Mindy Kaling, born Vera Mindy Chokalingam on June 24, 1979, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a celebrated American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. As of 2025, she is 45 years old. Known for her sharp wit and relatable humor, Kaling has become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. She gained fame for her role as Kelly Kapoor on the iconic TV series “The Office” (2005–2013), where she also served as a writer. She later created and starred in “The Mindy Project” (2012–2017) and developed hit series like “Never Have I Ever” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls”.
Kaling’s film credits include “Ocean’s 8” (2018), “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018), and “Late Night” (2019), which she also wrote and produced. In 2025, she announced her upcoming Hulu comedy series “Not Safe for Work”, further cementing her position as a leading creative force in the entertainment industry. With six Primetime Emmy Award nominations, a Tony Award, and multiple best-selling memoirs, Kaling’s career is a testament to her talent and determination.
In this article, we will explore Mindy Kaling’s net worth, age, height, weight, career journey, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts. This comprehensive biography aims to provide readers with everything they need to know about this inspiring Hollywood powerhouse.
Mindy Kaling Short Details
| Full Name | Vera Mindy Chokalingam |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Mindy Kaling |
| Profession | Actress, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
| Hometown | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1979 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 45 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Other Notable Info | Founder of Kaling International |
Early Life and Career
Early Life and Education
Mindy Kaling was born to Avudaiappan Chokalingam, an architect, and Swati Chokalingam (née Roy-Sircar), an obstetrician/gynecologist. The family immigrated to the United States in 1979, the same year Kaling was born. She has an older brother named Vijay Chokal-Ingam.
Kaling’s mother chose the name Mindy after being inspired by the show “Mork & Mindy”, believing it would be a “cute American name” for their daughter. Sadly, Mindy’s mother passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2012, a loss that Kaling has openly discussed as deeply impactful.
Mindy graduated from Buckingham Browne & Nichols in 1997 and later attended Dartmouth College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in playwriting in 2001. While at Dartmouth, she was actively involved in the improvisational comedy troupe The Dog Day Players, a cappella group The Rockapellas, and wrote for the college’s humor magazine, The Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern.
Career Beginnings (2002–2004)
Kaling’s career began in stand-up comedy and off-Broadway performances. In 2002, she co-wrote and starred in the acclaimed play “Matt & Ben”, where she played Ben Affleck. The play was a surprise hit at the New York International Fringe Festival and was named one of Time magazine’s “Top Ten Theatrical Events of the Year”.
Breakthrough with The Office (2004–2011)
Kaling’s breakthrough came when she joined “The Office” as both a writer and actress, portraying Kelly Kapoor. She was only 24 years old at the time, making her one of the youngest writers and the only woman on the original writing staff. Her work earned her six Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
Mindy also made her directorial debut with the episode “Body Language” in Season 6 of The Office and was eventually promoted to executive producer in Season 8.
The Mindy Project and Beyond (2012–Present)
In 2012, Kaling created and starred in “The Mindy Project”, where she played Dr. Mindy Lahiri. The show aired on Fox before moving to Hulu, where it ran until 2017. The series was critically acclaimed for its diverse storytelling and refreshing take on romantic comedies.
Following this success, Kaling launched the Netflix hit series “Never Have I Ever” (2020–2023), which was praised for its representation of South Asian culture and its coming-of-age narrative. She also created “The Sex Lives of College Girls” (2021–present), another HBO Max hit that explores the lives of young women navigating college.
Recent Projects (2023–2025)
In 2025, Hulu announced Kaling’s new comedy series, “Not Safe for Work”, about young professionals navigating work and personal life in New York City’s Murray Hill. The show is written and executive produced by Kaling, alongside Charlie Grandy and Howard Klein.
Additionally, in 2024, Kaling produced the short film “Anuja”, which earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
Family and Relationships
Personal Life and Family
Mindy Kaling is a proud mother of three children. She gave birth to her first daughter in December 2017, a son in September 2020, and another daughter in February 2024. Kaling has chosen to keep the paternity of her children private, emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries around her personal life.
Close Relationship with B.J. Novak
Kaling shares a close friendship with B.J. Novak, her co-star and co-writer from “The Office”. Their relationship has often been described as complicated yet loving, with Novak being the godfather of Kaling’s first two children. Despite public speculation, Kaling has stated that they are best friends and have a deep emotional bond.
Family Details
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | Avudaiappan Chokalingam (Architect) |
| Mother | Swati Chokalingam (Doctor, deceased) |
| Sibling | Vijay Chokal-Ingam (Brother) |
| Children | 3 (Names Not Disclosed) |
| Close Friend | B.J. Novak (Godfather to her children) |
Physical Appearance
Mindy Kaling is admired for her graceful appearance and confident demeanor. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and weighing approximately 65 kg (143 lbs), she has been an advocate for body positivity and self-love throughout her career. Her dark brown eyes and black hair complement her distinctive style.
Physical Attributes
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | Ears |
| Distinguishing Features | Confident smile, elegant style |
Mindy Kaling Net Worth and Income Sources (Updated 2025)
As of 2025, Mindy Kaling’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $45 million. Her impressive wealth comes from multiple income streams, including:
- Television and Film Projects: As the creator, producer, and star of hit shows like “The Mindy Project”, “Never Have I Ever”, and “The Sex Lives of College Girls”, Kaling earns significant revenue from production deals and syndication rights.
- Book Sales: Kaling’s memoirs, including “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” and “Why Not Me?”, were New York Times Best Sellers, adding substantially to her wealth.
- Voice Acting: Her voice roles in blockbusters like “Inside Out” and “Wreck-It Ralph” have also contributed to her earnings.
- Production Company: Kaling’s Kaling International has produced several successful shows, with lucrative deals at Warner Bros. Television.
- Speaking Engagements and Endorsements: Kaling is also in demand for public speaking events and brand endorsements, adding further income.
Net Worth and Income Details
| Net Worth (2025) | $45 Million (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Sources | TV and Film Projects, Book Sales |
| Additional Income Streams | Production Company, Endorsements, Voice Acting |
Lesser-Known Facts About Mindy Kaling
- She Interned at Late Night with Conan O’Brien while attending Dartmouth College.
- Mindy’s stage name came from simplifying her last name, Chokalingam, to avoid mispronunciations during stand-up gigs.
- She was named after “Mork & Mindy”, the popular 1970s sitcom.
- Kaling is the first woman of color to create and star in her own primetime sitcom (The Mindy Project).
- She practices Hinduism and is raising her children in the Hindu faith.
- Kaling was included in Time’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2013.
- Her production company, Kaling International, was founded in 2012.
- She received the National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden in 2023.
- Kaling was a body double for Ben Affleck in her hit off-Broadway play, “Matt & Ben”.
- Her new show “Not Safe for Work”, set to stream on Hulu, is highly anticipated for its witty take on work culture in New York City.
FAQs About Mindy Kaling
- Q: What is Mindy Kaling’s net worth in 2025?
A: Mindy Kaling’s net worth is estimated at $45 million as of 2025. - Q: How many children does Mindy Kaling have?
A: Mindy Kaling has three children, born in 2017, 2020, and 2024. - Q: What are Mindy Kaling’s most famous TV shows?
A: Her most famous shows include “The Office”, “The Mindy Project”, “Never Have I Ever”, and “The Sex Lives of College Girls”. - Q: Who is the father of Mindy Kaling’s children?
A: Mindy Kaling has chosen to keep the paternity of her children private. - Q: What books has Mindy Kaling written?
A: Mindy Kaling has authored “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?”, “Why Not Me?”, and “Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes)”. - Q: What upcoming projects is Mindy Kaling working on?
A: Kaling is working on a new Hulu comedy series titled “Not Safe for Work”, premiering in 2025. - Q: Has Mindy Kaling won any awards?
A: Yes, she has won a Tony Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 2023. - Q: What religion does Mindy Kaling follow?
A: Hinduism. - Q: Is Mindy Kaling married?
A: No, she is not married. - Q: What is Kaling’s latest project in 2025?
A: Her latest project is the Hulu comedy series “Not Safe for Work”, set in New York City.
Conclusion
Mindy Kaling is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, known for her unapologetic humor, creative storytelling, and influential voice. With a career that spans acting, writing, producing, and publishing, Kaling has proven herself to be one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. As of 2025, her net worth stands at an impressive $45 million, reflecting her success in television, film, literature, and business. With new projects like “Not Safe for Work” on the horizon, Kaling’s star continues to rise, inspiring a new generation of storytellers, especially women of color.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.”
