Her mother was a secretary and her father, Pete Barbolak, a former National Football League player, worked in Chicago for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
[1][2] At the age of 38, Barbolak saw an ad for a stand-up comedy class and decided to attend.
She quickly realized that making people laugh brought her more happiness and joy than she thought was possible.
After a few years of doing open mic, Barbolak was noticed by Mitzi Shore, owner of The Comedy Store, where she further developed her craft.
[2] She is married to Lou Brockman, a piano player at the Comedy Store where they met.