11 Sidesplitting Arab American Comedians
By Daniel Gil/ Contributing Writer
Arab America compiled a list of outrageously funny Arab America comedians who have had an impact on their communities and who continue to use comedy as a tool to address various relevant social issue such as racism and Islamophobia. All the while, they make our sides hurt and our eyes tear up from laughter!
Amer Zahr
A Palestinian born comedian who also teaches at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Zahr has performed at sold out shows at Carnegie Hall and the JFK Center for Performing Arts. His acts ties together his childhood growing up in Palestine with modern issues confronting Arabs in the United States to form a relevant and hilarious routine.
Nour Hadidi
Hadidi is a Toronto based comedian who appeared on CBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She performs all over Toronto and hosts The So Fresh n’ So Clean Comedy Show and the Half and Half Show
Aron Kader
He’s a Palestinian American who was one of the original members of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, one which features Arab comedians.
Mohammed Amer
Or “Mo,” was born in Kuwait from Palestinian parents, and garnered a huge following by using comedy to tell his story as a refugee, and also making jabs at racism he has encountered in the West. He made an appearance on the Daily Show (below) where he spoke about being seated next to Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump.
Sammy Obeid
He’s a half Lebanese American who’s from Oakland, CA. His hilariously clever sets have appeared on Conan and he’s released a comedy album called, Get Funny or Die Tryin.
Ahmed Ahmed
An award winning Egyptian-American actor who appeared on TBS’s hit comedy show, Sullivan & Son, Ahmed Ahmed is one of the most talented Arab comedians in the business. He has also acted in several cult comedy hits such as, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, and Swingers.
Maria Shehata
She’s an Egyptian American award winning comedian who has toured across the United States and Europe. Her sardonic and conversational style has helped her make a name for herself. Shehata also has appeared on Comedy Central, Nuvo TV, and Showtime.
Bassem Youssef
He’s an Egyptian doctor turned comedian who became famous during the Arab Spring by hosting his own satirical comedy show based off of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. After three years, he was forced to flee the country and has since made a name for himself in the United States, appearing on the Daily Show and on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
Maysoon Zayid
She’s an actress and comedian of Palestinian background who has appeared on numerous international media outlets such as CNN, HBO, and TED talks. She has also started a scholarship and wellness program to help refugee children in need called, Maysoon’s Kids.
Dean Obeidallah
The host of Serious XM’s daily radio show made the top of our list. Obeidallah, of Palestinian background, is a lawyer turned comedian who writes for the DailyBeast and CNN’s opinion section. He also co-directed and co-produced a documentary titled, The Muslims Are Coming! which explored Islamophobia in the west.
Nemr Abou Nassar
Likely the most well known comedian in the Arab World, Nassar is a Lebanese American whose shows have drawn thousands of people. He has appeared on CNN, has had his very own television show, and also appeared on the cover of a Rolling Stones article.