“All my wins are lessons and all my failures are lessons that will one day become wins.”
Tiffany Haddish, The Last Black Unicorn
Who’s the funniest person you know? How about the best writer? The best actor? The most committed founder? The hardest working not-for-profit professional?
For IGNITE, the answers to those questions are easy — because they’re all the same person: Tiffany Haddish.
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This multi-hyphenate performer has it all. She’s talented, she’s unique, she’s hilarious, she’s technically proficient, she’s a joy to be around and, in her own words, “She ready.”
In case you’re out-of-the-loop about her career, here are some reasons why this comic should be your new favourite:
1. She’s great with kids
Since 2019, Haddish has been the host of CBS‘s Kids Say the Darndest Things — and it’s made for some hilarious and heartfelt moments.
2. She founded a not-for-profit to support youth living in foster care
The She Ready Foundation was born out of Haddish’s own experience. Often, when moving from home to home, youth living in the foster care system have no choice but to put their belongings in garbage bags or pillowcases — leading them to feel “like the world has forgotten about [them].” And, because the government invests less than half of what it costs to raise a child, many youth transitioning out of foster care will experience homelessness and struggle to establish a community and career.
So, the She Ready Foundation leverages collaborative partnerships to provide suitcases to youth moving from home to home, support their mental health and kickstart their careers as they transition out of the foster care system. In Haddish’s own words,
“Every child who is removed from their parents deserves to have a suitcase, a safe place to lay their head, and a platform to follow their dreams.”
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3. She’s a New York Times bestselling author
Netflix specials aren’t the only way for you to get your fill of Haddish’s one-of-a-kind storytelling — she’s also published a bestselling collection of personal essays.
Titled The Last Black Unicorn, Haddish’s book chronicles the story of her life — from growing up in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, to honing her comedic prowess by making the other foster kids she lived with laugh, to working as her school’s mascot and as an “energy producer” at bar mitzvahs, to, of course, becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved stand-ups. And, it does it all in a tone unique to Haddish: “humble, grateful, down-to-earth, and funny as hell.”
Time to update your Goodreads account.
4. She’s was the first Black female comedian to host Saturday Night Live
Although this should have happened long before 2017, Haddish was the first to do it. And, she absolutely nailed it — critics agree.
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5. She won an Emmy award
For her performance on SNL. We told you critics agree she nailed it.
Her 2019 comedy special Black Mitzvah was also nominated. It didn’t take home the Emmy — but it did score her a Grammy award.
6. She was the best part of Girls Trip
Widely regarded as her breakout role, Haddish’s performance as Dina in the 2017 smash comedy Girls Trip had us laughing all the way home from the theatre. And for the rest of the night.
7. She did the last four things all in one year
Yes, really.
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Now that you’re on the Tiffany Haddish train — because, let’s be honest, with all these reasons to be a fan, how could you not be — come see her in person at her IGNITE Real Talks on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m.!
When you reserve your ticket, you’re securing yourself a spot to hear from Haddish directly as she walks you through her own career journey and gives you tips to kickstart your own. With experience in stand-up comedy, film and television, authorship, voice-over, not-for-profit and entrepreneurial work, it’s certain Haddish will have anecdotes relevant to your goals no matter what program you’re in.
Plus, the performer’s intoxicating energy and unmatched storytelling finesse will have you engaged all night long — regardless of what she’s talking about, Tiffany Haddish knows how to make it entertaining.
Sign up for Tiffany Haddish’s Real Talks and get ready (because she sure is!) for a compelling and informative evening you’ll never forget.
Blew through Tiffany Haddish’s book in one day? We don’t blame you. Try these student-friendly reads next!
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