Meet Pamela Adlon’s Parents: Don Segall and Marina L Segall

Pamela Adlon is an Emmy Award-winning actress, voice talent, writer, producer, and director.

She is recognized for her distinctive voice, candid storytelling, and compelling presence in both live-action and animated projects. Born on July 9, 1966, in New York City, she has built a multifaceted career in Hollywood that spans decades.

Adlon comes from a richly creative and culturally diverse background. Her father, Don Segall, was a television comedy writer and producer with roots in Russian and Ukrainian Jewish heritage. Her mother, Marina L. Segall, was born in England and raised Anglican before converting to Judaism after marrying Don. While Pamela proudly identifies with her Jewish heritage, she tends to keep her personal faith and religious practices private.

Growing up, Pamela split her time between New York City’s Carnegie House and Los Angeles, giving her early exposure to two of America’s most dynamic cultural hubs.

From a young age, she was immersed in the entertainment world, often accompanying her father to TV sets and radio studios. Her mother played a supportive and entrepreneurial role in the family, even running a clothing store to help provide stability.

Pamela began voice-over work at just nine years old, influenced by her father’s connections in radio. Her early experience in the industry laid the groundwork for a successful acting career, marked by appearances in films such as Grease 2 (1982) and the hit TV series The Facts of Life (1983–1984).

Behind Pamela’s success is the story of her parents—Don and Marina Segall—whose diverse cultural influences, creative passions, and unique parenting shaped her path.

Don Segall

Donald Maxwell “Don” Segall (1933–1994) was a gifted television writer, producer, and author whose eclectic career left a lasting impact on American entertainment. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a Jewish family with roots in Russia and Ukraine, Don grew up surrounded by rich cultural traditions that later informed his creative pursuits.

His professional journey spanned television, science fiction, comics, and pulp fiction. Don began his media career as a page at NBC, where he worked alongside future film producer Gilbert Cates.

He went on to produce The Dave Garroway Show, which later evolved into AM New York and eventually became the iconic Today Show. His behind-the-scenes expertise gave him a unique ability to connect with audiences through humour and heart.

Outside of television, Don was a prolific writer. He authored comic books, pulp sci-fi, and erotic fiction—often under playful pseudonyms like Troy Conway—demonstrating his fearless approach to storytelling and genre-bending. He also contributed episodes to popular series such as The Love Boat and Chico and the Man, showcasing his comedic range and ability to create relatable characters.

Don’s creativity had a profound influence on his daughter, Pamela Adlon. He often took her to sound stages and radio studios, where she was first introduced to voice-over work at the age of nine. Don‘s mantra—”always keep irons in the fire“—inspired Pamela’s own multi-hyphenate career in acting, writing, directing, and producing.

His bi-coastal lifestyle, moving between New York and Los Angeles, helped shape Pamela’s upbringing and exposed her to the pulse of both cities’ entertainment industries.

Marina L. Segall

Marina Lucy Segall (née Leece) was the spirited and resilient mother of Pamela Adlon, bringing her own rich cultural background to the family. Born in England and raised in the Anglican tradition, Marina later converted to Judaism after marrying Don Segall, whom she met during a charming encounter at a USO event in Paris.

Marina’s life was marked by adaptability and quiet strength. While Don pursued his often-unstable creative career, Marina stepped in as the family’s steady anchor.

She held a variety of roles—travel agent, reporter, and boutique owner—doing whatever was necessary to support her household. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident in the successful clothing store she ran in Los Angeles.

Known for her cheeky humour, artistic flair, and candid personality, Marina served as a real-life muse for Pamela. Her influence is reflected in the hit series Better Things, where the character of Phil, played by Celia Imrie, was inspired by Marina’s colourful spirit and blunt honesty. Marina’s love of painting added another layer to the family’s creative environment, further fueling Pamela’s appreciation for art in all its forms.

Marina was also Pamela’s biggest cheerleader—whether it was her daughter’s early acting gigs or her later success as a producer and showrunner. Her unwavering support and vivid personality helped shape Pamela’s voice, both on and off screen.

Marina passed away on August 28, 2018, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of strength, creativity, and deep maternal love. Her presence continues to echo in Pamela’s work and the close-knit family values portrayed throughout Better Things.