When you think about Hollywood success stories, Mandy Steckelberg’s path stands out for all the right reasons. Now working under the name Mandy Fabian, she’s carved out a unique space in the film industry that’s both inspiring and refreshingly authentic. What makes her story particularly compelling isn’t just the accolades or the high-profile projects, but the genuine commitment to telling stories that matter.
Early Life and Comedy Beginnings
You wouldn’t expect a future Hollywood director to emerge from a tiny Texas town without a single stoplight, but that’s exactly where Mandy Steckelberg got her start. Her early years were spent in central Texas, where entertainment options were limited but imagination wasn’t.
Austin became her first real taste of the bigger world. The city’s comedy scene welcomed her with open arms, and she quickly proved she belonged there.
At an age when most people are still figuring out their direction, Steckelberg had already become the youngest member of a professional sketch comedy troupe. It was the kind of early success that hinted at bigger things to come.
When it came time for college, she made a choice that probably had her parents scratching their heads. Vassar College and a film major seemed like a risky combination, but she was already thinking several steps ahead.
The New York City Performance Years
New York City was where Steckelberg really cut her teeth as a performer. She threw herself into the downtown scene, working venues that were definitely cooler than she was – her words, not ours.
The city offered everything she was looking for: sketch comedy, improv, theater work. Each experience taught her something new about connecting with audiences and developing characters.
But she wasn’t just focused on performance. During this time, she also pursued her musical side, creating three albums and even performing on the capitol steps. Talk about range.
All these different creative outlets were building toward something bigger. The skills she was developing – understanding timing, reading audiences, crafting narratives – would prove invaluable when she eventually moved behind the camera.
Los Angeles Transition and Career Evolution
Moving to Los Angeles marked another chapter in Steckelberg’s evolving story. One of her first big purchases? A horse. You can take the girl out of Texas, but apparently, you can’t take Texas out of the girl.
She continued her music career initially, building on what she’d started in New York. But LA has a way of opening up new possibilities, and she began to feel the pull toward writing and directing.
The transition wasn’t overnight – these things rarely are. But gradually, she found herself more drawn to the creative control that came with being behind the camera rather than in front of it.
It was also during this period that she met Patrick Fabian, the actor who would become both her life partner and creative collaborator. Sometimes the best things happen when you’re not looking for them.
Television Breakthrough and Digital Innovation
When Steckelberg finally made her move into television, she didn’t just dip her toes in the water – she dove headfirst. Co-creating and directing “The Young Hillary Diaries” put her on the map as Lifetime’s first digital series creator.
This wasn’t just about getting her foot in the door; it was about recognizing where the industry was heading. Digital content was still relatively new territory, but she saw the potential early on.
Her work on “Dropping the Soap” for Amazon proved she had staying power. When the series won Jane Lynch an Emmy for Best Actress in a Short Form Original in 2017, it validated Steckelberg’s instincts about quality storytelling.
She also spent time as a story editor on Showtime’s “Web Therapy” during its fourth season. Each project taught her something different about the business, from digital innovation to traditional television production.
Feature Film Success with “Jess Plus None”
Everything Steckelberg had been working toward came together with “Jess Plus None,” her feature directorial debut. This wasn’t just another indie film – it was a statement about the kind of stories she wanted to tell.
Getting a New Narratives grant from Warner Bros One-Fifty was huge. When a major studio backs your vision, it means they believe in what you’re doing.
The film also earned the WIF ReFrame Stamp, which recognizes projects that achieve gender balance in hiring. For someone who’s been advocating for women in film, this recognition felt particularly meaningful.
“Jess Plus None” premiered at the 2023 BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, where it was described as a modern take on “The Big Chill” with a feminist twist. Not a bad way to introduce your first feature to the world.
Championing Female Voices in Hollywood
Steckelberg’s commitment to supporting women in film goes way beyond her own projects. Her fellowship with the Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directing Program shows she’s serious about creating opportunities for others.
When NewFilmmakers LA named her “Best New Filmmaker of the Year,” it wasn’t just about her talent – it was recognition of her broader impact on the industry.
Her screenplay “Late Bloomer” caught attention for featuring LGBTQ+ characters and women over 60, demographics that don’t get nearly enough screen time. The script’s selection for the NYWIFT Meryl Streep/Oprah Winfrey Writers Lab proved there’s hunger for these stories.
Being chosen to lead an all-female crew for the Women’s Weekend Film Challenge was another chance to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. These aren’t just feel-good initiatives – they’re about changing how the industry operates.
Personal Life and Family Balance
Valentine’s Day 2009 became extra special for Steckelberg when she married Patrick Fabian. Taking his name professionally as Mandy Fabian marked the beginning of a new chapter in both her personal and professional life.
Their daughter Abbey Ray arrived in September 2010, followed by Delilah. Suddenly, Fabian was juggling film projects with diaper changes and school runs.
Balancing a demanding career with motherhood is tough in any industry, but Hollywood presents its own unique challenges. Fabian has managed to keep her creative momentum going while being present for her daughters.
The family splits time between Los Angeles and London, giving the girls exposure to different cultures and perspectives. It’s the kind of international lifestyle that reflects how global the entertainment industry has become.
Future Projects and Industry Impact
Looking ahead, Fabian shows no signs of slowing down. Her approach to filmmaking – prioritizing gender balance and authentic storytelling – is becoming more mainstream, which suggests she was ahead of the curve.
Her focus on stories featuring older women and LGBTQ+ characters addresses real gaps in representation. These aren’t niche interests anymore; they’re audiences that have been underserved for too long.
The success of “Jess Plus None” has opened doors for bigger projects. With her track record and industry recognition, it’s likely we’ll see more ambitious work from her in the coming years.
What’s most impressive about Fabian’s journey from Mandy Steckelberg to where she is today isn’t just the name change or the career evolution. It’s how she’s used her platform to create opportunities for others while staying true to her own creative vision. In an industry that often rewards playing it safe, she’s chosen to take risks that matter.
