Life, freedom, and the deliciousness of chicken wings! The Mindy Project introduced viewers to a remarkable female superhero in the form of OB-GYN Dr. Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling). What made her character so relatable was her unwavering love for romantic comedies, her passion for food, and her tendency to entertain with witty jokes even while working.
This remarkable comedy series revolved around Mindy's endeavor to find balance between her professional life as a doctor and her personal life in the bustling city of New York. Originally airing on Fox, the show enjoyed three successful seasons before being picked up by Hulu for three more seasons. Alongside Mindy Kaling, the talented cast included Chris Messina, Ike Barinholtz, Ed Weeks, and Xosha Roquemore.
After developing a deep affection for Mindy, who transformed from being one of numerous OB-GYN's at her workplace to establishing her own medical practice, viewers were not prepared to bid farewell - and neither was the creator of the show, Kaling.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in November 2017, Kaling expressed her enthusiasm for the character, stating, "She is an absolute delight to portray and embodies the ultimate fantasy for any actress because she possesses a tendency for misbehavior while also exhibiting moments of conscience. She encapsulates a multitude of traits that are seldom explored in acting roles. She is uproariously funny, intermittently self-centered, a devoted mother with numerous obstacles, and simultaneously flawed in grand proportions. This role is truly the pinnacle of my career, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been granted the opportunity to perform it."
While many viewers believed that The Office actress resembled her character on the show, a hardworking individual with a great sense of humor, a stylish wardrobe, and a desire for a love story of her own, Kaling revealed in April 2016 that she actually identified more with the show's other lead, Danny Castellano (played by Messina).
"I found myself relating more to Danny than Mindy. Mindy was a creation of our writers, but Danny felt more like me," she explained to Glamour at the time. "We both have a passion for fashion and clothes, but my character tends to say more outrageous things. I like to believe that we are both fully dedicated to our careers and have strong connections with our families."
Fans of The Mindy Project were torn between their loyalty to Mindy and Danny's relationship and their enthusiasm for Mindy's solo journey as a single mother. However, they remained dedicated to the series until the very end. Even the cast members who joined the show later, such as Fortune Feimster, who portrayed nurse Collette Kimball-Kinney in season 4, recognized the exceptional nature of The Mindy Project's fandom compared to their previous projects.
According to Feimster, "It's amazing. I was on Chelsea Lately before, and her fans would be drunk and rowdy. Mindy fans are very respectful. From top to bottom, everyone is so kind. It's a dream job. And I'm not just saying that because she's paying me," she said in an interview with Glamour.
Scroll down to see what the cast of The Mindy Project is up to now:
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
‘The Mindy Project’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina and More
Mindy Kaling's hit comedy series, The Mindy Project, provided fans with a refreshing and relatable female superhero in the form of OB-GYN Dr. Mindy Lahiri. Known for her love of romantic comedies, passion for food, and knack for cracking jokes at work, Mindy Lahiri captured the hearts of viewers.
Spanning from 2012 to 2017, the show depicted Mindy's attempt to navigate the challenges of balancing her demanding career as a doctor with her personal life in the bustling city of New York. Originally airing on Fox, The Mindy Project enjoyed three successful seasons before being picked up by Hulu for an additional three seasons.
Aside from the talented Mindy Kaling, the show also featured a stellar ensemble cast, including Chris Messina, Ike Barinholtz, Ed Weeks, and Xosha Roquemore. Together, they brought laughter and entertainment to audiences worldwide.
After developing a love for Mindy, who transitioned from being just one of several OB-GYNs at her workplace to establishing her own medical practice, fans and even the creator of the show, Kaling, were not prepared to bid farewell.
According to Kaling's interview with The Hollywood Reporter in November 2017, she stated, "It is such a delight to portray this character who is both mischievous and has a sense of righteousness. She embodies various contradicting qualities that are rarely explored by actors. The role is a unique blend of being outrageously funny, occasionally self-centered, a dedicated mother dealing with numerous challenges, and having significant flaws. It is truly the finest role I have ever had the privilege to play, and I genuinely feel fortunate."
Despite the belief of many fans that The Office alum bore a striking resemblance to her onscreen alter-ego, a hardworking individual with impeccable comedic timing, a sense of fashion, and an aspiration for a captivating love story, Kaling disclosed in April 2016 that she actually related more to the show's other lead character, Danny Castellano (Messina).
"I found myself relating much more to Danny than Mindy. Mindy was a creation of our writers, a character they conceived," she candidly shared with Glamour at that time. "We do share a love for fashion and clothing, but my character is known for her bold and outspoken statements. I like to believe that Danny and I both have a strong dedication to our careers and a deep connection to our families."
Fans of The Mindy Project were faced with a tough decision - should they root for Mindy and Danny to ultimately end up together or support Mindy's journey as a single mother? Nonetheless, these dedicated viewers remained committed to the show until its conclusion. Even new cast members, like Fortune Feimster who joined in season 4 as nurse Collette Kimball-Kinney, recognized the exceptional nature of The Mindy Project fandom compared to their previous projects. Feimster expressed her awe at the fans, noting that they were respectful unlike the rowdy and intoxicated fans she encountered on Chelsea Lately. She went on to describe working on the show as a dream job, emphasizing that her praise was not motivated by the fact that she was being paid.
Scroll down to see what the cast of The Mindy Project is up to now:
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock; Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for SAG Awards
Mindy Kaling
Kaling, known for her role as OB-GYN Dr. Mindy Lahiri in addition to being the creator and executive producer of the show, has had an impressive acting career. She has starred in movies such as A Wrinkle in Time, Ocean's Eight, Late Night, and Locked Down. Prior to that, she played the character Priya Patel in the short-lived series Champions and had a recurring role on The Morning Show. She is also set to lend her voice to the character Val Little in Disney+'s Monsters at Work.
Aside from her acting career, Kaling is also a talented writer. She has written notable works such as Four Weddings and a Funeral in 2019, Never Have I Ever in 2020, and the screenplay for Legally Blonde 3. In terms of producing, she has credits on projects like Champions, Late Night, Never Have I Ever, and The Sex Lives of College Girls.
In 2011, Kaling released her first book titled Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?. She followed it up with the release of Why Not Me? in 2015 and Nothing Like I Imagined in 2020.
On a personal note, the actress welcomed her first child, a daughter named Katherine, in 2017. Three years later, she gave birth to her son, Spencer.
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock; MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Ike Barinholtz
The Illinois native, Ike Barinholtz, showcased his talent by portraying the comedic and endearing character of nurse Morgan Tookers. Alongside his acting career, Barinholtz also made appearances in notable films such as The Disaster Artist, Blockers, Late Night, and Moxie. Adding to his impressive repertoire, he secured the role of Wayne Edwards in the animated series Bless the Harts in 2019. Furthermore, Barinholtz is eagerly anticipated to play Jeb Magruder in HBO's upcoming production, The White House Plumbers.
Aside from his on-screen performances, Barinholtz contributed his creative skills as a writer for The Mindy Project, even directing several episodes. His writing talent extended beyond the television realm, as he penned the scripts for The Oath and Maximum Truth. Additionally, Barinholtz boasts producer credits for a staggering 75 episodes of The Mindy Project and the film Happy Life.
Barinholtz married TV producer Erica Hanson in 2009. They share three daughters, Foster, Payton and another baby girl whose name has yet to be released.
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock; Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Ed Weeks
Weeks took on the role of Dr. Jeremy Reed, an English OB-GYN, in the popular TV series. He later appeared as Colin in the comedy series LA to Vegas, and made guest appearances on American Housewife, Robot Chicken, and Find a Way or Make One. In addition to his acting career, Weeks is also a talented writer, having worked on shows such as Man Stroke Woman, Clone, and Randall and Hilda Are Not a Couple. Showing his versatility and creativity, the comedian formed a band called Crazy Girl Therapy in 2021, along with two friends. Together, they released their first EP in April of that year.
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock; Justin Ng/Landmark Media/IPA/INSTAR
Chris Messina
Messina's portrayal of Dr. Danny Castellano, the love interest and fellow OB-GYN of Mindy, garnered attention. He went on to showcase his range by playing Detective Richard Willis on Sharp Objects and Nick Hass on The Sinner. He then took on the role of Nathan Bartlett in Based on a True Story, set for release in 2023. More recently, he starred in The True Adventures of Wolfboy, Zeroville, Birds of Prey, Love Is Love Is Love, The Secrets We Keep, Call Jane, and We’re Just Married. Alongside his acting career, Messina has also ventured into writing, producing, and directing.
In his personal life, Messina was previously married to actress Rosemarie DeWitt for 11 years before their marriage ended in 2006. He is now in a long-term relationship with Jennifer Todd, with whom he shares two sons named Milo and Giovanni.
Credit: Evans Vestal Ward/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; David Buchan/Variety/Shutterstock
Xosha Roquemore
Roquemore began her journey with the cast in 2013, taking on the role of nurse Tamra Webb. Since then, she has showcased her talent in a variety of projects including the acclaimed films Mississippi Requiem, Brian Banks, and A Rose for Emily. Additionally, the California native has graced our screens in popular TV shows such as I'm Dying Up Here, First Wives Club, Cherish the Day, and Black Monday. Excitingly, Roquemore is set to portray Shanice in the highly anticipated 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Roquemore has been dating actor LaKeith Stanfield since 2015. They share a daughter, whom they welcomed in 2017.
Credit: Jordin Althaus/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Shutterstock
Beth Grant
Grant, an actress known for her roles as the unfriendly and incompetent receptionist and nurse Beverly, has been involved in various film projects. Some of her notable works include Mississippi Requiem, Nostalgia, Hover, The Adventures of Thomasina Sawyer, Hold On, Wander Darkly, Willy's Wonderland, Confessions of a Closeted People Pleaser, and Underwater Upside Down. In addition to her acting career, Grant has also taken on directing, writing, and producing responsibilities, with her credits including her executive producer role in the upcoming film Operation Othello.
Outside of her professional life, Grant has been married to actor Michael Chieffo since 1985. The couple has a daughter named Mary Chieffo, who is also an actress.
Credit: Jordin Althaus/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Adam Pally
Pally played the character of Dr. Peter Prentice in seasons 2 to 4 of the show, and left in 2015. He later made a return for a few episodes in seasons 5 and 6. The actor, who hails from New York, went on to star in Making History, Champaign ILL, 64th Man, Archibald’s Next Big Thing, Indebted, Crossing Swords, and Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here. Additionally, he appeared in Most Likely to Murder, Dog Days, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Main Event. Pally is also involved in other aspects of the entertainment industry, serving as a writer, director, and producer. He has worked as an executive producer on Making History, The President Show, Champaign ILL, and Indebted.
He married Daniella Liben in 2008, and they share three children, sons Cole and Drake and daughter GG.
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Lauren Lapkus/Instagram
Zoe Jarman
Jarman first appeared on the hit series as the lively front desk worker, Betsy Putch, for seasons 1 and 2. In 2014, she bid farewell to the show and ventured into other projects. Notably, she joined the cast of The Birthday Boys, while also taking on lead roles in several impressive short films such as Beta, The Fun Company, The Sub, and Coda.
Alongside her acting achievements, Jarman made guest appearances on Comedy Bang! Bang!, Workaholics, and Corporate. She also served as a story editor on the highly acclaimed series, Master of None. More recently, she took on the role of an executive story editor and writer for One Mississippi. Her talent and creativity extended beyond writing, as she wrote and directed the captivating short film, Coda. Furthermore, she contributed her writing skills to an episode of the thrilling series, Teenage Bounty Hunters.
Credit: V Zink/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock; NINA PROMMER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Fortune Feimster
Feimster became a part of the cast in 2015, joining as nurse Collette Kimball-Kinney during season 4. Since then, she has made appearances on various shows such as Chelsea, Nobodies, Champions, Life in Pieces, The L Word: Generation Q, and Kenan. In 2018, she began lending her voice to the characters Ava/Mrs. Goose on Summer Camp Island and Brenda on Bless the Harts in 2019. Feimster has also showcased her acting skills in films like Social Animals, The Happytime Murders, Deported, Soul, and Yes Day. Not only that, but she has also taken on the roles of executive producer for Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty and co-producer for Fate: The Winx Saga — The Afterparty. Beyond her acting career, Feimster is also a talented writer, having contributed to shows like Chelsea Lately, No Toddlerance, Family Fortune, and her own stand-up special in 2020. Additionally, she co-hosts the show "What a Joke With Papa & Fortune" on SiriusXM and hosts her own podcast called "Sincerely Fortune." In 2020, Feimster tied the knot with teacher Jacquelyn Smith, whom she met when they were both attending the University of Georgia.
Credit: Vivian Zink/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; MJ Photos/Shutterstock
Garrett Dillahunt
Dillahunt took on the role of Jody Kimball-Kinney, an OB-GYN and the overprotective brother of Collette (played by Feimster), starting from season 4. While working on The Mindy Project, he also made appearances in Hand of God and Arkansas Traveler. After that, the actor, who hails from California, went on to star in The Gifted, The Guest Book, and took on the character of John Dorie in Fear the Walking Dead. In addition to these projects, Dillahunt was seen in Braven, Benched, Widows, Sergio, Army of the Dead, The Long Home, Blonde, Ambulance, and the upcoming film Where the Crawdads Sing, set to be released in 2022.
The Raising Hope alum has been married to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit alum Michelle Hurd since 2007.