Maggie Carey was born in Boise, Idaho, around 1974–1975, making her roughly 50 years old today. She grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged both academics and athletics.
As a child, she attended Jackson Elementary, West Junior High, and later graduated from Borah High School in 1993. Carey was an active student, balancing advanced classes with extracurricular activities. She was on the student council and played multiple sports, leaving a strong impression as an achiever with diverse interests.
Her early life as a lifeguard would later spark inspiration for her feature film The To-Do List, a project deeply rooted in her teenage years.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Maggie Carey |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1974–1975 |
| Age | ~50 years old |
| Birthplace | Boise, Idaho, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | BA in English (University of Montana), MFA in Film Production (University of Texas at Austin) |
| Profession | Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Actress |
| Known For | The To-Do List (2013), directing episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Barry, Never Have I Ever |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (171 cm) |
| Weight | ~132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Bill Hader, 2006–2018) |
| Children | 3 daughters – Hannah, Harper, Hayley |
| Net Worth | Approx. $5 million |
| Lifestyle | Private, low public presence, not active on social media |
Academic Journey and Soccer Career
Carey’s academic path began at the University of Idaho, though she later transferred to the University of Montana. There, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in English Literature while also thriving on the soccer field.
As a defender on the Division I Montana Grizzlies women’s soccer team, Carey appeared in 26 games and even served as co-captain. Her experiences as an athlete shaped her work ethic and team spirit—qualities she would later carry into her creative career.
Her academic pursuits eventually led her to the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film Production. This step solidified her passion for storytelling and filmmaking.
Starting Out in Creative Arts
Maggie Carey’s early career leaned heavily into improv comedy. She performed at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York and at Improv Olympics West in Los Angeles, sharpening her comedic instincts and performance style.
In 2001, she directed a documentary titled Ladyporn, exploring women’s perspectives on adult films. Later, she created short films like Dance Club and Suburban Bravery, which showcased her distinct comedic voice and her ability to explore unconventional subjects with humor and honesty.
These early works established Carey’s foundation as a filmmaker unafraid to mix sharp wit with authentic life experiences.
The Jeannie Tate Show and Online Comedy
A breakthrough came in 2007 when Carey co-created the web series The Jeannie Tate Show with fellow comedian Liz Cackowski. The series centered around a “soccer mom talk show” hosted from a minivan, blending satire with relatable suburban humor.
The show was an internet hit and drew attention to Carey’s unique comedic lens. It also helped her break into larger projects in Hollywood, especially as web comedy became a new stepping stone for emerging filmmakers.
Breakthrough Film: The To-Do List
In 2013, Carey made her feature film debut with The To-Do List. The comedy starred Aubrey Plaza as a high school graduate attempting to prepare for college by creating a list of sexual experiences to complete over the summer.
The film was deeply personal for Carey, drawing inspiration from her own high school years in Boise, including her time as a lifeguard. It was bold, funny, and unafraid to tackle topics often avoided in mainstream comedies.
While critical reviews were mixed, the film has since gained recognition for its honesty and female-led perspective on coming-of-age comedy. It marked Carey as a fresh voice in the film industry.
Television Directing Success
After her film debut, Carey transitioned into television, where she built an impressive directing portfolio. She directed episodes of some of the most beloved comedy and dramedy series of the last decade.
Her credits include Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Silicon Valley, The Last Man on Earth, Love, and Great News. She later directed episodes of Barry, Never Have I Ever, and The Sex Lives of College Girls, showcasing her ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Most recently, she worked on the action-comedy Twisted Metal (2023), proving her versatility as a director across genres.
Personal Life and Family
Maggie Carey met Bill Hader, the Saturday Night Live comedian, through a mutual friend in Los Angeles. The two married in 2006 and shared more than a decade together.
The couple has three daughters:
- Hannah Kathryn, born October 2009
- Harper, born July 2012
- Hayley Clementine, born November 2014
Despite their long partnership, Carey and Hader separated in 2017, and the divorce was finalized in 2018. Carey has largely kept her personal life private since then, focusing on her work and family.
Physical Appearance and Style
Carey has been described as standing around 5 feet 7 inches (171 cm) tall, weighing approximately 132 lbs (60 kg). She reportedly has a slim build with measurements around 32-26-32, dark brown hair, and grey eyes.
Although these details are occasionally reported by entertainment sources, what stands out most about Carey is her confident, approachable presence. She often carries herself with understated style, preferring to let her work in film and television speak louder than public appearances.
Net Worth and Achievements
Estimates suggest that Maggie Carey has a net worth of around $5 million, earned primarily through her writing, directing, and producing work in Hollywood.
Her career trajectory—spanning from indie shorts and web comedies to directing hit TV series—reflects her persistence and adaptability. She has established herself as one of the quieter yet impactful voices shaping comedy today.
Lifestyle and Privacy
Unlike many Hollywood figures, Maggie Carey keeps a low public profile. She is not active on major social media platforms, which sets her apart in an industry often driven by online visibility.
Her decision to maintain privacy has helped her focus more on creative pursuits and family life, keeping her out of the constant media spotlight.
Fun Facts About Maggie Carey
- She was once a lifeguard, an experience that inspired the storyline of The To-Do List.
- Before her film career, she was a Division I soccer player and team co-captain.
- She has worked on both indie projects and mainstream hits, showing her range as a filmmaker.
- Carey has directed across genres, from heartfelt dramedies to high-energy comedies and even action-packed TV series.
- Despite her achievements, she prefers to remain private and grounded, avoiding the typical Hollywood lifestyle.
Conclusion
Maggie Carey’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. From her early life in Boise, through her soccer days and film school, to breaking into Hollywood, she has carved a distinct path.
Her work reflects both sharp humor and deep humanity, whether in The To-Do List or the many acclaimed television series she has directed. Beyond the spotlight, she remains dedicated to her craft, her children, and a life that blends passion with privacy.
Maggie Carey stands as an inspiration—particularly for women in filmmaking—showing that originality and authenticity can thrive even in a competitive industry.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Maggie Carey?
Maggie Carey is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and director known for her feature film The To-Do List and directing episodes of popular TV series like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Barry, and Never Have I Ever.
2. How old is Maggie Carey?
She was born around 1974–1975, which makes her approximately 50 years old today.
3. Was Maggie Carey married to Bill Hader?
Yes. Maggie Carey married comedian Bill Hader in 2006. They share three daughters together but divorced in 2018.
4. What is Maggie Carey’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $5 million, primarily from her career in film and television directing.
5. Does Maggie Carey use social media?
No verified social media accounts are linked to Maggie Carey. She prefers to keep her life private and away from the public spotlight.
