Carol Kane Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Carolyn Laurie Kane was born June 18, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, to a jazz singer and pianist mother and an architect father. She spent her early years in boarding school before her family settled in New York, where she attended the Professional Children's School. At just 14, she made her professional stage debut in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Her theatrical promise soon led to significant roles in early ’70s films like Carnal Knowledge and Wedding in White, culminating in her acclaimed performance in Hester Street (1975), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The late 1970s and early ’80s saw Kane cement her screen persona with standout roles in Dog Day Afternoon, Annie Hall, When a Stranger Calls, The Princess Bride, and Scrooged. But it was her portrayal of Simka Dahblitz‑Gravas on the hit sitcom Taxi (1980–1983) that truly made her a household name. Her nuanced, comedic performance alongside Andy Kaufman earned her two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe nomination. Kane’s passion for the theater remained a constant throughout her career. From 2005 to 2014, she captivated audiences as Madame Morrible in Wicked, becoming one of the most frequently cast performers in that role across touring, Broadway, and Los Angeles productions. Her stage work has always underscored her versatility and enduring love for live performance. In recent years, Kane has found fresh success on television, portraying Lillian Kaushtupper in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt from 2015 to 2020—a role that brought her back into the spotlight and showcased her sharp wit and comedic charm. Additionally, she continues to take on character roles in series like Gotham, where she played Gertrude Kapelput. Today, Carol Kane is celebrated as one of entertainment’s most distinctive talents. Her high-pitched, breathy voice (which she has candidly reflected on), her skill with accents and emotional depth, and her enduring connection to both stage and screen mark her as a richly seasoned artist with a career that spans over half a century.