A native of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Crista Flanagan received her Bachelor of Science in Theatre from the University of Evansville, and then her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine. After completing her degrees, Flanagan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, writing and teaching.

During this time, Crista created and performed a live sketch show called But Wait…I Have Impressions, (she did not have impressions), which soon led to a five-season series regular role on FOX’s late night comedy sketch show, MADtv, where she also participated heavily in the writing for the show.

While shooting MADtv, Crista worked on the films Epic Movie, Meet the Spartans and Disaster Movie.

Around this time, Crista was cast as secretary Lois Sadler on AMC’s Mad Men. She appeared in the first three seasons and is most remembered for the damage she caused riding a John Deere tractor. As part of the Mad Men, ensemble, she received a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, twice.

 Crista’s television credits include Hello Ladies, Trophy Wife, Buzzy’s, Key and Peele, 2 Broke Girls, Last Man Standing, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Brothers and Sisters, Big Time Rush, and Cougar Town. Crista has also done numerous web series (Hope is Emo), short films (Buried Treasure), and voiceovers (Star Wars: The Old Republic).