Kumail Nanjiani

Personal context

Summary

Pakistani-American comedian, actor, writer, and producer, Nanjiani is known for Silicon Valley, The Big Sick, and Little America, an anthology series centered on immigrant experiences. His work often draws on Pakistani-American and Muslim identity, while he has described The Big Sick as aiming to portray its characters as complex people rather than deliver a political message. He has spoken publicly about representation, including saying at the 2018 Oscars that straight white men can relate to leads unlike themselves, and has criticized Trump-era rhetoric and immigration policies. He voiced an ACLU immigrant-rights campaign video and signed the Artists4Ceasefire letter calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.