A Childhood in Chattanooga
Karen Mills was born in Cleveland, Tennessee, but it was in Chattanooga that she found her roots and developed her love for sports. Known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, Chattanooga is home to various outdoor activities and a continuously growing art scene. Once a small town, Chattanooga has now become a popular tourist destination.
Karen’s life always revolved around athletics. Her family life was steeped in sports culture, with basketball being her passion from an early age. Despite her height of only 5’2″, which many considered a disadvantage, Karen’s skill and determination shone through. By the fifth grade, she was already starting for her eighth-grade team, proving that her talent and hard work could overcome any perceived limitations.
Her dedication paid off when she earned a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where she led the nation in assists in 1981. She helped the team earn Division 1 first-team All-American, making them the first in UTC history to earn the distinction. Her basketball prowess and relentless effort for her team at Chattanooga earned her a place in the Chattanooga Basketball Hall of Fame, and her #12 uniform was respectfully retired as a testament to her exceptional talent and tenacity.
From Hoops to Humor
After college, Karen found herself searching for her next calling. Though she pursued a degree, it wasn’t a perfect fit for her. She moved between jobs, looking for something that resonated with her spirit. It was during this period that Karen began to explore her talent for humor.
Stand-up comedy is something that many strive for, but it takes hard work and a willingness to fail—a lot—to truly make it work as a career. Plus, a little natural talent always helps, too. For Karen, her start in comedy came from a performance at The Punchline in Atlanta, Georgia, which brought her the recommendation that she take a class on writing original material. This was new for her. Starting out, Karen had great confidence and presence on stage, but she didn’t have the skills yet to create her own routine. After a few writing classes and many practice sessions, in 1993, Karen began performing her own comedy act, quickly becoming known for her witty observations and infectious energy.
Karen has performed beside fellow comedian and friend Leanne Morgan since they met in 2004 during a “Southern Fried Chicks” comedy tour. Their friendship has lasted over twenty years. Even now, they’re on a 100-city tour together!
Throughout her comedy career, Karen has created quite a resume of accomplishments and performances. She’s opened for Leanne Morgan at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, been part of Nate Bargatze’s “Nateland Presents” show and performed multiple times at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Many of her online clips from her shows rake in over 30 million views. It’s safe to say she’s pretty funny.
What makes Karen’s comedy routine and sense of humor so appealing is her natural approach to life’s often dark realities. She’s well known for her straightforward approach to life, living by the mantra, “if you want something, start working toward it,” all while making smart, funny and keen observations about life’s day-to-day events. This simple “keep moving forward” mentality helps Karen persevere, especially when life loses its sense of humor.
Facing Cancer
In 2013, Karen’s life took an unexpected turn. What she initially thought were menopause symptoms turned out to be something far more serious—a cancerous mass in her abdomen discovered during a routine checkup. The news was a shock, but Karen faced it head-on, determined not to let her ovarian cancer diagnosis define her. She had two shows scheduled before her surgery and planned to go through with them, but anxiety led her to prioritize her health. She had a friend stand in for one of her gigs, allowing her to undergo surgery sooner than expected.
Karen’s approach to her diagnosis was practical and forward-looking. “What’s next? How do we get back to normal life?” she asked, embodying her refusal to be sidelined by the disease.
Laughing With Joy
Throughout her battle with cancer, Karen’s support system proved invaluable. Initially, she struggled with vulnerability, but this journey taught her the strength found in openness. She saw her experience as a way to help others, asking, “Why me?” in terms of how she could use her situation to move forward positively. She found humor in both the good and the bad, incorporating her experiences into her comedy, resonating with many who had also been touched by cancer.
Karen emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and having faith in miracles. This mindset, she believes, is crucial for healing and moving forward. Even during her battle with cancer, she kept her act going! She kept moving forward, continuing to perform, making people—and often herself—laugh with joy to make the challenges of life feel a little less harsh.
Sharing Struggles, Finding Strength
One poignant moment in Karen’s journey came when she performed at a women’s health event, not knowing it was focused on survivors. Despite her natural inclination to keep her struggles private, she shared her medical condition with the audience. The overwhelming support and love she received, during and after the show, highlighted the incredible impact of vulnerability. This experience underscored the power of sharing one’s struggles and the difference it can make. By opening up, Karen discovered the importance of emotional support and positive connections, which can uplift and strengthen us during life’s toughest challenges, making the journey toward healing a shared, empowering experience.
An Everlasting Spirit
Even after a recurrence in 2019, Karen has continued to bring joy and laughter to her audiences for over 30 years now. She doesn’t believe in succumbing to doom and gloom. Instead, she keeps moving forward, inspiring others with her story of resilience, humor and positivity. Karen’s journey from basketball to comedy showcases her versatility and dedication, demonstrating how she has continually reinvented herself while staying true to her passions. Her ability to transition from an accomplished athlete to a celebrated comedian is a testament to her determination and adaptability.
Karen continues to inspire others not just with her humor, but with her strength and ability to overcome adversity. Her story is a shining example of how one can face life’s challenges head-on and emerge stronger and more determined. She is a testament to the power of laughter, the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, no matter what life throws your way. By sharing her journey and finding humor in the darkest moments, Karen has touched countless lives, proving that with the right mindset, one can turn any obstacle into an opportunity for growth and inspiration.
Cancer is a Laughing Matter!
Karen was invited to share her story with TEDx through a presentation at TEDxChattanooga in 2016 titled, “Cancer is a Laughing Matter.” Check it out here for a taste of her hope and humor! TedxTalk
Not a member?
Join for FREE!
Enjoy encouraging, motivating, uplifting content created just for women like you, all from the health care name you trust: Franciscan Health.
