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Wanda Sykes

Birth Name:
Wanda Y'vette Sykes
Birth Place:
Portsmouth, Virginia, United States
Profession
Actress, Producer, Writer, Soundtrack
Wanda Sykes

Fast Facts

  • Received the Stephen F․ Kolzak Award for her equal rights activism at the 2010 GLAAD Media Awards
  • Sent letters to local officials on behalf of the animal rights organization PETA in an effort to enact laws against chaining dogs
  • Supports a number of charities and organizations including Alliance for Children's Rights, American Cancer Society, The Trevor Project and True Colors Fund
  • Graduated with a degree in marketing from Hampton University in 1986
  • Before becoming a comic, she worked at teh National Security Agency
  • Her comedy career began at a Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in 1987
  • Quote: "I really don't know that many good jokes, but people are like, 'hey, tell me a joke․ Make me laugh․' And I'm like, come on, man․ I don't have nothin'․ It's hard being put on the spot like that․"
  • Quote: "I think it's harder for women because comedy is so opposite of being ladylike․"

Awards

  • 1998Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program:Nominated
  • 1999Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program:Winner
  • 2000Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program:Nominated
  • 2001Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program:Nominated
  • 2003Teen Choice Award - Choice TV Actress - Comedy:Nominated
  • 2003Teen Choice Award - Choice TV Breakout Star - Female:Nominated
  • 2004BET Comedy Award - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2004Golden Satellite Award - Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical:Nominated
  • 2005BET Comedy Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Theatrical Film:Winner
  • 2005Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2006Black Reel - Best Supporting Actress:Nominated
  • 2006Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2007Annie - Best Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production:Nominated
  • 2007Gold Derby TV Award - Comedy Guest Actress:Nominated
  • 2009Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2010Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special:Nominated
  • 2010Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special:Nominated
  • 2013BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award - Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film:Nominated
  • 2013Black Reel - Best Voice Performance:Nominated
  • 2014Gracie - Outstanding Special or Variety Show:Winner
  • 2016Image Award - Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television or Theatrical):Nominated
  • 2017OFTA Television Award - Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2017Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2018OFTA Television Award - Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2018Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2019OFTA Television Award - Best Female Performance in a Variety Program:Nominated
  • 2020Black Reel - Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2020Gold Derby TV Award - Comedy Guest Actress:Nominated
  • 2020OFTA Television Award - Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded):Nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance:Nominated
  • 2021Salute to Excellence AwardWinner
  • 2021Black Reel - Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2021People's Choice Award - The Comedy TV Star of 2021:Nominated
  • 2022Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2023Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2023Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special:Nominated
  • 2023Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance:Nominated
  • 2023Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded):Nominated
  • 2024Golden Globe - Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television:Nominated
  • 2024People's Choice Award - Comedy Act of the Year:Nominated
  • 2024WGA Award (TV) - Comedy/Variety Sketch Series:Nominated
  • 2025Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2026Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
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