Wanda Sykes is not here to decode the chaos of the world so much as to laugh right through it—and invite everyone else to join in. Her latest tour, Please & Thank You, is a cross-country dose of comic therapy, rooted in hard truths and political candor, yet brimming with the sharp wit that’s kept Sykes on the cultural frontline for decades. At 61, she’s embracing the freedom that comes with career longevity, saying yes only to what feels right—and doing it with her signature blend of fire and finesse.
Sykes’ comedy pulls no punches, especially when it comes to politics. Whether addressing the Trump era or today’s cancel culture debates, she’s unfiltered but never aimless. Her voice resonates because it brings clarity to the noise—and lets her audience know they’re not crazy for feeling overwhelmed. If that means calling out hecklers or dissecting hypocrisy, she does it with finesse. For her, comedy isn’t just performance; it’s public service.
She’s earned that authority the hard way. While holding a day job at the NSA, Sykes chased stand-up gigs by night, eventually scoring a slot opening for Chris Rock. That short stint turned into a pivotal career move when she joined The Chris Rock Show, launching her into the upper echelon of comedy. From there, she built a resume that spans stand-up specials, television, and film—though she jokes about maybe regretting Pootie Tang, with affection, of course.
Sykes has consistently broken ground. In 2009, she became the first Black woman and openly queer person to headline the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Her HBO special I’ma Be Me followed soon after, solidifying her place as a comedic force with cultural clout. She’s since become a frequent guest on shows hosted by liberal stalwarts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, who seek out her insights on everything from politics to public discourse.
Despite her prominence, Sykes avoids waxing poetic about the craft of comedy. She’s not one for long theoretical discussions. Her perspective is simple: “Just go tell your jokes.” That approach makes her critiques hit harder—like her disdain for American comics who accepted gigs in Saudi Arabia under censorship clauses. To Sykes, if you’re being paid not to speak freely, you’ve already lost the plot.
Beyond stand-up, she’s wrapping up the final season of The Upshaws, a Netflix sitcom she co-created and stars in. Sykes’ character, Lucretia, is a cane-using matriarch who finally starts putting herself first. The role is a meaningful one, subtly showing disability and wealth as part of real-life complexity. The show also navigates family dynamics, including LGBTQ+ storylines crafted with intention.
Sykes is also stepping into drama with Undercard, an indie film where she plays a former boxer turned trainer trying to reconnect with her estranged son. The role came not from ambition but from a director’s belief in her range—one that Sykes is increasingly eager to explore.
Of course, not all her milestones have gone as planned. The 2022 Oscars, which she co-hosted with Regina Hall and Amy Schumer, were overshadowed by the infamous on-stage altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock. Still, Sykes sees it as a career highlight—albeit one people sometimes forget she was even part of.
Even offstage, she makes a difference. For over 15 years, she’s supported the Ruth Ellis Center, a Detroit nonprofit for at-risk queer youth. Her early visit to their humble space left a lasting impression, and she’s since been a dedicated fundraiser, watching young lives transform—including one boy who is now part of the organization’s leadership.
Wanda Sykes has never needed to shout to be heard. But when she does speak, she makes it count. Whether through laughter, leadership, or lived experience, she reminds us that standing up for yourself—and others—can still be the funniest thing you do all day.