Actress, writer and American comedian Wanda Sykes is known for her snazzy routines.
Wanda Sykes, a Virginia native and graduate of Hampton University, has established herself as a prominent figure in the comedy world.
While her academic background is in marketing, she ventured into stand-up comedy during a Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in Washington D.C.
Her career took flight as a writer and on-screen talent for HBO’s “Chris Rock Show.”
Sykes’ comedic journey expanded as she appeared in various television shows and movies, including “Pootie Tang,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Black-ish,” and her recent project, “The Upshaws” on Netflix.
Her remarkable talent and dedication have earned her multiple Emmy Awards and a GLAAD Award in 2010.
Beyond the comedy spotlight, Sykes’ family life was featured on season one of “Finding Our Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.”
She continues to prioritize her role as a wife and mother to fraternal twins.
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According to Celebrity Net Worth, her hard work and contributions have resulted in an impressive net worth of $10 million. Explore the diverse and remarkable career of Wanda Sykes.
Early life and family
Wanda Sykes was born in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Her family moved to Maryland when she was in third grade.
Wanda Sykes mother, Marion Louise, worked as a banker.
Her father, Harry Ellsworth Sykes, was a U.S. Army colonel employed at the Pentagon.
Sykes’ family history was researched on Finding Your Roots.
Her ancestor, Elizabeth Banks, had a biracial child with a slave.
Historian Ira Berlin noted it as a unique case.
Sykes attended Arundel High School in Gambrills, Maryland.
She graduated from Hampton University with a marketing degree.
She became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Her first job was at the National Security Agency as a contracting specialist.
What is Wanda Sykes’ Net Worth and Salary?
Wanda Sykes, an American actress, comedian, and writer, boasts a net worth of $10 million.
She accumulated this wealth through her work in films, TV, and stand-up comedy.
With over 70 acting credits, her roles include “Wanda at Large,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and “Black-ish.”
Sykes has also voiced characters in animated films like “Over the Hedge,” “Rio,” and “Ice Age” series.
Her voice talents extend to TV series such as “Crank Yankers,” “Back at the Barnyard,” and “Vampirina.”
Additionally, she has written for shows like “The Chris Rock Show” and hosted the 2009 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
She authored the book “Yeah, I Said It” in 2004.
Career
While at the NSA, Wanda started stand-up in DC at Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in 1987.
In 1992, she left the NSA and moved to New York, making a TV appearance.
She became Chris Rock’s opening act, landed a writing job on “The Chris Rock Show,” and also wrote for “The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show.”
Wanda debuted in the film “Tomorrow Night” in 1998 and appeared in other movies.
She appeared on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and had her shows on Fox and Comedy Central.
Wanda did comedy specials for HBO, Epix, and Netflix.
She ranked 70 on Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” list in 2004.
Wanda starred in several films and TV shows, including “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”
She created, wrote for, and produced “The Wanda Sykes Show” in 2009-2010.
In 2013, she played Senator Rosalyn DuPeche on Amazon’s “Alpha House.”
Wanda had roles in “Black-ish,” “Broad City,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
She briefly joined the writing staff of “Roseanne” but left due to controversy.
In recent years, she appeared in various films and TV series, including “Breaking News in Yuba County.”
Personal Life
Wanda married Dave Hall in 1991 and divorced in 1998.
She publicly came out as a lesbian in 2008 during a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas.
She married Alex Niedbalski in 2008 and had twins in 2009.
Wanda revealed her homosexuality to her parents at 40, causing initial strain.
Her parents didn’t attend her wedding, leading to estrangement, later reconciled.
In 2011, she had a mastectomy due to a history of breast cancer.
Wanda actively supports LGBTQ rights, hosting fundraisers and events.
She also supports animal welfare and promoted anti-chaining legislation for PETA in Virginia.
Awards and Nominations
Wanda received 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning one for “The Chris Rock Show.”
She was named Funniest Female Stand-Up Comic in 2001.
GLAAD honored her with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award in 2010.
In 2005, Wanda won a BET Comedy Award.
She received an Activism in the Arts honor at the 2015 Triumph Awards.
In 2014, she won a Gracie Allen Award and received a Muse Award.
Wanda earned nominations from various award organizations.
