Wanda Sykes, recognized as one of the sharpest and most witty comedians in America, has enjoyed a diverse and successful career in entertainment. Celebrated by her peers and featured among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America, Sykes's stand-up has been the cornerstone of her wide-ranging career. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and raised in Maryland, Wanda Sykes graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Her comedy career took off after performing for the first time at a Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in Washington, DC, marking her debut in front of a live audience. She spent a significant part of her early career on HBO's acclaimed "Chris Rock Show," for which she served as both a performer and a writer. Her work on the show earned her three Primetime Emmy nominations, and she won the Emmy for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special" in 1999. Sykes's comedic prowess extends beyond her stand-up performances. She is widely recognized for her roles in film and television, having appeared alongside Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda in the New Line feature "Monster-In-Law." Her voice acting has been featured in animated films such as Dreamworks' "Over The Hedge" and Paramount Pictures' "The Barnyard." Additionally, Sykes co-starred with Luke Wilson and Uma Thurman in the romantic comedy "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" and appeared alongside Steve Carell in "Evan Almighty," the sequel to "Bruce Almighty." Her television credits include guest appearances on hit shows like "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and NBC's "Will and Grace." In 2003, Sykes wrote, produced, and starred in Fox's "Wanda at Large." Around the same time, she was seen in her own Comedy Central special, "Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied," and on the network's series "Wanda Does It," which showcased her attempting various non-showbiz jobs. Sykes has also made memorable appearances on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and lent her voice to Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers" as the character Gladys Murphy. In addition to her performance career, Sykes authored her first book, "Yeah, I Said It," published in September 2004 by Simon and Schuster. This hilarious collection of essays touches on an array of topics, including life, family, and current events. Throughout her career, Sykes has been recognized with numerous accolades. In 2001, she won the American Comedy Award for "Outstanding Female Stand Up Comic." She earned two more Emmys, in 2002 and 2004, for her work on "Inside the NFL." In 2003, Comedy Central honored her with a Commie Award for "Funniest TV Actress." Wanda Sykes's talent as a comedian and her versatile contributions to television, film, and writing continue to solidify her status as a pioneering figure in the world of comedy.