Paula Poundstone (born December 29, 1959 in Huntsville, Alabama) is an American stand-up comedian. She is known for her quiet, self-deprecating style, political observations, and her trademark suit and tie outfit.
She appeared in The Muppets' "She Drives Me Crazy" music video.
She became a foster mother in 1993 and adopted 2 girls in 1997.
(27 June 2001) Arrested in Santa Monica, California, on charges of committing lewd acts on a girl under age 14, and on charges of endangering 2 other girls and 2 boys. Posted $200,000 bail, and pled "not guilty" at a July 3 arraignment.
Was a foster child herself when younger.
(27 June 2001) Entered a rehab center for alcoholism, which she says brought about the recent abuse charges involving her children.
(14 September 2001) Accepted a plea agreement and pled no contest to felony child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of inflicting injury on a child. In exchange, the three charges of lew conduct were dropped by prosecutors. "The lewd conduct charges against me were dropped because they weren't true," says Poundstone. "I pled no contest to the child endangerment/injury charges because they were. My drinking helped to create a dangerous situation for the children. For this, I am very sorry."
10 October 2001 - An LA judge sentenced her to 5 years probation and 180 days in rehab on felony child endangerment and misdemeanor child injury.
(1989) Won the American Comedy Award for Best Comedy Club Stand-Up Comic (Female).
Won the Cable Ace Award for Cats, Cops and Stuff (1990) (TV), for best Stand-Up Comedy Show - the first woman to do so.
Won another Cable Ace Award for Best Program Interviewer for her work on HBO.
Won a local Emmy for her work on the PBS series Life & Times.
15 November 2002 - The courts returned Paula's three children to her after 17 months in foster care. She continues on five years' probation.
