Wanda Sykes, born on March 7, 1964, in Portsmouth, Virginia, is a renowned figure in the American entertainment industry. She is best recognized for her distinctive voice and her unique, straightforward comedic style that often tackles social issues. Growing up in Maryland, she graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Marketing before starting her career in the National Security Agency (NSA). However, her passion for comedy made her divert her path towards stand-up routines in local clubs around Washington D.C. After gaining popularity as a stand-up comedian, Sykes transitioned to television and film. In 1997, she joined the writing team of the popular TV show The Chris Rock Show, earning an Emmy Award for her work. Her talent for writing was matched by her on-screen presence, which she demonstrated through appearances on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and The New Adventures of Old Christine. Notably, Sykes also voiced characters in several animated films such as Over the Hedge and Ice Age: Continental Drift. Sykes has consistently used comedy as a platform to vocalize societal issues and personal experiences. In 2008, she publicly announced she was a lesbian at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas. Since then, she has been a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As a result of her groundbreaking work in various areas of entertainment and her activism, Sykes has been honored with multiple awards, including a GLAAD Media Award.