The Transformation Of Retta From Childhood To Parks And Recreation

Retta was born Marietta Sangai Sirleaf on April 12, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey. Her parents were Liberian immigrants and often had multiple family members, up to six people, living in a two-bedroom apartment. Even though they struggled financially, Retta turned to TV for solace in those times. Later on, her parents were able to move the family to a seven-bedroom home in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, which was a better environment, as per her interview with The Guardian. She also shares a family tree with the former president of Liberia and Novel Peace Prize winner, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, as per AmoMama. 

Despite her struggles in her youth, Retta seems to have made the best out of her high school years. She told the Guardian that she was very involved at school, including be a part of French club, calculus club, cheerleading, the wrestling team, and home-ec club.

"I was always silly in high school," Retta told Essence. "I used to always get in trouble because I was laughing." Retta's natural humor went on to be a major part of her career later in life.