Yvette Nicole Brown stars as the sweet but opinionated Shirley in NBC's returning comedy series "Community."

As a young girl growing up in East Cleveland, Ohio, Brown dreamed of a career on stage and screen. She began her entertainment career as a recording artist while still in her teens. After an impromptu audition for Michael Bivins of New Edition, she was instantly signed to Motown Records.

Brown was featured on the Motown album "The East Coast Family Vol.1," which included the Top 20 single, "1-4-All-4-1." As a part of the East Coast Family, Brown appeared on MTV, "Showtime at the Apollo," VH1 and BET, while completing coursework that led to a BFA degree from the University of Akron.

Brown has emerged as one of the most active character actresses in Hollywood, highlighted by memorable appearances on numerous hit TV shows, including "Psych," "House," "Entourage," "The Office," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Two and a Half Men," "Malcolm in the Middle," and "That '70s Show." In addition, she has had recurring roles on "Boston Legal," "Girlfriends," "Sleeper Cell," "Half & Half" and "Drake & Josh."

In 2004, Brown made her feature film debut opposite Brittany Murphy, Holly Hunter and Kathy Bates in the hit romantic comedy "Little Black Book." She quickly followed that film with an appearance in the Michael Bay action film "The Island," co-starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. Additional film credits include the Academy Award-winning adaptation of "Dreamgirls," the comedy "The Kid & I," "Meet Dave," "Tropic Thunder," "The Ugly Truth," "Repo Men," and "500 Days of Summer."

Last summer, Brown was seen in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters," where she played one of the mythical three fates.

Most recently, Brown has become one of the most sought after talk show personalities, appearing in a season-long stint on "The Jeff Probst Show." She has also guest hosted on "The Chew" and "Anderson Cooper," and has become a fan favorite on the popular "Talking Dead" with Chris Hardwick.

Aside from her work on "Community," Brown can be heard every Saturday as Cookie on the cartoon "Pound Puppies."

Brown currently resides in Los Angeles.