Okay, grab your coffee. Let’s sit down and talk about someone you probably love, even if you don’t know her name yet. I’m talking about Paula Pell.
You know her work. She was a writer on Saturday Night Live for years. She wrote some of the most iconic sketches ever—think the Debbie Downer skits. She also writes for shows like Girls5Eva and A.P. Bio.
But the question on your mind: who was Paula Pell married to for 17 years? Oh, it’s a good story. A sweet, real, slightly surprising story.
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The Long Answer: A Woman Named Janine Brito
Paula Pell was married to Janine Brito, a fellow comedian and writer. They were together for 17 years before separating in 2022. Yes, you read that right—married for 17 years. That’s longer than most Hollywood marriages last. It’s almost a miracle in showbiz years, right?
Janine Brito is a talented writer and performer in her own right. She’s worked on shows like At Home with Amy Sedaris. But the real kicker? Janine is also a woman.
Yes, Paula Pell is openly gay. She and Janine got married in 2015, right after same-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S. But here’s the twist: they had already been partners for 12 years before that. So when people say “married for 17 years,” they mean the total relationship, not just the legal marriage. It’s a beautiful little loophole of love.
A Love Story That Started in Comedy
Paula and Janine met the way most people meet in comedy—through a mutual friend. Janine was doing stand-up. Paula was already a big deal at SNL. Sparks flew. And they just… stayed together. No drama. No tabloid nonsense.
Meet Paula Pell's Wife Janine Brito Who She Wed in Target Dress during
Paula has described Janine as “hilarious” and “the funniest person I know.” You know when a comedian says that, it’s like a gold medal of compliments. It’s the highest praise possible.
They lived together in New York. They had dogs. They laughed a lot. And then, in 2022, Paula announced they were separating. She did it on Twitter—very casually, very Paula. She wrote something like, “After 17 incredible years, Janine and I are no longer together. We’re still friends. Love you, pal.”
No drama. No blame. Just two people who grew apart. Isn’t that refreshing? It’s almost too mature for the internet.
Wait, She Was Married to a Dude Before?
Okay, you’re probably thinking: “Hold on. I thought Paula Pell was married to a guy?” Ah, yes. This is where things get a little confusing. Paula was actually married to a man for a short time in her 20s. His name was Bob (just Bob—no last name given). It lasted about two years. Nothing dramatic. She came out as gay later.
So, the 17-year relationship? That’s the big one. That’s the real deal. The marriage to Bob was a blip. A “before I knew myself” moment. We’ve all had those, right? No judgment here.
Paula Pell Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth
Where Are They Now?
Paula is still living her best life. She’s on Girls5Eva as the hilarious network exec. She’s dating, but she’s been pretty private about it. Janine is still writing and doing stand-up. They share custody of their dogs, I assume. (Dogs are the real children in Hollywood, after all.)
The best part? They are still friends. Like, genuinely friends. They’ve been spotted at events together, laughing. No awkwardness. No passive-aggressive Instagram posts. It’s the kind of breakup we should all aspire to have—if we must break up at all.
Why Do We Care So Much?
Because Paula Pell is a genius. Because she’s a private person in a loud world. And because her marriage to Janine felt like a quiet victory lap for love itself. Seventeen years is a long time to be with someone. It’s a marathon of inside jokes and grocery runs and bad TV binges.
So, the answer is: Paula Pell was married to Janine Brito for 17 years. Not a man. Not a mystery. Just a funny, talented, genuine woman who made her laugh. And honestly? That’s the only requirement for a great marriage, isn’t it?
Now pass the coffee. I need another sip.