Kate Berlant

Kate Elizabeth Méndez Berlant is a renowned American comedian, actress, and writer, known for her surrealist and absurdist style. Born in Los Angeles on July 16, 1987, she is the daughter of performer Helen (née Méndez) and artist Tony Berlant. Her ancestry includes Spanish, Israeli-Jewish, and Russian-Jewish roots. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and then a Master of Arts in performance studies from New York University, affirming her interest in performance and arts. Her career took off with a minor role in a TV show and soon catapulted her into many notable roles in films like Sorry to Bother You (2018) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Besides, she is known for her remarkable stand-up performances on The Tonight Show and The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail. Her involvement in the Netflix sketch comedy series The Characters in 2016 and her regular presence at the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival have also added great value to her comedic legacy.

Berlant's work alongside John Early, with whom she created the Vimeo original series 555, is yet another speck in her constellation of achievements. She enjoyed a major highlight in 2018 when she won the American version of Taskmaster. In 2022, she teamed up again with Early for the comedy special Would It Kill You to Laugh?, securing praise for their no-holds-barred surrealism. Her debut stand-up special, Cinnamon in the Wind, on Hulu has received rave reviews. In her personal life, she is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Additionally, she is openly lesbian and maintains a relationship with MUNA band member, Naomi McPherson.