Iliza Shlesinger
A razor-sharp comic who dissects modern womanhood with kinetic energy and a fiercely intelligent, unapologetic point of view.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American comedian and actress·Birthday: February 22·Millennials
Biography
Iliza Shlesinger stormed the comedy world not just with jokes, but with a fully formed, high-voltage persona. After winning the sixth season of 'Last Comic Standing' in 2008, she refused to be pigeonholed, building a brand defined by acute social observation and physical comedy. Her specials, largely with Netflix, became events, where she coined terms like 'Elder Millennial' and unpacked female socialization with a blend of satire and rallying cry. Shlesinger's style is commanding and precise, often pacing the stage like a lecturer in a very cool, very funny academy. She expanded her reach by writing and starring in feature films like 'Good on Paper' and hosting game shows, but her core remains the stand-up stage. There, she operates as both critic and compatriot for her audience, tackling dating, ambition, and internalized expectations with a wit that is as incisive as it is infectious.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Iliza was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Iliza Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Iliza's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first woman and youngest winner ever of NBC's 'Last Comic Standing' in 2008.
- Has released six standalone comedy specials on Netflix, including 'Elder Millennial' and 'Unveiled.'
- Created, wrote, and starred in the 2021 Netflix film 'Good on Paper,' based on a personal dating experience.
- Hosted the late-night talk show 'Truth & Iliza' on the Freeform network.
Did You Know?
She is a trained sketch and improv performer, having studied at the ImprovOlympic and The Groundlings.
She worked as a waitress at the Hollywood Improv while trying to get stage time there as a comic.
She is an avid powerlifter and often incorporates fitness themes into her comedy.
“"I don't want to be put on a pedestal; I want to be put on a platform."”
