Gordon was born and raised in Los Angeles, to Jewish parents. She is the daughter of director Bryan Gordon and writer-director Jessie Nelson. She performed on the LA stage from a young age, and grew up with actor Ben Platt, with whom she starred in productions of Fiddler on the Roof at age four and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at age five. She regularly watched the sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live and attended performances by comedy troupe The Groundlings, leading her to an interest pursuing comedic acting. She portrayed Dot in her high school's performance of Sunday in the Park with George when she was 17. She did poorly on her SAT exam, but briefly attended New York University, leaving after two weeks due to dissatisfaction with her program. Her aunt, Davia Nelson, is one of The Kitchen Sisters, who are radio producers.
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