Anna Konkle is 38 years old, having been born on April 30, 1987. Best known as the co-creator, writer, and star of the critically acclaimed Hulu comedy series PEN15—in which she famously played a 13-year-old version of herself alongside her creative partner Maya Erskine—Konkle has established a prominent career in television and film as an actress, writer, and producer.
Early Life and Educational Background
Understanding Anna Konkle's trajectory in the entertainment industry requires examining her foundational years, education, and early training. Born in Randolph, Vermont, and raised primarily in Scituate, Massachusetts, Konkle experienced a creative upbringing that eventually steered her toward the performing arts. Her childhood provided a wealth of specific emotional and social observations that she would later channel into her breakthrough television work.
Education and Acting Training
Konkle pursued formal academic and practical training in theater, attending New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. At Tisch, she honed her craft through rigorous stage training, later expanding her studies at the Experimental Theatre Wing and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. This theatrical foundation gave her a strong command of character work, physical comedy, and dramatic timing, all of which became essential tools when she transitioned into television writing and acting.
During her college years, she crossed paths with Maya Erskine. The two artists forged a profound creative and personal friendship that would define the next decade of their professional lives. Their shared sensibilities, comedic timing, and mutual appreciation for the awkwardness of adolescence laid the groundwork for their eventual collaboration on PEN15.
Career Breakthrough and PEN15
Before achieving widespread recognition with PEN15, Konkle worked steadily in the television and film industry, securing guest roles and recurring appearances across various network and cable projects. Her early credits include appearances in shows such as Rosewood, Betas, Man Seeking Woman, and Shameless. While these roles helped her build a professional résumé and gain valuable on-set experience, they operated primarily within traditional casting frameworks rather than showcasing her distinct authorial voice.
The Genesis of PEN15
The definitive turning point in Konkle's career arrived when she and Maya Erskine conceptualized PEN15, an unconventional coming-of-age comedy set in the year 2000. The show’s high-concept premise featured Konkle and Erskine—then adults in their early thirties—playing 13-year-old versions of themselves surrounded by a cast of actual teenagers.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Creator / Star | Anna Konkle & Maya Erskine |
| Release Window | 2019 – 2021 |
| Network / Platform | Hulu |
| Premise | 13-year-olds in the year 2000 |
| Total Seasons | 2 (Split into multiple parts) |
The series premiered on Hulu in February 2019 to immediate critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its uncompromising, cringe-inducing, yet deeply empathetic portrayal of middle school social dynamics, puberty, and female friendship. Konkle's performance as Anna Kone—alongside her work as a writer and executive producer—earned widespread praise. The series received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2019, cementing Konkle's status as a formidable voice in contemporary television comedy.
Subsequent Projects and Creative Expansion
Following the conclusion of PEN15 in 2021, when Konkle and Erskine chose to bring the narrative to a natural close after two expansive seasons, Konkle continued to diversify her portfolio. She transitioned into various film and television projects that showcased her range beyond the specific stylistic parameters of her breakout series.
Film and Television Roles
Konkle has appeared in independent cinema and television features, demonstrating versatility in both comedic and dramatic spaces. Her post-PEN15 work includes roles in projects such as the independent feature film Plus One (2019), where she appeared alongside Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid, as well as voice acting and guest appearances in animated and live-action series. By balancing writing, producing, and acting, she has positioned herself as a multifaceted creator capable of steering projects from conception through post-production.
Personal Life and Public Profile
In addition to her professional achievements, public interest often centers on Konkle's personal life and milestones. She was in a long-term relationship with actor, writer, and director Alex Anfanger. In March 2021, Konkle announced that she and Anfanger were expecting their first child, and she gave birth to a daughter named Essie Wunderle Anfanger in May 2021. Her pregnancy journey overlapped with the production and release schedules of PEN15, offering a distinct parallel between her creative explorations of growth and her entry into motherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Anna Konkle?
Anna Konkle is 38 years old. She was born on April 30, 1987.
What is Anna Konkle most famous for?
She is primarily known for co-creating, writing, and starring in the Hulu comedy series PEN15, in which she played a 13-year-old version of herself alongside co-creator Maya Erskine.
Did Anna Konkle really play a teenager in PEN15?
Yes. While Konkle was in her early thirties during the production of the series, she played a 13-year-old version of herself, interacting with a cast of actual teenagers to create a surreal yet emotionally authentic comedic atmosphere.
Where did Anna Konkle go to college?
Konkle attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied theater and met her longtime creative partner, Maya Erskine.
Does Anna Konkle have children?
Yes. She gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Essie Wunderle Anfanger, with her partner Alex Anfanger in May 2021.
Next Actions and Further Exploration
For those looking to explore Anna Konkle's work further, viewing PEN15 on Hulu remains the primary entry point for understanding her comedic style and writing voice. Viewers interested in her broader filmography can explore independent releases like Plus One or track her upcoming writing and producing ventures in television and film development.
