45 Facts About Sarah Sherman

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.

1. Born and raised in a Jewish family on Long Island, New York, Sarah Sherman graduated from Great Neck South High School in 2011.

2. She pursued theater at Northwestern University, earning her degree in 2015.

3. 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.

4. She decided to remain in Chicago post-graduation to pursue comedy, befriending comedians like Megan Stalter.

5. Performing under the stage name "Sarah Squirm," inspired by her high school nickname, she quickly gained attention.

6. 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.

7. Her TV debut came in 2018 with an Adult Swim infomercial titled "Flayaway."

8. 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."

9. 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.

10. Despite initial setbacks, she joined SNL as a featured player in its 47th season in October 2021.

11. 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.

12. Her comedic style incorporates surreal and body horror elements, often using disconcerting verbal imagery and gruesome visuals.

13. She tackles painful, gross, and undiscussed societal topics, making her a standout comedian.

14. Her performances blend performance art, with interactive bits and visually striking costumes.

15. 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.

16. She frequently uses a projection screen to display videos that complement her sketches, such as a bat mitzvah presentation turning into hair-removal techniques.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Critics note her success in channeling her deranged sensibilities into SNL, with Luka Katic of Collider highlighting her inventive impact.

20. 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.

21. She starred in the Adam Sandler comedy "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," alongside Idina Menzel and Luis Guzmán.

22. She voiced "Coriander Cadaverish" in the animated film "Nimona."

23. 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.

24. Her comedic influences include shows like "Seinfeld," "The Nanny," "The Golden Girls," "Pee-wee's Playhouse," and "The Ren & Stimpy Show."

25. She cites Norm Macdonald as an influence on her SNL work, admiring his unapologetic nature.

26. In stand-up, she draws inspiration from comedians like Todd Barry, Maria Bamford, and Kristen Schaal.

27. 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.

28. Since October 2023, she has hosted the NTS Radio show FREAKRADIO EMERGENCY HOTLINE, featuring artists like Macula Dog and Doug Lussenhop.

29. 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.

30. She believes if audiences don't laugh at her jokes, they must hate women, highlighting her bold approach.

31. Audience interaction is key to her performances, often involving them directly in her sketches.

32. Gross-out humor is a hallmark of her style, discussing topics like pubic hair and emotional turmoil.

33. Her DIY aesthetic extends to her overall comedy approach, incorporating handmade elements.

34. Performance art influences her work, emphasizing artist presence and audience interaction.

35. The Chicago comedy scene has significantly shaped her style, encouraging experimentation.

36. "Helltrap Nightmare" has been a huge success, consistently selling out at the Hideout in Chicago.

37. Despite being unconventional, she has adapted her style to SNL seamlessly.

38. Critics praise her for maintaining her unique style while adapting to SNL's demands.

39. Her comedy is innovative and often unsettling, incorporating disconcerting imagery and visuals.

40. Interactive elements in her performances add to the surreal and unsettling nature of her comedy.

41. Projection screens enhance the visual aspect of her comedy, displaying videos that complement her sketches.

42. Costume design is a key element, with DIY outfits that are visually striking and unsettling.

43. Her bat mitzvah sketch blends unrelated topics into a cohesive and humorous performance.

44. The sex hotline sketch involves audience participation, adding unpredictability to her performance.

45. 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.