Mindy Kaling discusses acting hiatus and future plans, revealing why she’s been largely off-screen despite significant creative involvement in television over recent years. Speaking candidly at the Paley Media Council Series, the acclaimed comedy star opened up about her reasons for stepping back from acting and hinted at the possibility of an on-camera return soon.
Behind Mindy Kaling’s On-Screen Absence
Though once a familiar face in comedy, Mindy Kaling has not appeared frequently on screen in recent times. Her creative input remains strong, having created and written popular shows such as Never Have I Ever, Running Point, and The Sex Lives of College Girls. However, she has chosen to keep herself out of the spotlight, letting others take the lead roles in her new projects.
Her most recent film appearance was in the 2021 movie Locked Down, while her last small screen role came as a brief cameo in her own 2023 series, The Sex Lives of College Girls. During a discussion at the Paley Media Council, Kaling revealed that a long-standing superstition has played a major role in her decision not to cast herself in her shows. She explained,
“A show literally about an Indian American family in Southern California, and if I wasn’t on that—what’s wrong with me?”
—Mindy Kaling, speaking at Paley Media Council Series.
Superstition and Creative Choices
Kaling elaborated further,
“I think there is a part of me that feels a little superstitious. I’m like, these seem to have gone well and I’m not in them so maybe I’ll wait.”
—Mindy Kaling, speaking at Paley Media Council Series. This superstition has influenced her to stay behind the scenes, even as shows inspired by her own experiences, like Never Have I Ever, gained widespread attention. The absence puzzled some fans given the show’s personal connection to her Indian American upbringing in southern California.
Considering a Return to Acting
While focusing on her family life as a mom to three children, Kaling admitted to missing her time in front of the camera. She told the audience about her desire to star in something new that she would either write or co-create herself, noting the unique satisfaction of performing double duties on set. She called the experience of both writing and starring
“unbelievably fun and it’s so efficient.”
—Mindy Kaling, speaking at Paley Media Council Series.
Expressing her interest, Kaling said,
“I would love to do that again,”
—Mindy Kaling, speaking at Paley Media Council Series, and suggested that she may pursue this role
“maybe in the next couple years, when I launch a couple other things that are earlier in the pipeline, that would be something that would be fun to do again.”
—Mindy Kaling, speaking at Paley Media Council Series.
Continuing Work and What Lies Ahead
Mindy Kaling’s current project, the basketball-focused comedy series Running Point, is available to stream on Netflix and has already been renewed for a second season. Her creative output continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, showing that her talents as a writer and producer remain in high demand. As Kaling considers stepping back in front of the camera, her fans and collaborators await news about what projects she might take on, knowing her unique voice will continue shaping television’s comedic landscape.
