Brief Introduction of June Diane Raphael
June Diane Raphael is a multifaceted American actress, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and activist. She is widely recognized for her starring role as Brianna Hanson in the long-running Netflix series Grace and Frankie, as well as for her work in comedy programs like Burning Love and Adult Swim’s NTSF:SD:SUV::. A prolific writer and performer, she co-wrote and starred in the film Ass Backwards with her longtime collaborator Casey Wilson and also co-wrote the hit comedy Bride Wars. Beyond the screen, Raphael is a prominent voice in the podcasting world, co-hosting the popular movie-discussion podcast How Did This Get Made? and The Deep Dive. Her work frequently champions strong, multidimensional female characters, and she is a dedicated activist for female empowerment and political engagement.
June Diane Raphael Overview
| Full Name | June Diane Raphael |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1980 |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Rockville Centre, New York, U.S. |
| Parents | John and Diane Raphael |
| Siblings | Two older sisters, Lauren and Deanna |
| Husband/Spouse | Paul Scheer (m. 2009) |
| Children | Two sons, Gus and Sam |
| Height | 5′ 8½” (174 cm) |
| Profession | Actress, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer, Activist |
| Net Worth | Approximately $4 million (combined with husband Paul Scheer) |
Early Life and Education of June Diane Raphael
June Diane Raphael was born on January 4, 1980, in Rockville Centre, a town on Long Island, New York. She was raised there by her parents, John and Diane Raphael, in an Irish-American Catholic family. She is the youngest of three daughters, with two older sisters named Lauren and Deanna. Raphael attended South Side High School, graduating in 1998.
Following high school, Raphael moved to New York City to pursue her passion for acting. She enrolled at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. During her time at NYU, she also studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. It was in a clowning class during her freshman year at NYU that she met her close friend and future creative partner, Casey Wilson. After graduating from NYU in 2002, Raphael and Wilson began studying improvisational comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre in New York City, a pivotal step that would launch their careers in comedy.
June Diane Raphael’s Career
Upright Citizens Brigade and Early Career
Raphael began her career in comedy writing and performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre, first in New York and later in Los Angeles. Her most notable work at UCB was the long-running two-woman sketch show, Rode Hard and Put Away Wet, which she co-wrote and performed with Casey Wilson. The show was a critical success, running from 2003 to 2006, and was an official selection at the 2005 US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado. This comedic partnership proved fruitful, and the duo won the ECNY Award for “Best Comedy Duo” in 2005.
Screenwriting and Film Career
The success of their stage show opened doors for Raphael and Wilson in Hollywood. They were hired by New Regency Pictures to write their first screenplay, the 2009 comedy Bride Wars, starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. Raphael and Wilson also appeared in supporting roles in the film. This marked their successful transition into screenwriting. They continued their writing partnership with the 2013 Sundance Film Festival entry Ass Backwards, a road comedy in which they also starred as two clueless friends on a cross-country journey. The film featured a notable ensemble cast, including Alicia Silverstone and Bob Odenkirk.
As an actress, Raphael has built an extensive filmography. Her early film credits include roles in critically acclaimed films like David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007) and comedies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) and Year One (2009). She has consistently appeared in supporting roles in major comedies, including Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Going the Distance (2010), Unfinished Business (2015), Blockers (2018), and Long Shot (2019). She also had roles in the Oscar-nominated film The Disaster Artist (2017) and the holiday movie 8-Bit Christmas (2021).
Television Stardom
Raphael has had a prolific career in television, with numerous guest appearances and recurring roles. She is perhaps best known for her starring role as Brianna Hanson, the sharp-witted and entrepreneurial daughter of Jane Fonda‘s character, in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Grace and Frankie (2015-2022). Her performance on the show was widely praised.
Before Grace and Frankie, she was a main cast member on the Adult Swim action-comedy series NTSF:SD:SUV:: (2011-2013) and the parody web series Burning Love (2012-2013). She has also had memorable recurring roles on shows like New Girl, where she played Dr. Sadie, a lesbian gynecologist friend of the main character, and the animated series American Dad! and Big Mouth. Her other television credits include appearances on Party Down, Happy Endings, Flight of the Conchords, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Abbott Elementary.
Podcasting and Other Ventures
Beyond acting and writing, Raphael is a successful podcast host. She co-hosts the widely popular podcast How Did This Get Made? with her husband, Paul Scheer, and fellow comedian Jason Mantzoukas. On the podcast, the hosts and guests humorously dissect and try to make sense of bad movies. She also co-hosts the podcast The Deep Dive with her best friend, Jessica St. Clair, where they explore a variety of topics from motherhood to feminism.
Raphael has also performed on stage, joining the rotating cast of the Off-Broadway play Love, Loss, and What I Wore in 2010. She and Casey Wilson also created the comedic stage show The Realest Real Housewives, which ran at the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles.
June Diane Raphael Personal Life & Family
June Diane Raphael is married to actor, comedian, and writer Paul Scheer. The couple met in January 2004 when the artistic director of the UCB Theatre in Manhattan brought Scheer in to offer advice to Raphael and Casey Wilson on their sketch show. They began dating and moved from New York to Los Angeles together in 2005. They married in October 2009 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Raphael and Scheer have two sons. Their first son, August (often called Gus), was born in May 2014. Their second son, Sam, was born in August 2016. The couple often collaborates on professional projects, including the podcast How Did This Get Made? and the TV series NTSF:SD:SUV::. Raphael has expressed her happiness in her marriage and family life, stating she had no desire to be single after what she humorously referred to as the “dark days” of her 20s.
Awards and Achievements of June Diane Raphael
While a comprehensive list of awards is not readily available, June Diane Raphael has received recognition for her work. In 2005, she and her comedy partner Casey Wilson won the ECNY Award for “Best Comedy Duo” for their UCB sketch show Rode Hard and Put Away Wet. Their film Ass Backwards was an official selection at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the Vail Film Festival the same year. Her work on popular and critically acclaimed shows like Grace and Frankie and her successful podcasts are also significant achievements in her career.
June Diane Raphael Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, June Diane Raphael’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This figure is often cited as a combined net worth with her husband, Paul Scheer. Her income is derived from her diverse career, including her work as an actress in film and television, her screenwriting projects, and her popular podcasts. In 2019, she and Scheer listed their Los Feliz home for $1.499 million, which they had purchased six years prior for $1.05 million.
Legacy and Influence
June Diane Raphael has established herself as a significant and versatile talent in the comedy world. Her work often focuses on creating and portraying strong, complex, and “messy” female characters, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the fullness of women’s lives. Beyond her artistic contributions, Raphael is a dedicated activist. In 2019, she co-authored the book Represent: The Woman’s Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World, an inspiring and practical guide to encourage more women to enter politics. She has been actively involved in political advocacy, participating in Jane Fonda’s “Fire Drill Fridays” to demand action on climate change and supporting organizations like the National Women’s Law Center. In 2017, she co-founded The Jane Club, a community and co-working space in Los Angeles designed to support working mothers by providing childcare and a supportive network, which has since expanded to a digital platform.
Interesting Facts about June Diane Raphael
- She first met her longtime creative partner, Casey Wilson, in a clowning class at New York University.
- The popular podcast How Did This Get Made? was inspired by a trip she and her friends, including Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas, took to see the movie Old Dogs.
- She played softball in middle school and had to have a special batting helmet made to fit her head.
- Raphael is an active supporter of numerous charities, including Oceana and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
- She has been a vocal advocate for various causes, using her platform to encourage voting and civic engagement.
Controversies
There are no widely reported significant controversies associated with June Diane Raphael. She is known for her outspoken and politically active nature, using her platform to advocate for causes she believes in, but this has not led to major public disputes.
Social Media Presence
June Diane Raphael maintains an active presence on social media, where she engages with fans and promotes her projects and activist work. She uses platforms like Instagram to share personal moments, career updates, and her political views, often with a comedic touch. While specific follower counts fluctuate, she has a significant online following.
Final Words about June Diane Raphael
June Diane Raphael’s career is a testament to her immense talent and versatility. From her beginnings in improv comedy to her success as an actress, screenwriter, and podcaster, she has consistently created memorable and impactful work. Her role as Brianna Hanson on Grace and Frankie solidified her status as a beloved comedic actress, and her ongoing work in film and television continues to showcase her range. Equally important is her dedication to activism and community building, using her voice and resources to empower women and advocate for political and social change. As she continues to take on new projects, both on-screen and off, June Diane Raphael’s influence as a multifaceted artist and advocate remains undeniable.
