Paula Poundstone comedian, books, children, arrest, movies and tv shows

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p>Paula Poundstone was born in 1959 in Alabama. Her mother, Vera, was a homemaker, and her father, Jack Poundstone, worked as an engineer. When Paula was just a month old, her family relocated to Massachusetts. She attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School but dropped out before earning her diploma. Early in her working life, she held jobs such as bussing tables at IHOP and working as a bicycle messenger.</p>

<h2>Stand-Up Comedy Career</h2>
<p>Paula Poundstone began her career performing stand-up comedy at open-mic nights. Traveling across the United States by Greyhound bus, she visited various comedy clubs and honed her craft. She spent significant time in San Francisco, where she became known for her improvisational performances at The Other Café, a popular comedy venue in the Haight-Ashbury district.</p>

<p>During this period, she met <a href="/biography/robin-williams">Robin Williams</a>, who encouraged her to move to Los Angeles. He featured her in a comedy segment during an episode of <i>Saturday Night Live</i> that he was hosting. Around this time, she also appeared in the sci-fi comedy film <i>Hyperspace</i>.</p>

<h2>Television and Radio Work</h2>
<p>In the 1980s, Poundstone gained national attention through HBO comedy specials. She further expanded her presence in television as a backstage commentator for the 1992 U.S. presidential election on <i>The Tonight Show with Jay Leno</i>. She later became a regular panelist on National Public Radio's weekly news quiz show, <i>Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!</i>, where she is still known for her sharp wit and humor.</p>

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<h2>Fostering and Personal Life</h2>
<p>Paula Poundstone was a foster <a href="/biography/paula-poundstone">parent</a> for many years and, at one point, cared for over eight children. She eventually adopted three children—one son and two daughters. In 2001, she faced a legal issue involving child endangerment after being charged with driving under the influence while children were in the vehicle. She accepted probation, performed community service, and underwent a six-month alcohol treatment program. Poundstone has publicly discussed taking personal responsibility for her actions and the events surrounding her arrest.</p>

<h2>Writing and Publications</h2>
<p>In addition to her work in comedy and media, Poundstone is a published author. Her first book, <i>There Is Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say</i>, blends humor and memoir. Her second book, <i>Hey Paula</i>, continues in a similar humorous vein. She has also contributed essays and opinion pieces to notable publications such as <i>The Los Angeles Times</i> and <i>Glamour</i> magazine.</p>

<h2>Recognition and Media Appearances</h2>
<p>Comedy Central ranked Paula Poundstone at number 88 on its list of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time. Notably, she was also listed in a more controversial ranking by <i>Maxim Magazine</i> as number 6 on their list of "Worst Comedians of All Time," a designation widely regarded as subjective and divisive.</p>

<p>Beyond stand-up comedy, Poundstone has acted in several television shows and films. One of her well-known television specials, <i>Cats, Cops and Stuff</i> (1990), earned critical acclaim. She has received awards for her comedic performances and also served as a political correspondent for <i>The Tonight Show</i>, further showcasing her versatility in both political commentary and entertainment.</p>

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