Robby Hoffman has become one of the most talked-about comedians in the world, with a hit Netflix special, an Emmy-nominated role in Hacks, and a new series opposite Steve Carell. But her jokes often raise hackles. Is she a genius or an edgelord?
A Rapid Rise to Fame
Introduced by John Mulaney as a legend at the top of her game, Hoffman's star has risen stunningly fast. She stars in Rooster alongside Steve Carell and plays Randi in Hacks, a role that earned her an Emmy nomination. Randi, created for her by the show's writers, draws on Hoffman's own background as a former Hassidic Jew from Brooklyn.
Controversial Comedy
Hoffman's comedy is unapologetically provocative. Her Netflix special Wake Up includes jokes about women, abortion, and paedophilia. She insists she isn't trying to offend: 'I do think that a lot of my jokes are misinterpreted.' She adds, 'Being offended isn't the worst thing. Being poor is.'
A Challenging Childhood
Growing up in a Hassidic community in Brooklyn, the seventh of 10 children, Hoffman's family relied on welfare. Her parents were part of what she calls a 'fanatic religious sect.' Her mother divorced and moved the family to Montreal, where life was chaotic. Hoffman left home at 17, supporting herself through school. She credits her mother for stability, though she was emotionally absent.
From Accounting to Comedy
After earning a degree in accounting, Hoffman briefly worked at KPMG before switching to comedy. She says comedy was 'foisted upon me, like Moses.' She won a daytime Emmy for writing on Odd Squad and released her first special, I'm Nervous, in 2019.
Personal Life and Identity
Hoffman is married to reality TV star Gabby Windey. She identifies as genderqueer and has had top surgery. She uses she/her pronouns but says 'something is off' with being a woman. She supports non-binary friends and uses their pronouns.
Writers' Strike and Autism
During the 2023 WGA strike, Hoffman questioned the union's strategy, suggesting litigation over striking. She was booed but later received support. She describes herself as autistic, though not officially diagnosed, and says her wife understands her better through watching Love on the Spectrum.
Looking Ahead
Hoffman has added 10 tour dates and is developing her own TV show. She says her job is 'to be me' and to allow herself to be as authentic as possible. Hacks is available on Sky Atlantic and Now.
