Why Annie Mumolo Should Be On Your Radar

When most people look back on Bridesmaids, two individuals tend to stand out in their minds: Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy. The reasons why, of course, are understandable: Wiig co-wrote and starred in the hit movie, and McCarthy was its breakout performer, the actress who shot to superstardom and got nominated for an Oscar for the role. Yet no one seems to remember that there was another woman also responsible for the movie's massive success: Annie Mumolo, a writer, actress, and star of McCarthy's upcoming comedy, Michelle Darnell.

Although not as big a name as her Bridesmaids co-stars, Mumolo has been a huge force in comedy over the last few years. Not only did she both co-write and appear in Bridesmaids (she played the anxious seatmate of Annie's on the plane), but she's had a remarkable career writing and acting in other movies and TV shows. And now, with Michelle Darnell , a 2016 comedy, she's taking on one of her highest profile roles yet. It's about time; Mumolo's career proves that she deserves to be just as big a star as Wiig, McCarthy, and the rest of the Bridesmaids crew.

Here's why you should remember her name:

She's An Oscar-Nominated Writer

Along with Wiig, Mumolo was nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 2011 for Bridesmaids. Although the film lost to Midnight in Paris, its inclusion in the race was a win in of itself, both for the fact that it was a comedy (the Oscars hate comedy) and that its writers were two women, the only female nominees in that year's category.

And She Might Get Another Nod This Year

Mumolo's latest writing project is Joy , David O. Russell's newest drama. Considering the director's history (American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter...), there's a high chance that the movie will be up for awards later this year, and that its crew, including its screenwriter, will get recognition for their work.

She Acts in Great Movies

She hasn't starred in anything, but Momolo has had memorable supporting turns in films like Bridesmaids and This is 40. Her role in Michelle Darnell opposite Melissa McCarthy and Peter Dinklage should be another great addition to the list.

And She's Killing It On TV

Currently, Mumolo stars as Laurie on About a Boy, Jason Katims' TV adaptation of the 2002 rom-com. She's also had appearances on Rake, The Goldbergs, and Modern Family, among other shows.

She Supports Other Women

With Bridesmaids, Mumolo helped usher in the era of the female comedy, and her feminist beliefs have contributed to letting female-centric stories like Joy and Michelle Darnell get heard. Thanks to Mumolo, pop culture is a better place for women.

Images: Getty Images (3); Universal; NBC