Did you know she speaks fluent French?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY NETFLIX
Wanda Sykes is a trailblazing comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit and fearless humour. Whether you’ve seen her stand-up specials, TV appearances, or film roles, she’s a household name in comedy. But beyond her on-screen persona, there are many fascinating aspects of her life that might surprise you. Here are six things you probably didn’t know about Wanda Sykes.
She once worked for the National Security Agency (NSA)
Before making a name for herself in the comedy world, Wanda Sykes had a very different career. After graduating from Hampton University with a degree in marketing, she worked for the National Security Agency (NSA). She spent five years as a contracting specialist for the government, managing contracts and dealing with classified information. However, the monotony of her job didn’t satisfy her creative side, leading her to eventually pursue a career in comedy.
She’s a multi-award winner
While Sykes is primarily known for her stand-up, her talents as a writer and performer have earned her multiple awards. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her writing on The Chris Rock Show in 1999, which helped launch her career as a comedian and writer. Over the years, she’s garnered several more Emmy nominations for her work in television. In addition to her Emmy accolades, Sykes has won prestigious awards from organisations like the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and GLAAD for her contributions to comedy and representation of the LGBTQIA community.
She’s a groundbreaker in LGBTQIA representation
Wanda Sykes came out as a lesbian in 2008 during a rally protesting California’s Proposition 8, a law aimed at banning same-sex marriage. This moment was significant both for her personally and for LGBTQIA representation in entertainment, as Sykes became one of the few high-profile Black lesbians in Hollywood. She’s been open about her journey as a member of the LGBTQIA community and has used her platform to advocate for equal rights and representation. Sykes is married to her wife, Alex Sykes, and they have two children together.
She is fluent in French
Wanda Sykes is not just a talented performer, she’s also multilingual! Sykes is fluent in French, thanks in part to her wife, Alex, who is of French descent. The couple divides their time between the US and France, and Sykes has mentioned in interviews that her children are also bilingual.
She was the first Black woman to host the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
In 2009, Wanda Sykes made history when she became the first Black woman (and only the second woman ever) to host the prestigious White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Known for its mix of comedy and political commentary, the event is an annual tradition in Washington, D.C. Sykes didn’t hold back during her performance, using her platform to critique politicians and the media with her signature biting humour.
She’s passionate about activism
Wanda Sykes is not just about making people laugh – she’s also an outspoken activist. Over the years, she’s advocated for various causes, including LGBTQIA rights, racial equality, and women’s rights. She’s been involved with organisations like PETA and GLAAD, using her voice to champion the issues she cares deeply about.
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I absolutely love Wanda Sykes