Hasan Minhaj, an outspoken, left-leaning political comedian, was born on September 23, 1985, in Davis, California, to Muslim parents from Aligarh, India. His comedy and political views are deeply influenced by his experiences of growing up as an Indian-American in the seemingly progressive Bay Area. During the first eight years of his life, Minhaj was primarily in the company of his strict, overwhelmed father while his mother was studying medicine in India, an experience that shaped his perspective and comedic voice.
Minhaj pursued a degree in political science at the University of California, Davis, where he began to hone his comedic craft by traveling regularly to San Francisco for performances. His talent was recognized early when he won a San Francisco radio comedy competition, a victory that opened up opportunities for him to work as an opening act for well-known comedians like Katt Williams, Pablo Francisco, and Gabriel Iglesias.
In 2009, Minhaj moved to Los Angeles, a pivotal step in his career. There, he hosted several television programs, including the Bill and Melinda Gates-funded documentary "Stand Up Planet" and MTV's "Failosophy." He also created his own web series, "The Truth with Hasan Minhaj," and made guest appearances on shows like the fourth season of "Arrested Development" and HBO's "Getting On."
Minhaj's career took a significant leap on November 19, 2014, when he became one of the final correspondents hired on "The Daily Show" before Jon Stewart's departure. Known for his role as the 'Brown Person' or 'Muslim' correspondent, Minhaj adeptly used humor to address complex cultural and political issues, often highlighting the absurdity of being expected to speak for billions as a sole representative.
His success on "The Daily Show" led to his selection as the host for the 2017 White House Correspondents' Dinner, where he famously criticized the absent President Trump and made impassioned calls for stronger gun control and a more vigilant free press. Minhaj's stand-up special, "Homecoming King," which is available on Netflix, draws from his 2015 off-Broadway show of the same name and offers a poignant exploration of his life and identity.
Currently residing in New York with his wife, Beena Minhaj, Hasan continues to use comedy as a platform to challenge and entertain audiences worldwide.