Stephanie Courtney has become a household name thanks to her portrayal of Flo, the ever-enthusiastic and quirky spokesperson for Progressive Insurance. While many recognize her from countless commercials, Courtney’s journey to success is an inspiring tale of perseverance, talent, and dedication to her craft. Now 55 years old (as of 2025), she has built an impressive net worth of $6 million and continues to be one of the most recognizable faces in advertising.
Early Life: A Passion for Performance from the Start
Born on February 8, 1970, in Stony Point, New York, Stephanie Courtney grew up as the youngest of three children in a supportive and artistic household. Her father was a high school history teacher, and her mother was a singer, a combination that perhaps foreshadowed her ability to captivate audiences.
Courtney always had her heart set on a career in entertainment. She attended Binghamton University, where she earned a degree in English while also nurturing her love for acting. One of her standout performances was as Elizabeth Proctor in the university’s production of The Crucible. From that moment on, she knew acting wasn’t just a dream—it was her future.
From Secretary to Stand-Up Comedy and Sketch Success
After college, Courtney moved to New York City, determined to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Like many aspiring artists, she took a day job to pay the bills, working as a secretary for Robert F. Greenhill, the Chairman of Smith Barney, while studying acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse.
Her true passion, however, was comedy. Courtney eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she and her sister, Jennifer, performed their sketch show, Those Courtney Girls, at comedy clubs and later at the Aspen Comedy Festival. She joined the renowned improv group The Groundlings, where she trained extensively before becoming a full-fledged member in 2004.
It was during her time at The Groundlings that she met Scott Kolanach, the theater’s lighting director. The two hit it off and tied the knot in 2008. Their relationship has remained strong over the years, with Kolanach being one of her biggest supporters in both life and career.
The Role That Changed Everything: Flo from Progressive
Courtney had been booking commercial work sporadically, often landing just one ad per year. However, in 2008, her career took a dramatic turn when she was cast as Flo for Progressive Insurance. Little did she know, this gig would make her a cultural phenomenon.
Flo quickly became one of the most recognizable advertising characters in the world, with her signature retro look, upbeat personality, and witty one-liners. The character’s popularity soared, leading to a long-term campaign that has been running for over a decade.
With her immense success, Courtney’s earnings skyrocketed. As of 2025, she earns around $1 million per year for her work as Flo. However, taking into account additional payments, residuals, and exclusivity deals, her annual earnings are estimated to be closer to $2 million. That steady paycheck has contributed to her impressive $6 million net worth, proving that a great commercial gig can be just as lucrative as a television or film career.
Beyond Flo: Acting in TV and Film
While Flo remains her most well-known role, Courtney has had an extensive career in television and film. She has appeared in hit TV shows such as Mad Men, The Goldbergs, Everybody Loves Raymond, ER, The United States of Tara, and Blades of Glory. She even lent her voice to the animated series Tom Goes to the Mayor.
She has also worked with major brands outside of Progressive, including Skittles, General Mills, and Wienerschnitzel. These additional projects have further cemented her place as one of the most successful commercial actors in the industry.
Life Beyond the Camera: Family and Personal Interests
Despite her Hollywood success, Stephanie Courtney maintains a relatively private life. She and her husband, Scott Kolanach, have built a quiet life together in Los Angeles, focusing on their careers and personal happiness.
She has often spoken about the support she’s received from her family, crediting them for helping her navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. While she prefers to keep much of her personal life out of the public eye, it’s clear that she values stability and close relationships above all else.
