Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian, actress and writer, born on February 22, 1983, in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Emerson College in Boston, where she studied film and television production. Shlesinger began her career in entertainment as a stand-up comedian, and quickly gained popularity with her sharp wit, observational humor and relatable stories.
In 2008, Shlesinger won the sixth season of NBC’s reality competition show “Last Comic Standing,” which catapulted her to national fame. She subsequently released her first comedy special, “War Paint,” in 2013, which earned critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as one of the brightest stars in the comedy world. Since then, Shlesinger has released several more successful comedy specials, including “Freezing Hot” (2015), “Confirmed Kills” (2016) and “Elder Millennial” (2018), which are available on Netflix.
In addition to her stand-up comedy career, Shlesinger has also appeared in several films and television shows. She played the role of Erica in the 2013 comedy film “Paradise,” and has made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Chelsea Lately,” and “The Today Show.” Shlesinger also hosted her own late-night talk show, “Truth & Iliza,” on Freeform in 2017.
Shlesinger is known for her feminist and empowering approach to comedy, and frequently addresses issues such as gender, relationships and the struggles of modern life. She has also been a vocal advocate for mental health and body positivity, using her platform to encourage her fans to embrace their uniqueness and stand up to societal pressures.
Shlesinger has been honored with several awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the 2008 “Last Comic Standing” title, a Streamy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy in 2016 and a Peabody Award for her role in the 2020 sketch comedy series “Sketchy Times with Lilly Singh.” She continues to tour and perform stand-up comedy around the world and remains one of the most talented and dynamic comedians of her generation.
Catch her on tour today! Check out some of her shows below: