Mo Collins is an American actress and comedian. She is perhaps best known for being a member of the ensemble on FOX's sketch comedy series MADtv. Collins became well known for several characters during her tenure on the show. She was a cast member from the 4th season (1998) through the 9th season (2004); she only appeared in fourteen episodes during season 9 due to contractual reasons. She returned to MADtv in the 10th season for one episode, and again when she made an appearance on the 300th Episode doing her popular character Lorraine Swanson.

Childhood & Early Life

Mo Collins was born Maureen Ann Collins, on July 7, 1965, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. As an adolescent, she was an aspiring artist. She had a penchant for art, and she often created oil paintings and acrylic paintings in her free time. While she also attended drawing classes, she was mostly a self-taught artist.

She also developed a deep interest in comedy. Following her high-school graduation from ‘Robbinsdale Armstrong High School,’ she earned her bachelor’s degree from the ‘University of Florida.’

In order to train in acting and “improv” comedy, she enrolled into ‘The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre’ in Minneapolis. She also started doing theatrical plays simultaneously.

Career

Mo Collins started her acting career with theatrical plays. She also appeared in about a dozen commercials as an actor and worked on her “improv” comedy and sketch-writing skills. In 1996, she played a tiny role in the film ‘Jingle All the Way.’ She moved to Los Angeles in 1997.

By then, she was heavily experienced in sketch writing. Soon, she bagged an audition for ‘Mad TV,’ which had begun to be aired by ‘Fox’ in 1995. The audition was successful, and she was given a regular spot on the sketch-comedy show. She made her debut appearance in 1998.