Who is Sarah Sherman, and why is she making waves in comedy? Known as Sarah Squirm, this comedian, actress, and screenwriter from Long Island, New York, is shaking up the entertainment world with her bold, boundary-pushing humor. Born on March 7, 1993, Sarah's journey began with a theater degree from Northwestern University. Her unique style blends surreal, body horror comedy with interactive performances. She gained attention with her monthly show "Helltrap Nightmare" in Chicago and later joined "Saturday Night Live" in its 47th season. Sarah's work on SNL showcases her ability to adapt her unconventional humor to mainstream platforms. Her influences, including "Seinfeld" and "Pee-wee's Playhouse," shine through her performances. Sarah's unapologetic nature and innovative comedy have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Key Takeaways:
- Sarah Sherman, also known as "Sarah Squirm," is a rising star in comedy, known for her unique and unsettling style that incorporates surreal and body horror elements.
- From her roots in Long Island, New York, to her rise to Saturday Night Live, Sarah Sherman's journey showcases the power of embracing discomfort and staying true to your unique comedic style.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Education
02Career Beginnings and Rise
03Television and SNL Journey
04Unique Comedic Style
05Interactive and Visual Elements
06Critical Acclaim and Screenwriting
07Film and Video Game Roles
08Influences and Political Views
09Radio Hosting and Soap Opera Role
10Comedic Philosophy and Audience Interaction
11Sarah Sherman's Unforgettable Comedy Journey
Early Life and Education
Sarah Sherman, known for her unique comedic style, has roots in Long Island, New York. Her journey into comedy began with her upbringing and education.
Born and raised in a Jewish family on Long Island, New York, Sarah Sherman graduated from Great Neck South High School in 2011.
She pursued theater at Northwestern University, earning her degree in 2015.
Her high school peers nicknamed her "Squirm" due to her slender and somewhat awkward appearance.
Career Beginnings and Rise
After college, Sherman stayed in Chicago, diving into the comedy scene and making a name for herself with her distinctive humor.
She decided to remain in Chicago post-graduation to pursue comedy, befriending comedians like Megan Stalter.
Performing under the stage name "Sarah Squirm," inspired by her high school nickname, she quickly gained attention.
She hosts "Helltrap Nightmare," a monthly comedy horror showcase that consistently sells out at the Hideout in Chicago.
Television and SNL Journey
Sherman's television career took off with unique projects, eventually leading her to a coveted spot on Saturday Night Live.
Her TV debut came in 2018 with an Adult Swim infomercial titled "Flayaway."
In 2019, she opened for Eric André on his "Legalize Everything" tour and wrote for "The Eric Andre Show," "Three Busy Debras," and "Magic for Humans."
Her first SNL audition in 2016 was at the Just for Laughs festival and later at the iO Theater in Chicago, which she described as unsuccessful.
Despite initial setbacks, she joined SNL as a featured player in its 47th season in October 2021.
By October 2023, she was promoted to Repertory Status on SNL, highlighting her growing importance on the show.
Unique Comedic Style
Sherman's comedy is known for its surreal and body horror elements, setting her apart in the comedy world.
Her comedic style incorporates surreal and body horror elements, often using disconcerting verbal imagery and gruesome visuals.
She tackles painful, gross, and undiscussed societal topics, making her a standout comedian.
Her performances blend performance art, with interactive bits and visually striking costumes.
Known for DIY costumes, she wears outfits like a flowing robe with reflective circles over a spandex bodysuit adorned with painted intestines and veined breasts.
Interactive and Visual Elements
Sherman's performances are known for their interactive nature and use of visual aids, enhancing her unique comedic approach.
She frequently uses a projection screen to display videos that complement her sketches, such as a bat mitzvah presentation turning into hair-removal techniques.
One interactive bit involves her wearing a terrifying mask to become a pleading woman on a sex hotline, urging an audience member to call a displayed number.
Her SNL sketches, like the "Meatballs" sketch, adapt her unusual style without losing impact.
Critical Acclaim and Screenwriting
Sherman has received praise for her innovative comedy and has expanded her talents into screenwriting.
Critics note her success in channeling her deranged sensibilities into SNL, with Luka Katic of Collider highlighting her inventive impact.
In 2022, she was credited as a screenwriter for the reality comedy film sequel "Jackass Forever."
Film and Video Game Roles
Sherman's talents extend beyond comedy into film and video games, showcasing her versatility.
She starred in the Adam Sandler comedy "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," alongside Idina Menzel and Luis Guzmán.
She voiced "Coriander Cadaverish" in the animated film "Nimona."
Sherman was cast as a character in downloadable content for the video game "High on Life."
Influences and Political Views
Sherman's influences and political views shape her comedic style and personal beliefs.
Her comedic influences include shows like "Seinfeld," "The Nanny," "The Golden Girls," "Pee-wee's Playhouse," and "The Ren & Stimpy Show."
She cites Norm Macdonald as an influence on her SNL work, admiring his unapologetic nature.
In stand-up, she draws inspiration from comedians like Todd Barry, Maria Bamford, and Kristen Schaal.
Sherman supported Bernie Sanders in the 2020 presidential election and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Radio Hosting and Soap Opera Role
Sherman's talents extend to radio hosting and acting, showcasing her diverse skill set.
Since October 2023, she has hosted the NTS Radio show FREAKRADIO EMERGENCY HOTLINE, featuring artists like Macula Dog and Doug Lussenhop.
On September 5, 2024, she began a guest role as dialect coach Robin Finch on the soap opera General Hospital.
Comedic Philosophy and Audience Interaction
Sherman's comedic philosophy centers around embracing discomfort and engaging with her audience.
She believes if audiences don't laugh at her jokes, they must hate women, highlighting her bold approach.
Audience interaction is key to her performances, often involving them directly in her sketches.
Gross-out humor is a hallmark of her style, discussing topics like pubic hair and emotional turmoil.
Her DIY aesthetic extends to her overall comedy approach, incorporating handmade elements.
Performance art influences her work, emphasizing artist presence and audience interaction.
The Chicago comedy scene has significantly shaped her style, encouraging experimentation.
"Helltrap Nightmare" has been a huge success, consistently selling out at the Hideout in Chicago.
Despite being unconventional, she has adapted her style to SNL seamlessly.
Critics praise her for maintaining her unique style while adapting to SNL's demands.
Her comedy is innovative and often unsettling, incorporating disconcerting imagery and visuals.
Interactive elements in her performances add to the surreal and unsettling nature of her comedy.
Projection screens enhance the visual aspect of her comedy, displaying videos that complement her sketches.
Costume design is a key element, with DIY outfits that are visually striking and unsettling.
Her bat mitzvah sketch blends unrelated topics into a cohesive and humorous performance.
The sex hotline sketch involves audience participation, adding unpredictability to her performance.
Sherman's unapologetic nature is central to her comedic philosophy, embracing discomfort and pushing boundaries.
Sarah Sherman's Unforgettable Comedy Journey
Sarah Sherman, or Sarah Squirm, has carved out a unique space in comedy with her bold, boundary-pushing style. From her early days in Chicago's vibrant comedy scene to her current role on SNL, she's consistently delivered performances that are both unsettling and hilarious. Her use of surreal and body horror comedy sets her apart, making her a standout in an industry often dominated by more conventional humor. Whether it's her DIY costumes, interactive sketches, or her unapologetic approach to taboo topics, Sherman never fails to leave an impression. Her ability to adapt her unique style to mainstream platforms like SNL without losing its essence is a testament to her talent and creativity. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge norms, Sarah Sherman remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sarah Sherman?
Sarah Sherman, also known by her stage name Sarah Squirm, is a comedian and writer known for her unique blend of humor and horror. She's made waves in the comedy scene with her innovative live shows and has recently gained wider recognition as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live."
What makes Sarah Sherman stand out in comedy?
What sets Sarah apart is her ability to mix comedy with elements of body horror and surrealism, creating a distinctive style that's both shocking and hilarious. Her performances often include grotesque visuals and unconventional jokes, pushing the boundaries of traditional stand-up.
Has Sarah Sherman worked on any notable projects?
Besides her work on "Saturday Night Live," Sarah has created and starred in her own comedy specials and live shows. She's also made appearances on various podcasts and web series, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
How did Sarah Sherman get started in comedy?
Sarah's journey into comedy began in the Chicago improv scene, where she honed her skills and developed her unique comedic voice. Her passion for blending comedy with horror and visual art eventually led her to create her own live shows, gaining a cult following.
What can fans expect from a Sarah Sherman performance?
Fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions from her performances. From bizarre sketches to unsettling yet funny visuals, Sarah's shows are designed to surprise and entertain, leaving audiences both amused and slightly disturbed.
Where can I watch Sarah Sherman's comedy?
You can catch Sarah's performances on "Saturday Night Live," as well as various comedy specials and online platforms. She often shares clips and updates on her social media, making it easy for fans to stay connected with her work.
What's next for Sarah Sherman?
While specific future projects haven't been announced, Sarah continues to evolve as a comedian and performer. Given her creative drive and unique perspective, fans can look forward to more groundbreaking comedy from her in the years to come.
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