The actress, comedian, singer, and author Sandra Bernhard turns 69 today
Bernhard’s critically acclaimed one-woman shows, such as “Without You I’m Nothing” have been instrumental in blending comedy, music, and social commentary
The actress, comedian, singer, and author Sandra Bernhard turns 69 today
The multi-talented American actress, comedian, singer, and author Sandra Bernhard, was born on June 6, 1955, in Flint, Michigan. Known for her acerbic wit and fearless performances, Bernhard has built a diverse career in entertainment, marked by her distinctive voice and sharp social commentary.
Sandra Bernhard grew up in a Conservative Jewish family in Flint before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, during her teenage years. After high school, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she initially worked as a manicurist while pursuing her passion for comedy. Bernhard began performing stand-up in small clubs, quickly gaining a reputation for her bold and biting comedic style.
Bernhard’s big break came in the early 1980s when she joined “The Richard Pryor Show,” showcasing her talent on a national platform. However, her most significant rise to fame was her role in Martin Scorsese’s film “The King of Comedy” (1982), where she played Masha, a crazed fan obsessed with Jerry Lewis’s character. This performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a fearless and versatile performer.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Bernhard continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. She was a frequent guest on “Late Night with David Letterman” and had recurring roles in television series such as “Roseanne,” where she played Nancy Bartlett, one of the first openly lesbian recurring characters on American television.
Bernhard’s critically acclaimed one-woman shows, such as “Without You I’m Nothing” (1988), which was later adapted into a film, have been instrumental in blending comedy, music, and social commentary. These performances have allowed her to address issues ranging from celebrity culture to politics with her trademark humor and insight.
She has also released several albums and written books, including “Confessions of a Pretty Lady” and “May I Kiss You on the Lips, Miss Sandra?”
Sandra Bernhard continues to perform her one-woman shows and tours regularly. Since 2015, she has hosted the radio show “Sandyland” on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, where she interviews a wide range of guests and discusses current events with her characteristic wit. Additionally, she has made guest appearances on television shows like “Pose,” where she played Nurse Judy Kubrak, a role that has brought her renewed attention and praise and “American Horror Story.”
Sandra Bernhard is openly bisexual and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career. She has a daughter, Cicely Yasin Bernhard, born in 1998, with her longtime partner, Sara Switzer. Bernhard resides in New York City, where she remains actively involved in both the entertainment scene and social advocacy.
Watch Sandra Bernhard in action on Gotham Comedy Live, 2022
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