Edison in Community.

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

After graduating high school in 2001, Alison enrolled at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), one of the top performing arts schools in the United States. She pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater, graduating in 2005.

At CalArts, Alison received rigorous training in:

• Classical and contemporary acting techniques
• Voice and movement
• Stage combat and physical theater
• Script analysis
• Improvisation and comedy

The intensive program at CalArts transformed her from a talented amateur into a disciplined professional actress. She’s credited her time there as foundational to her success.

Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

Not satisfied with just one prestigious institution, Alison also studied abroad at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in Glasgow. This experience exposed her to different acting traditions and broadened her artistic perspective.

The international training gave her versatility that would later allow her to seamlessly transition between comedy, drama, and voice acting.

Physical Appearance and Personal Style

Alison Brie stands at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall and maintains a fit physique weighing approximately 117 pounds (53 kg). Her body measurements are reported as 35-24-36 inches.

Distinctive Features

She’s known for her striking blue eyes and dark brown hair, which she’s styled in various ways throughout her career. Her petite frame and expressive face make her perfect for both comedic and dramatic roles.

Fitness and Wellness Routine

For her physically demanding role as Ruth Wilder in GLOW, Alison underwent intensive wrestling training. She’s spoken openly about the challenges of learning professional wrestling moves and building the strength required for the role.

Her fitness routine typically includes:

• Strength training and weight lifting
• Yoga and Pilates for flexibility
• Cardio exercises
• Healthy, balanced nutrition

Unlike many Hollywood actresses, Alison has been refreshingly candid about body image, advocating for realistic health standards rather than extreme dieting.

Career Journey: From Stage to Stardom

Alison Brie’s career trajectory showcases remarkable versatility and determination. She’s successfully navigated theater, television, film, and voice acting—a rare achievement in today’s specialized entertainment industry.

Early Career and First Breaks (2004-2006)

After graduating from CalArts in 2005, Alison began auditioning for television roles. Her first on-screen appearance came in 2006 on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, where she played a small role as Nina.

This was followed by guest appearances on shows like:

• Desperate Housewives
• The King of Queens
• My Name Is Earl
• Entourage

These early roles helped her gain experience in front of the camera and make industry connections that would prove invaluable.

Breakthrough: Mad Men (2007-2015)

Alison’s big break came in 2007 when she was cast as Trudy Campbell in the critically acclaimed AMC series Mad Men. Though initially a recurring character, Trudy became a fan favorite, and Alison was promoted to a main cast member.

Why Trudy Campbell Mattered:

Playing the ambitious, eventually disillusioned wife of Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) showed Alison’s dramatic range. Trudy evolved from a peppy, optimistic newlywed to a woman grappling with infidelity, infertility, and the limitations placed on women in the 1960s.

Her performance earned her:

• A Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series (2008)
• Critical acclaim from major publications
• Recognition as a serious dramatic actress

The role opened doors for bigger opportunities and established her as more than just a comedic actress.

Comedy Stardom: Community (2009-2015)

While still appearing on Mad Men, Alison landed another career-defining role as Annie Edison on NBC’s cult comedy Community. This dual role showcased her incredible range—playing the sophisticated Trudy by day and the neurotic, overachieving Annie by night.

The Annie Edison Phenomenon:

Annie was a Type-A perfectionist community college student with a troubled past (she was addicted to Adderall in high school). The character allowed Alison to display:

• Impeccable comedic timing
• Physical comedy skills
• Musical talent (she sang in multiple episodes)
• Romantic chemistry with co-stars

Community became a cult phenomenon with a devoted fanbase. Alison’s performance earned her nominations for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Voice Acting: BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

In 2014, Alison took on one of her most critically lauded roles as the voice of Diane Nguyen in Netflix’s animated series BoJack Horseman. Diane, a Vietnamese-American writer struggling with depression and purpose, resonated deeply with audiences.

Why Diane Nguyen Was Different:

This wasn’t typical voice acting work. Diane dealt with heavy themes:

• Mental health and depression
• Cultural identity
• Toxic relationships
• Finding meaning in life

Alison brought incredible depth to the character, making Diane feel authentic and relatable. The show ran for six seasons and is now considered one of the greatest animated series ever made.

She also voiced Vincent Adultman, the hilarious “three kids in a trench coat” character, showcasing her versatility even within the same show.

Physical Transformation: GLOW (2017-2019)

Perhaps Alison’s most challenging role came as Ruth Wilder in Netflix’s GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). The series chronicled the real-life 1980s women’s wrestling show.

The GLOW Challenge:

To prepare for the role, Alison underwent:

• Four months of professional wrestling training
• Intense physical conditioning
• Learning choreographed fight sequences
• Building muscle and stamina

She’s said in interviews that the training was grueling but rewarding. The role earned her:

• Two Golden Globe nominations (2018, 2019)
• Two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations (2017, 2018)
• Universal critical acclaim

Unfortunately, GLOW was canceled after three seasons due to COVID-19 complications, denying fans the planned fourth and final season.

Film Career Highlights

While primarily known for television, Alison has built an impressive film resume:

Horror and Thriller:

• Scream 4 (2011) – Rebecca Walters
• The Rental (2020) – Michelle, directed by husband Dave Franco

Comedy:

• The Five-Year Engagement (2012) – Suzie Barnes
• Sleeping with Other People (2015) – Lainey
• How to Be Single (2016) – Lucy
• The Disaster Artist (2017) – Juliette Danielle

Animation:

• The Lego Movie (2014) – Princess Unikitty (voice)
• The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) – Princess Unikitty (voice)

Drama:

• The Post (2017) – Lally Weymouth
• Promising Young Woman (2020) – Madison

Writing and Producing Career

In recent years, Alison has expanded into writing and producing, giving her more creative control over her projects.

Horse Girl (2020): Alison co-wrote and produced this Netflix psychological thriller, also starring in the lead role as Sarah. The film explored mental illness and reality-questioning themes, receiving praise for its ambitious storytelling.

Somebody I Used to Know (2023): She wrote, produced, and starred in this romantic comedy for Amazon Prime Video. The film explored second chances at love and life regrets.

Spin Me Round (2022): Alison co-wrote, produced, and starred alongside Aubrey Plaza in this dark comedy about an Italian restaurant franchise’s corporate retreat.

These projects demonstrate her desire to tell more complex, female-driven stories and have creative agency in Hollywood.

Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Choices

Romance with Dave Franco

Alison began dating actor Dave Franco (brother of James Franco) in 2012 after meeting at a Mardi Gras party in New Orleans. Their relationship was notably private, with both keeping details out of the tabloids.

The couple got engaged in August 2015, and they married in a private ceremony in March 2017. Unlike many celebrity weddings, theirs was an intimate affair with close family and friends.

The Decision Not to Have Children

In a candid 2017 interview with Larry King Now, Alison and Dave revealed they don’t plan to have children—a choice that sparked conversation about women’s autonomy over reproductive decisions.

Alison explained that both she and Dave are focused on their careers and don’t feel the desire for parenthood. She’s been praised for speaking honestly about this choice, helping normalize the decision to be child-free.

Instead of children, the couple has two beloved cats: Harry and Arturo, who frequently appear on Alison’s social media.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of acting, Alison enjoys:

• Writing: She’s an avid journaler and creative writer
• Cooking: She and Dave love experimenting with recipes at home
• Travel: The couple enjoys exploring new destinations together
• Reading: Alison is a voracious reader, particularly of literary fiction
• Advocacy: She’s passionate about women’s rights and mental health awareness

Living Situation

Alison and Dave reside in Los Angeles, maintaining a relatively low-key lifestyle despite their Hollywood careers. They’re known for preferring quiet nights at home over the party circuit.

Awards, Nominations, and Recognition

Throughout her career, Alison has received significant recognition for her work:

Major Awards:

• Screen Actors Guild Award – Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Drama Series (Mad Men, 2008) – WON

Notable Nominations:

• Golden Globe – Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy (GLOW, 2018, 2019)
• Screen Actors Guild Award – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (GLOW, 2017, 2018)
• Screen Actors Guild Award – Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series (GLOW, 2017)
• Critics’ Choice Television Award – Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Community, 2012)

Critical Acclaim:

Beyond awards, Alison has received consistent praise from critics for:

• Her versatility across genres
• Commitment to physically demanding roles
• Authentic emotional performances
• Strong comedic timing
• Willingness to take creative risks

Alison Brie Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Alison Brie’s net worth is estimated at approximately $14 million, making her one of the more financially successful actresses of her generation.

Income Sources:

Television Salaries:

• Her long runs on Mad Men, Community, GLOW, and BoJack Horseman provided consistent, substantial income
• Netflix reportedly paid cast members of GLOW between $200,000-$350,000 per episode in later seasons

Film Earnings:

• While not commanding blockbuster salaries, her consistent film work contributes significantly
• Voice acting for The Lego Movie franchise provided substantial paychecks

Writing and Producing:

• Backend deals on projects she writes and produces (Horse Girl, Somebody I Used to Know)
• Increased earning potential through ownership stakes

Endorsements and Sponsorships:

• Limited but selective brand partnerships
• Social media influence (over 1.5 million Instagram followers)

Residuals:

• Ongoing payments from syndication and streaming of her shows
• Particularly lucrative from Community and Mad Men

Net Worth Growth Over Time:

• 2010: ~$2 million
• 2015: ~$6 million
• 2020: ~$10 million
• 2025: ~$14 million

Her net worth has grown steadily as she’s taken on more lucrative roles and expanded into writing and producing, where profit margins are higher.

Comparison to Similar Actresses:

Alison’s net worth is comparable to other television actresses of her generation:

• Aubrey Plaza: ~$8 million
• Gillian Jacobs: ~$5 million
• Mae Whitman: ~$1 million
• Brie Larson: ~$25 million (boosted by Marvel films)

Social Media Presence and Public Image

Alison maintains an active but curated social media presence:

• Instagram: @alisonbrie (~1.5 million followers)
• Twitter: @alisonbrie (~450k followers)

She uses her platforms to:

• Promote her projects
• Share behind-the-scenes content
• Advocate for causes she believes in
• Post occasional personal photos (though she keeps most of her private life private)

Public Perception:

Alison is widely regarded as:

• Talented and versatile
• Down-to-earth and relatable
• Intelligent and articulate in interviews
• A strong advocate for women in entertainment
• Refreshingly honest about Hollywood realities

She’s avoided major controversies and maintains a positive reputation in the industry.

What’s Next for Alison Brie?

As of 2025, Alison continues to balance acting with writing and producing. She’s expressed interest in:

• Directing her first feature film
• Developing more original content for streaming platforms
• Taking on more complex dramatic roles
• Continuing voice acting work

Recent and upcoming projects include various film and television opportunities that showcase her range as a performer and creator.

Lessons from Alison Brie’s Career

Alison’s journey offers several valuable insights:

1. Education Matters: Her formal training gave her skills that set her apart
2. Versatility Pays: Being able to do comedy, drama, and voice acting opened more doors
3. Take Risks: Roles like Ruth Wilder required physical transformation but elevated her career
4. Control Your Narrative: Writing and producing gives creative freedom
5. Private Life Boundaries: Keeping personal life private helps maintain longevity
6. Be Authentic: Her honesty about choices (like not having children) resonates with fans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How old is Alison Brie?

Alison Brie was born on December 29, 1982, making her 42 years old as of 2025.

Is Alison Brie married?

Yes, Alison Brie is married to actor Dave Franco. They tied the knot in March 2017 after dating since 2012 and getting engaged in 2015.

Does Alison Brie have children?

No, Alison Brie and Dave Franco have chosen not to have children. They’ve been open about this decision and instead have two cats named Harry and Arturo.

What is Alison Brie’s real name?

Her full legal name is Alison Brie Schermerhorn. “Brie” is her middle name, which she uses professionally.

How tall is Alison Brie?

Alison Brie stands 5 feet 3 inches tall (160 cm).

What is Alison Brie’s net worth?

As of 2025, Alison Brie’s estimated net worth is approximately $14 million, earned through her work in television, film, voice acting, writing, and producing.

What shows made Alison Brie famous?

Alison Brie is best known for her roles in Mad Men (as Trudy Campbell), Community (as Annie Edison), GLOW (as Ruth Wilder), and BoJack Horseman (voice of Diane Nguyen).

Did Alison Brie do her own wrestling in GLOW?

Yes! Alison underwent four months of professional wrestling training to prepare for her role in GLOW and performed many of her own wrestling moves in the show.

Conclusion

Alison Brie’s journey from a theater student at CalArts to a Golden Globe-nominated actress, writer, and producer is a testament to talent, hard work, and smart career choices. She’s successfully navigated the challenging entertainment industry while maintaining her integrity and authentic voice.

From her breakout role as Trudy Campbell in Mad Men to her physically demanding performance in GLOW, Alison has consistently proven her versatility and commitment to her craft. Her expansion into writing and producing shows she’s not content to simply act—she wants to shape the stories being told.