Ilana Glazer, best known for her portrayal of Ilana Wexler in the acclaimed television series *Broad City*, has recently spoken about her evolving relationship with the character she brought to life. In an interview conducted by Betches on 26 May, Glazer reflected on her journey since the show debuted in 2014, a time when she and her co-star Abbi Jacobsen were offered the opportunity to translate their own experiences into a comedic format for television.
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*Broad City*, which aired on Comedy Central for five successful seasons, showcased the lives of two young women navigating the complexities of adulthood in New York City. The series, originally originating from a web series created by Glazer and Jacobsen, was met with significant critical praise and became a cultural phenomenon, giving birth to a myriad of memorable memes. At the centre of this success were the character names, which mirrored those of the actresses themselves, leading to a strong association between Glazer’s real identity and her on-screen counterpart.
In addressing this connection, Glazer expressed a sense of distance from Ilana Wexler now that she is older. She remarked that as she has matured, she has begun to view her characters as “kids” that she would once babysit, illustrating a shift in how she perceives her role on the show. “I’m more comfortable with it now, because I am further from her,” Glazer explained, adding that time has allowed both her and her audience to recognise the changes she has undergone.
Glazer is not shy about sharing her fondness for growing older, stating, “Maybe it’s part of why I love getting older, because I feel like a new me.” She positively embraced her current age of 39, feeling liberated and grateful for the chance to evolve beyond her 20s, which she described as a time when she was “relatively well-known” but perhaps less self-aware.
The bond Glazer has with her characters is still meaningful to her. She affectionately likened Ilana Wexler and Abbi Abrams to “babies” she had taken care of, a testament to the affection and creativity that went into crafting the series. This sentiment underscores her investment in the show, which garnered a diverse fan base and became a staple of contemporary comedy.
*Broad City* also featured an impressive cast, including Hannibal Buress as Lincoln, Ilana’s friend with benefits, as well as Paul W. Downs, John Gemberling, and Arturo Castro. Glazer’s real-life brother Eliot made a cameo as her character’s brother, while seasoned actors like Susie Essman and a host of guest stars helped elevate the show to great heights. Notable appearances included comedy legends and cultural icons such as Alan Alda, Steve Buscemi, and even Hillary Clinton, enhancing the series’ reputation.
In a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Glazer expressed her desire for audiences to adopt one particular line from *Broad City*. In one memorable scene from the series finale, as her character and Abbi grapple with their dependence on each other, they exclaim, “We’re little codees! We’re little codees!” Reflecting on this moment, Glazer noted that she found the phrase relatable and wished it had resonated more widely.
Since the conclusion of *Broad City*, Glazer has continued to diversify her career. She has starred in various projects including Apple TV’s *The Afterparty* and made her Broadway debut in *Good Night, and Good Luck*, working alongside acclaimed actor George Clooney. Additionally, Glazer has released multiple comedy specials in both 2020 and 2025, with plans to continue touring throughout the summer.
As she moves forward in her career, it’s clear that while Ilana Wexler remains a significant part of Glazer’s past, she is embracing the future and her personal growth with enthusiasm. With her unique blend of humour and introspection, Glazer proves that while characters can shape our experiences, they do not define who we are as we evolve through life.