Nikki Glaser Says She Has ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Around Comedy Greats: ‘Who Did I Trick’ (Exclusive)

Nikki Glaser, a prominent figure in the world of comedy, recently took to the stage at the highly anticipated Netflix Is a Joke’s Night of Too Many Stars event held at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Sharing the spotlight with renowned comedians such as Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, and Conan O’Brien, Glaser reflected on her feelings of inadequacy in such esteemed company, expressing the familiar sensation of imposter syndrome that many performers experience.

“I always have imposter syndrome on nights like these,” Glaser remarked in an interview with PEOPLE. The 41-year-old comedian candidly shared her thoughts, saying, “To feel like I’m on the same lineup as them is just too much to take in. I don’t dwell on it too much. I think, ‘Who did I trick? How lucky am I to have gotten to this place tonight?’”

This star-studded evening was not unfamiliar territory for Glaser, as she previously hosted the Golden Globes for two successive years. Each time she steps into the limelight, she finds herself in awe of the Hollywood elites, even while delivering comedic jabs at their expense. She described the Night of Too Many Stars as a moment she had long dreamed of experiencing, relishing the opportunity to mingle with such illustrious performers. “I’m just going to be kind of a wallflower and observing more than inserting myself into anything,” she added, revealing a mix of humility and excitement.

The sheer presence of industry giants left Glaser feeling “literally starstruck.” She expressed her admiration for those in attendance, mentioning the likes of Conan O’Brien and even Dylan Aguilar from the Netflix reality show Love on the Spectrum. “I almost started crying,” she confessed. “This is my favourite show, so I’m already, like, in heaven right now.”

Glaser’s career often brings her into moments of disbelief. In a memorable incident earlier this year during the Golden Globes, she playfully teased Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio, jokingly questioning if he still enjoyed pasta based on a long-ago interview. To her surprise, DiCaprio responded by sending her three baskets of pasta. “I don’t dwell on it too much because it kind of trips me up, just having any kind of correspondence with Leonardo DiCaprio,” she said, again reflecting on the feelings of disbelief that accompany notable encounters. “It shouldn’t be happening. How did I get here?”

In addition to her performances, Glaser’s latest comedy special, ‘Nikki Glaser: Good Girl’, premiered on Hulu on April 24. This special showcases her remarkable wit and storytelling ability, capturing the attention of both her fans and the broader comedy community.

Looking ahead, Glaser is poised to take on new challenges. Her upcoming project, The Angry Birds Movie 3, is set to hit theaters on December 23. With a busy schedule ahead and a growing portfolio of successful work, Glaser continues to push herself within the entertainment industry, despite the nagging sensation of being an imposter.

While many would aspire to reach the heights Glaser has achieved, she remains grounded, often reflecting on her journey and the surreal moments that punctuate her career. Her light-hearted approach and openness about her feelings serve as a reminder that even those who seem to be on top can grapple with self-doubt.

As Nikki Glaser navigates the complexities of fame and her evolving career, she remains a refreshing voice in comedy—one that not only brings laughter but also resonates with the universal struggles of self-worth and acceptance in a highly competitive world.