Retta - Actor Profile

Retta

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
30Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 12, 1978
Birth Place: New Jersey, U.S.

About Retta

Marietta Sirleaf, better known simply as Retta, is an American stand-up comedian and actress. She is mainly known for her starring role as Donna Meagle on NBC's Parks and Recreation. She has appeared in several films and television shows, and has performed stand-up on Comedy Central's Premium Blend. Retta is from New Jersey, and graduated from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She started working in the pharmaceutical research field before moving to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career in comedy.Retta started performing stand-up comedy in 1996, although she said she did not start "earning money" until 1998, when she started touring on the college circuit. Retta said she used to get "really nauseated" before a performance, but that the feeling passed with experience.Retta has said her stand-up material tends to be slightly embellished stories from her regular everyday life, family, and friends. She has also made jokes about her obesity. Retta has stated she would give up stand-up comedy for a full-time acting career if possible: "I'm not married to stand-up, just because it's a road thing. It's very lonely with all the traveling.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Retta reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 30 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Retta's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 33% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Retta remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Paley Center Salutes Parks and Recreation, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Retta Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Retta's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Retta.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie Mrs. Bundy Average Similar →
2024 Hit Man Claudette Hit Similar →
2024 The Greatest Hits Dr. Evelyn Bartlett Hit Similar →
2023 80 for Brady Self Average Similar →
2023 Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong Self Average Similar →
2020 The Paley Center Salutes Parks and Recreation Donna Meagle Super Hit Similar →
2020 A Parks and Recreation Special Donna Meagle Super Hit Similar →
2019 Good Boys Lucas' Mom Hit Similar →
2018 A Legendary Christmas with John & Chrissy Self Hit Similar →
2017 Father Figures Annie Average Similar →
2017 Where's the Money Roberta Average Similar →
2017 The Lego Ninjago Movie Maggie the Cheerleader (voice) Hit Similar →
2017 Band Aid Carol Average Similar →
2017 To the Bone Lobo Hit Similar →
2016 Operator Pauline 'Roger' Rogers Average Similar →
2016 Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life Ida Stricker Hit Similar →
2016 Other People Nina Average Similar →
2015 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Party Planner Average Similar →
2015 Come Simi Nurse Lipps Flop Similar →
2015 Rebel on Ice Self Flop Similar →
2014 Sex Ed Sydney Flop Similar →
2014 Muffin Top: A Love Story Leah Flop Similar →
2008 Kissing Cousins Shawna the Chef Average Similar →
2008 First Sunday - Average Similar →
2008 First Sunday Roberta Average Similar →
2007 Dragon Wars: D-War Receptionist Nurse Flop Similar →
2007 Sex and Death 101 Ethel Walters (#100) Average Similar →
2007 Fracture Evidence Room Cop Hit Similar →
2003 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star Sad Eye Sadie Flop Similar →
2002 Slackers Bruna Flop Similar →

Retta - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Retta?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Retta is "The Paley Center Salutes Parks and Recreation" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Retta acted in?

Retta has been featured in at least 30 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Retta?

Other notable films include "A Parks and Recreation Special", "Fracture", and "A Legendary Christmas with John & Chrissy".