Maya Rudolph creates characters that exude charisma and poise. But shortly after they captivate you, they begin to reveal just how tarnished and peculiar they actually are. While most comedic characters are outwardly flawed, Rudolph’s are more subtly bizarre. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in an elevator with these people. They’re the type that would stand too close, or stare too long, or hum softly in the corner—decidedly more unnerving than the obvious misfits.

Although Rudolph grew up wanting to be on Saturday Night Live, her sole focus in life wasn’t sketch comedy. A photography major in college, she considered a career in fashion before realizing she couldn’t sew. She dabbled in music, playing keyboards for the Rentals (with Matt Sharp of Weezer fame). Eventually, she enrolled in improv classes at the Groundlings Theater, the launching pad for many Saturday Night Live cast members.