Karen Kilgariff is an American writer, comedian, singer, author, actress, television producer, and podcast host. She began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1990s, establishing herself in the comedy scene during that era. Kilgariff became widely recognized for her television work, most notably as a cast member on the sketch comedy series Mr. Show. Beyond performing, she has built a substantial career as a writer for comedy television programs. She served as head writer on several major shows, including The Rosie Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Pete Holmes Show, demonstrating her expertise in comedy writing across different formats and hosts.