About Emil Wakim
Emil Pierre Wakim is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor of Lebanese descent, born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 11, 1998. He began performing stand-up while attending Indiana University Bloomington. He graduated from Hinsdale South High School and attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a BA.
Wakim was selected as a New Face of Comedy at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal and made his television stand-up debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2022, going on to open for comedians including Hasan Minhaj, Roy Wood Jr., Nikki Glaser and Neal Brennan. In 2024, he became the first cast member of Lebanese heritage in the history of Saturday Night Live, joining as a featured player for the showโs 50th season and appearing frequently on Weekend Update; he departed the show in August 2025 ahead of its 51st season. In April 2026, Wakim signed a deal with Netflix to produce his first full-length stand-up comedy special. He runs an official YouTube channel featuring his comedy material.
Videos (4)
Videos 1 to 4 of 4.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Emil Wakim from?
Emil Wakim, an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor of Lebanese descent, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 11, 1998, and is based in Brooklyn, New York.
How did Emil Wakim start stand-up?
Emil Wakim began performing stand-up while attending Indiana University Bloomington.
When did Emil Wakim make his TV debut?
Emil Wakim made his television stand-up debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2022, after being selected as a New Face of Comedy at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.
Was Emil Wakim on Saturday Night Live?
Yes. In 2024 Emil Wakim became the first cast member of Lebanese heritage in the history of Saturday Night Live, joining as a featured player for the 50th season and appearing often on Weekend Update; he left in August 2025, ahead of its 51st season.
Who has Emil Wakim opened for?
Emil Wakim has opened for comedians including Hasan Minhaj, Roy Wood Jr., Nikki Glaser and Neal Brennan.
Does Emil Wakim have a Netflix deal?
In April 2026 Emil Wakim signed a deal with Netflix to produce his first full-length stand-up comedy special.
