Lennon Parham

Although she was born in Georgia, no one would have accused Lennon Parham of being a sweet southern belle. The comedian was adept at theatrics from a young age, and was a hit in her high school drama department by the 1990s.

Bit by the comedy bug, she headed north and quickly made her mark with Second City's New York troupe when she appeared in she show "We Built this City on Rent Control," moving on from there to join the improv powerhouse Upright Citizens Brigade.

By 2006 she was appearing in the occasional made-for-TV movie until her first role in a true blockbuster comedy film, "Confessions of a Shopaholic" (2009). After a handful of single appearances on various sitcoms, she landed a role opposite Jenna Elfman in the sitcom "Accidentally on Purpose" (CBS 2009-10).

Her next big break came when she was offered the opportunity to co-create, produce and star in "Best Friends Forever" (NBC 2012) with her long time best friend Jessica St. Clair. The two actresses had honed their improvisational skills while both were in New York's Upright Citizens Brigade and had remained close ever since.

Although the show only lasted one season, it gave Lennon a chance to learn on the job and she took it seriously. When USA Network decided to try adding a few comedy shows to their lineup, they invited Lennon and Jessica another chance to work together. Although the resulting "Playing House" (2014- ) had the same two stars and a similar basic concept (two best friends move in together amidst emotional turmoil in one of their lives), the result was both zanier and more polished, showcasing the duo's improvisational abilities.