**Hannah Einbinder: From Seeking Self-Worth to Championing Others in Comedy**
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Hannah Einbinder, the acclaimed actress and comedian best known for her role in the HBO series *Hacks*, has experienced a remarkable transformation over her career. Initially entering the world of performance as a means to validate her self-worth, Einbinder has evolved into a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, uniquely blending humour with advocacy for her peers.
The 31-year-old comedian’s journey began unexpectedly. Despite being the daughter of *Saturday Night Live* alum Laraine Newman and actor Chad Einbinder, she did not initially intend to pursue acting. Instead, she started her studies in broadcast journalism at Chapman University. However, a deep-seated desire for approval and value led her to switch her focus to television writing and improv.
In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Einbinder reflects on her motivations for stepping onto the stage. “When I first started performing, it came from a place of wanting to feel like I had value. I felt like if I made people laugh, I was valuable,” she admits. This longing for external validation set the stage for her career.
Einbinder’s foray into comedy took off in 2020 when she made her debut on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, where she became the youngest comedian to perform on the show. This pivotal moment was not just a personal milestone; it dramatically shifted her career trajectory. Jean Smart, the star of *Hacks*, noticed her performance online and saw potential. “This is the girl,” Smart reportedly said, leading to Einbinder’s casting in the series.
The character Einbinder portrays in *Hacks*, Ava Daniels, resonates strongly with her own experiences. Initially pitched to her as a 25-year-old bisexual comedy writer recently laid off, the role allowed Einbinder to infuse her personality into the character. “I feel like I imbued Ava with some of my affect and my low and slow comedic rhythms,” she shares. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, resulting in four Emmy nominations and a win for Best Supporting Actress in 2025.
Now that *Hacks* has concluded, Einbinder is exploring new avenues, including her film career. Following her appearance in *Seekers of Infinite Love* at the SXSW Festival, she is set to star in the upcoming queer slasher-comedy *Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma*, which is scheduled for release in August. This film, which premiered to commendations at the Cannes Film Festival, features Einbinder as Kris, a filmmaker undertaking a journey of self-discovery.
The role seems to mirror Einbinder’s own exploration of identity and purpose. Reflecting on her experiences while creating this film, she describes it as deeply personal. “I had to reckon with certain things that I don’t think I had examined…. just feeling dissociative,” she articulates, highlighting the introspective nature of her work.
Einbinder’s character development throughout her career has also brought about a shift in her perspective. Instead of pursuing validation for herself, she is now focused on uplifting and supporting fellow artists. “How can I make contributions to others?” she muses. She believes the true value of artistic work lies in its potential to serve as an offering to audiences and fellow creators.
“Queer artists and marginalized artists have had to be scrappy,” she points out. Einbinder acknowledges the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, many of whom create compelling narratives on limited budgets. “They make work for very little money, and it’s really incredible. They deserve to be backed,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for greater support within the industry.
As she moves forward in her career, Einbinder’s commitment to both her craft and her community demonstrates a powerful journey from desire for personal validation to a broader mission of making others feel seen and valued. Through her work, she aspires not only to entertain but also to empower, embodying the spirit of solidarity that is especially crucial in today’s artistic landscape.