Rachel Dratch's journey began in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she spent her formative years. Following her graduation from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor's degree in Drama and Psychology, she relocated to Chicago, where she had the privilege of studying under the guidance of the renowned Del Close at Improvolympic. As a member of the esteemed house team "Victim's Family", she collaborated with the talented Adam McKay.
Rachel's impressive résumé includes touring with the Second City Touring Company and eventually ascending to the Second City Mainstage, where she took part in four notable revues: "Pinata Full of Bees", "Citizen Gates", "Paradigm Lost", and "Promisekeepers Losers Weepers". For the latter two productions, she received the prestigious Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Revue.
After leaving the mainstage, Rachel co-created and performed in the critically acclaimed two-person sketch show "Dratch and Fey" alongside the brilliant Tina Fey. The show was showcased at Second City, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in NYC, and the Aspen Comedy Festival.
In the fall of 1999, Rachel joined the esteemed cast of Saturday Night Live (1975),where she made a lasting impact over the course of seven remarkable years. Her memorable characters include the iconic Boston teen Denise, the Lovers professors alongside Will Ferrell, junior high school student Sheldon, and the endearingly pessimistic Debbie Downer.