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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Lucy Knight

‘Being offended isn’t the worst thing. Being poor is’: how Robby Hoffman became a controversial comedy sensation

Robby Hoffman leaning backwards, looking at the camera
‘Comedy was foisted upon me’ … Robby Hoffman. Photograph: Alex G Harper/August

‘Once in a while, you get to see a legend at the absolute top of their game,” booms a voice at the beginning of Robby Hoffman’s Netflix special, Wake Up, welcoming her to the stage. High praise indeed – especially since the voice is that of the leading US comedian John Mulaney, who directed the special, and who clearly thinks this 36-year-old New Yorker is one of the hottest talents around.

He’s not the only one. Over the last year, Hoffman’s star has risen at a stunning pace. She is currently on TV in Rooster, a college campus comedy starring Steve Carell, as well as the fifth season of the critically acclaimed sitcom Hacks. This is only her second season as talent agency assistant Randi, but last year the role earned her an Emmy nomination.

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