Take off the trademark headband and wash away a pound of makeup, and you might not recognize Flo, the super-peppy insurance cashier for Progressive.

Her real name is Stephanie Courtney, a comedian and actress from Los Angeles who has taken the insurance world by storm.

As Flo she was an overnight hit when Progressive introduced her in 2008. Four years later, she is one of the most recognizable characters in advertising. But did you know that you have probably seen her before?

We looked behind the white name badge to find out a little more about America's favorite female insurance character.