Tracey Ullman is a multifaceted British-American actress, comedian, singer, dancer, screenwriter, producer, director, and author, renowned for her versatility and captivating performances. She gained prominence with her groundbreaking television series, The Tracey Ullman Show, which aired from 1987 to 1990, and is often credited with launching the iconic animated series The Simpsons. Described as the "female Peter Sellers," Ullman is celebrated for her ability to transition seamlessly between characters and accents, earning her acclaim as a character actress.

Born on December 30, 1959, in Slough, Berkshire, England, Ullman was raised in a creative household. Her father, Antony Ullman, worked as a businessman, while her mother, Dorin Ullman, was a former ballet dancer. Ullman initially pursued a career in dramatic acting, making her debut in the British soap opera Mackenzie as Lisa Mackenzie. She found her footing in comedy after an award-winning performance in the improvised play Four in a Million at the Royal Court Theatre, which led her to various sketch comedy projects.

Ullman's early television career in the UK included roles in the sketch comedies A Kick Up the Eighties alongside Rik Mayall and Miriam Margolyes, and Three of a Kind with Lenny Henry and David Copperfield. Her performance in Three of a Kind earned her a BAFTA Award in 1984, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in British comedy. After a brief foray into music that saw her achieve three top-ten singles, Ullman starred in the sitcom Girls on Top with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

In the late 1980s, Ullman emigrated to the United States, where her career flourished. The Tracey Ullman Show became a landmark series, featuring a mix of sketches and animated shorts, including the debut of The Simpsons. The show not only showcased Ullman's comedic talents but also paved the way for her future projects. Following its conclusion, she created and produced several acclaimed programs for HBO, including Tracey Takes On... from 1996 to 1999, which received numerous awards.

Ullman’s film career includes notable performances in movies such as Plenty (1985), which earned her a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Over the years, she has accumulated a remarkable array of accolades, including twelve American Comedy Awards, seven Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, demonstrating her significant impact on the entertainment industry.

In 2016, Ullman made a notable return to British television with the sketch comedy show Tracey Ullman's Show, marking her first project for the BBC in over three decades. This was followed by the topical series Tracey Breaks the News in 2017, further showcasing her ability to adapt to contemporary issues with humor and insight. By 2017, she was recognized as Britain's richest comedian and the second-richest British actress, with an estimated wealth of £80 million.

Tracey Ullman continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment landscape, beloved for her innovative work and ability to engage audiences across various mediums. Her contributions to comedy and television have left an indelible mark, ensuring her legacy as one of the most talented performers of her generation.