Yasmin Elhady doesn’t say no to herself
Yasmin Elhady is a comedian and attorney who has toured all over the US and UK. She’s performed at The Kennedy Center and will be featured on NBC’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park in January 2022. You can catch her standup comedy on TikTok (100k+ followers) and her comedic skits on IG (@yasminelhahahady). She’s also been featured on NPR, The Washington Post, and in Vice Media’s book “Little America: Incredible True Stories of Immigrants in America,” which was later turned into an Apple TV+ series by Kumail Nanjiani. She was named a 2022 “Yes, And…Laughter Lab” finalist in 2022 for her 1-hour comedy special.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
This is not your show, sir. I know you’re white and privileged, but this is not your show. I’m an angry Arab woman. #TimesUp
Please briefly describe your worst gig.
Oh man, a gig with a bunch of Male Muslim scholars in the first 3 rows. That was a lot. They all were simply trying to avoid eye contact.
What were you like as a teen?
I was hilarious & strong. I used comedy to cope and make friends share in my humanity.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Don’t say no to yourself. Let them say no to you. And if they do, FUCK THEM.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Honestly, speaking with Zainab Johnson. I had the incredible privilege of touring with her.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
You get to figure out your style by trying different things that may make you uncomfortable. That discomfort is where growth happens.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
Stick to your jokes and material, no matter what reaction you get from the audience.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life, either recently or when you were younger?
It’s how people saw me as fully human.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
Probably the entire cast of SNL during the 90s but memorably, Chris Farley, Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, and Cheri Oteri.
What single word always cracks you up?
Poop. (duh.)