20 October
A postmodern leader analysis and the Nobel Peace Prize 
October 20, 2025 A postmodern leader analysis and the Nobel Peace Prize
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September 29, 2025 Caught Stealing – Darren Aronofsky´s Crime Comedy with a Tragic Bite
Mindy Sterling: A Life in Laughter and Goodness
From Frau Farbissina to The Groundlings, the Emmy-nominated actress opens up about her journey, her roots, and what goodness means to her. October 20, 2025
By Bessy ADUT
I had the pleasure of meeting Mindy Sterling through Wendy Liebman, and it was such a joy to interview her for Searching for Goodness. She joined us as a guest in one of our favorite episodes, which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET2nliAytNo&t=6s
Mindy Sterling is a two-time Emmy nominee, recognized in 2017 for Best Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama for her work on Con Man and Secs and Execs. She is perhaps most widely known for her hilarious portrayal of Frau Farbissina, Dr. Evil’s German henchwoman and lover, in all three Austin Powers films. Other notable film credits include How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
On television, Mindy starred as Linda Schwartz for five years on The Goldbergs and has appeared in Grace and Frankie, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Con Man, Legit, and iCarly, among many others. Her impressive voiceover career spans popular animated series such as The Legend of Korra, The Great North, American Dad, Family Guy, The Loud House, Scooby Doo, and Chowder.
An alumna of The Groundlings, Mindy continues to share her passion for improv comedy, occasionally returning to direct and perform with the legendary troupe. Proud of her Jewish heritage, Mindy often reflects on the values of kindness, compassion, and resilience that have shaped both her life and her art.
What makes her especially remarkable is not only her talent and versatility, but also the warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit she brings into every space. She embodies the very goodness we seek to highlight in our series, and we are so grateful to share her story.
Where are you located?
Los Angeles.
What are your current projects?
Nothing right now.
How did you get started and what led you to where you are today?
I always wanted to be an actress. My father was in the business, and I love making people laugh. I realized it was the one thing I truly could do. I was living in Miami, Florida, and eventually came to Los Angeles to see if something could happen.
Has the road been smooth?
Never! You feel like you’re not good, that you’re never going to make it, and you wonder what’s wrong with you. Then you get your first job and it’s wonderful. But when the next one doesn’t come, you feel horrible all over again. It’s a very crazy business.
Could you tell us more about your life and career?
I’ve been very fortunate to have gotten into The Groundlings improv and sketch comedy program. It gave me the tools I needed for both sketch and improv, and I’ll always love that place. My first big break was Austin Powers. Mike Myers came to do an improv show with us, I was in it, and I guess I was kind of funny! I’m so grateful he gave me that chance.
What does goodness mean to you?
I was raised to be good, to be kind, to share, and to help anyone who needs it. I always worked hard for the things I wanted. For me, it’s about the people you love and who love you back.
Who are you outside of your professional life?
I’m a mom to a 31-year-old son. He lives with me, and we work really well together.
Are you interested in environmental issues?
If it’s good, then it’s good. Everything feels a little crazy right now.
Do you think the world is in a good place right now?
The world feels like it’s in a horrible place, and it’s hard to wake up each morning without seeing any change. That scares me. I think everyone is tortured by it in one way or another, and it disrupts our lives.
How do you make the world a better place?
By listening to each other, working together, being kind, loving, and thoughtful. Just because we don’t agree on things doesn’t mean we have to hurt one another.
How can we all make the world better?
Through kindness, compassion, love — and faith.
How can science and spirituality coexist?
I’m really not sure.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go, and why?
Right now, I feel like I’m exactly where I should be. I like to travel, but home is truly my home.
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