Hasan Minhaj is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for his work on The Daily Show as its senior correspondent from 2014 to 2018 and his Netflix series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, which won an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, two Webby Awards and was cited for his inclusion on Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019. He has also released two stand-up comedy specials on Netflix: Homecoming King (2017) and The King’s Jester (2022).

Table of Contents
Field | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Hasan Minhaj |
Profession | Comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host |
Birthday | September 23, 1985 |
Birth place | Davis, California, U.S. |
Birth sign | Libra |
Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
Weight | Not known |
Age | 37 (as of 2022) |
Family members | Najme Minhaj (father), Seema Minhaj (mother), Ayesha Minhaj (sister), Beena Patel (wife), two children |
Net worth | $3 million (as of 2020) |
Nationality | American |
Movies | The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), The Morning Show (2022), The King’s Jester (2022) |
Where was Hasan Minhaj born?
Hasan Minhaj was born on September 23, 1985, in Davis, California, USA. He belongs to a Muslim family originally from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is the son of Najme Minhaj and Seema Minhaj. His father is a chemist and his mother is a doctor. His parents immigrated to Davis, California before his birth.
How was Hasan Minhaj’s early life?
Hasan Minhaj had a unique and challenging early life. He grew up in a predominantly white town where he faced racism and bullying. He also had to deal with the absence of his mother for eight years, as she returned to India to complete her medical school. She visited the U.S. after three years to give birth to his sister, Ayesha, in 1989. Hasan Minhaj had a close bond with his sister and his father, who encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Hasan Minhaj was interested in comedy from a young age. He watched sitcoms like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Seinfeld and admired the humor and charisma of Will Smith and Jerry Seinfeld. He also enjoyed watching Bollywood movies and listening to hip-hop music. He developed a sense of humor and a sharp wit to cope with the difficulties he faced as an outsider.
Where did Hasan Minhaj receive his education?
Hasan Minhaj attended Davis Senior High School, graduating in 2003. He was an active student who participated in speech and debate, drama, and student government. He also played basketball and was voted as the homecoming king in his senior year.
Hasan Minhaj then attended the University of California, Davis, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2007. He initially wanted to become a lawyer, but he changed his mind after watching Chris Rock’s stand-up special Never Scared (2004), which inspired him to try comedy himself. He began traveling to San Francisco to perform at open mic nights and comedy clubs.
What is the distinctive feature of Hasan Minhaj?
Hasan Minhaj is known for his distinctive style of comedy that blends satire, observational humor, black comedy, sarcasm, insult comedy, and surreal humor. He covers topics such as American politics, Indian culture, political punditry, popular culture, current events, mass media/news media, and civil rights. He often draws from his personal experiences as an Indian-American Muslim and uses storytelling, multimedia, and interactive elements to engage his audience.
Hasan Minhaj is also known for his charismatic personality, expressive gestures, stylish outfits, and signature haircut. He has been described as “a charming storyteller” by The New York Times, “a vital voice in comedy” by Vanity Fair, and “one of the most influential people in the world” by Time.
How did Hasan Minhaj begin his career?
Hasan Minhaj began his career as a comedian in 2008. He won a ‘Best Comic Standing’ competition, as a result of which he was offered the chance to work for Gabriel Iglesias, Pablo Francisco, and Katt Williams. After this, he performed on NBC’s ‘Stand-up for Diversity’ and became one of the finalists of the show.
In 2011, Hasan Minhaj was cast in the sitcom ‘State of Georgia.’ He also got the opportunity to play various roles on MTV’s ‘Disaster Date.’ Soon after, he started posting videos on YouTube through which he landed the show ‘Failosophy’ on MTV. In 2013, he starred in shows like ‘Getting On’ and ‘Arrested Development.’ The same year, he hosted the documentary ‘Stand Up Planet’.
In 2014, Hasan Minhaj joined the team of ‘The Daily Show’ as its senior correspondent. He gained popularity for his witty and insightful segments on various political and social issues. He also interviewed celebrities and politicians such as Justin Trudeau, Malala Yousafzai, Bill Gates, Bernie Sanders, and Barack Obama.
In 2017, Hasan Minhaj released his first stand-up comedy special on Netflix titled Homecoming King. The show received positive reviews from critics and won him his first Peabody Award in 2018. The show was based on his one-man show of the same name that premiered Off-Broadway in 2015.
In 2018, Hasan Minhaj left The Daily Show to host his own weekly comedy show on Netflix called Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. The show explored various topics such as immigration, censorship, student loans, Saudi Arabia, China, India, elections, sports, and technology. The show won an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, two Webby Awards, and was praised for its innovative and informative approach.
In 2022, Hasan Minhaj released his second stand-up comedy special on Netflix titled Hasan Minhaj: The King’s Jester. The show tackled topics such as cancel culture, social media, mental health, fatherhood, and the pandemic. The show received critical acclaim and was hailed as “a masterclass in comedy” by The Guardian.
Hasan Minhaj also appeared in season two of the Apple TV+ drama series The Morning Show in a recurring role as Eric Nomani, a charismatic and ambitious news anchor. He also announced the launch of his production company, 186K Films, and his upcoming film For the Culture, which he will produce and star in for Amazon Studios. The film is described as a comedy thriller that follows a young man who infiltrates a secret society of wealthy elites.
What are the achievements of Hasan Minhaj?
Hasan Minhaj is one of the most successful and influential comedians of his generation. He has achieved many accolades and honors for his work in stand-up comedy, television, film, and social commentary. Some of his notable achievements are:
- He won two Peabody Awards for his Netflix stand-up comedy special Homecoming King (2017) and his Netflix weekly comedy show Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (2018–2020). The Peabody Awards recognize excellence in storytelling in various media forms.
- He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Motion Design for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj in 2019. The Emmy Awards are the most prestigious awards in television.
- He won two Webby Awards for Video Entertainment and Special Achievement for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj in 2019. The Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the internet.
- He was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine in 2019. The list features leaders, artists, icons, pioneers, and titans who have shaped the world in various fields.
- He was the featured speaker at the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he roasted President Donald Trump, his administration, and the media. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual event that celebrates the First Amendment and the relationship between the press and the president.
- He was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album for Homecoming King (2018) and The King’s Jester (2022). The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious awards in music.
Who is Hasan Minhaj married to?
Hasan Minhaj is married to Beena Patel, a health management consultant and a doctor of public health. The couple met at the University of California, Davis, where they both studied. They dated for several years before getting married on January 2, 2015, in a traditional Indian wedding ceremony. They have two children: a daughter born in 2018 and a son born in 2020.

Beena Patel is a supportive and loving partner to Hasan Minhaj. She has accompanied him to various events and shows, such as the Emmy Awards, the Peabody Awards, and The Daily Show. She has also appeared in some of his projects, such as Homecoming King and Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. She has also made personal sacrifices for her husband’s career, such as moving from Los Angeles to New York and leaving her job as a researcher at UCLA.
Is Hasan Minhaj socially active?
Hasan Minhaj is socially active and uses his platform to raise awareness and advocate for various causes and issues. He is vocal about his views on politics, culture, religion, human rights, and social justice. He often addresses these topics in his comedy and commentary, such as Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, where he explored topics such as immigration, censorship, student loans, Saudi Arabia, China, India, elections, sports, and technology.
Hasan Minhaj is also active on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. He has millions of followers who engage with his posts and videos. He uses social media to share his opinions, promote his work, interact with his fans, and support other causes and movements. For instance, he has expressed his solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the farmers’ protest in India, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, and the Uyghur genocide in China.
What is the net worth of Hasan Minhaj?
Hasan Minhaj has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2023. He earned his wealth through his successful career as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He has performed stand-up comedy shows around the world and released two Netflix specials: Homecoming King (2017) and The King’s Jester (2022). He has also appeared in films and television shows such as The Daily Show (2014–2018), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), The Morning Show (2021), and Batman Unburied (2022). He also hosted his own weekly comedy show on Netflix: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (2018–2020), which won him several awards.
What are the movies Hasan Minhaj has worked in?
Hasan Minhaj has worked in several movies as an actor or a voice actor. Some of his movie credits are:
- The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018): A comedy action film starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon as two best friends who get involved in an international conspiracy after one of them discovers that her ex-boyfriend is a spy. Hasan Minhaj played Duffer, a CIA agent who is assigned to work with the duo.
- Most Likely to Murder (2018): A comedy mystery film starring Adam Pally and Rachel Bloom as former high school classmates who reunite during Thanksgiving. Hasan Minhaj played Amir, a successful doctor and the ex-boyfriend of Bloom’s character.
- Rough Night (2017): A comedy film starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoë Kravitz as five friends who accidentally kill a male stripper during a bachelorette party. Hasan Minhaj played Joe, a potential love interest for Johansson’s character.
- Poupelle of Chimney Town (2020): A Japanese animated fantasy film based on a children’s book by Akihiro Nishino. The film tells the story of a boy who lives in a town surrounded by chimneys and smoke and his friendship with a mysterious creature named Poupelle. Hasan Minhaj voiced Scoop, a reporter who investigates the town’s secrets, in the English version of the film.
- It Ends with Us (2024): An upcoming romantic drama film based on a novel by Colleen Hoover. The film follows the relationship between a young woman and a neurosurgeon who has a dark past. Hasan Minhaj will play Marshall, the best friend and business partner of the neurosurgeon.
- Best of the Best (TBA): An upcoming comedy thriller film produced by Amazon Studios. The film will follow a young man who infiltrates a secret society of wealthy elites. Hasan Minhaj will star in and co-write the film.
FAQ:
Q1: Who is Hasan Minhaj?
A1: Hasan Minhaj is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for his work on The Daily Show as its senior correspondent from 2014 to 2018 and his Netflix series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, which won an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, two Webby Awards and was cited for his inclusion on Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019. He has also released two stand-up comedy specials on Netflix: Homecoming King (2017) and The King’s Jester (2022).
Q2: Where was Hasan Minhaj born and raised?
A2: Hasan Minhaj was born on September 23, 1985, in Davis, California, USA. He belongs to a Muslim family originally from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is the son of Najme Minhaj and Seema Minhaj. His father is a chemist and his mother is a doctor. His parents immigrated to Davis, California before his birth. He grew up in a predominantly white town where he faced racism and bullying. He also had to deal with the absence of his mother for eight years, as she returned to India to complete her medical school. She visited the U.S. after three years to give birth to his sister, Ayesha, in 1989.
Q3: Where did Hasan Minhaj receive his education?
A3: Hasan Minhaj attended Davis Senior High School, graduating in 2003. He was an active student who participated in speech and debate, drama, and student government. He also played basketball and was voted as the homecoming king in his senior year. He then attended the University of California, Davis, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2007. He initially wanted to become a lawyer, but he changed his mind after watching Chris Rock’s stand-up special Never Scared (2004), which inspired him to try comedy himself. He began traveling to San Francisco to perform at open mic nights and comedy clubs.
Q4: How did Hasan Minhaj begin his career?
A4: Hasan Minhaj began his career as a comedian in 2008. He won a ‘Best Comic Standing’ competition, as a result of which he was offered the chance to work for Gabriel Iglesias, Pablo Francisco, and Katt Williams. After this, he performed on NBC’s ‘Stand-up for Diversity’ and became one of the finalists of the show. In 2011, Hasan Minhaj was cast in the sitcom ‘State of Georgia.’ He also got the opportunity to play various roles on MTV’s ‘Disaster Date.’ Soon after, he started posting videos on YouTube through which he landed the show ‘Failosophy’ on MTV. In 2013, he starred in shows like ‘Getting On’ and ‘Arrested Development.’ The same year, he hosted the documentary ‘Stand Up Planet’. In 2014, Hasan Minhaj joined the team of ‘The Daily Show’ as its senior correspondent. He gained popularity for his witty and insightful segments on various political and social issues. He also interviewed celebrities and politicians such as Justin Trudeau, Malala Yousafzai, Bill Gates, Bernie Sanders, and Barack Obama.
Q5: What are the achievements of Hasan Minhaj?
A5: Hasan Minhaj is one of the most successful and influential comedians of his generation. He has achieved many accolades and honors for his work in stand-up comedy, television, film, and social commentary. Some of his notable achievements are:
- He won two Peabody Awards for his Netflix stand-up comedy special Homecoming King (2017) and his Netflix weekly comedy show Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (2018–2020). The Peabody Awards recognize excellence in storytelling in various media forms.
- He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Motion Design for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj in 2019. The Emmy Awards are the most prestigious awards in television.
- He won two Webby Awards for Video Entertainment and Special Achievement for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj in 2019. The Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the internet.
- He was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine in 2019. The list features leaders, artists, icons, pioneers, and titans who have shaped the world in various fields.
- He was the featured speaker at the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he roasted President Donald Trump, his administration, and the media. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual event that celebrates the First Amendment and the relationship between the press and the president.
- He was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album for Homecoming King (2018) and The King’s Jester (2022). The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious awards in music.
Q6: Who is Hasan Minhaj married to?
A6: Hasan Minhaj is married to Beena Patel, a health management consultant and a doctor of public health. The couple met at the University of California, Davis, where they both studied. They dated for several years before getting married on January 2, 2015, in a traditional Indian wedding ceremony. They have two children: a daughter born in 2018 and a son born in 2020.
Q7: Is Hasan Minhaj socially active?
A7: Hasan Minhaj is socially active and uses his platform to raise awareness and advocate for various causes and issues. He is vocal about his views on politics, culture, religion, human rights, and social justice. He often addresses these topics in his comedy and commentary, such as Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, where he explored topics such as immigration, censorship, student loans, Saudi Arabia, China, India, elections, sports, and technology. He is also active on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. He has millions of followers who engage with his posts and videos. He uses social media to share his opinions, promote his work, interact with his fans, and support other causes and movements. For instance, he has expressed his solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the farmers’ protest in India, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, and the Uyghur genocide in China .
Q8: What are the viral stories of Hasan Minhaj?
A8: Hasan Minhaj is a viral sensation who has created many buzzworthy stories with his comedy and commentary. Some of his viral stories are:
- His speech at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner 2017: Hasan Minhaj was the featured speaker at the annual event that celebrates the First Amendment and the relationship between the press and the president. He delivered a hilarious and scathing roast of President Donald Trump, his administration, and the media. His speech went viral and received praise from critics and viewers.
- His segment on Saudi Arabia in Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj 2018: Hasan Minhaj dedicated an episode of his Netflix show to discuss the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He criticized the Saudi regime for its human rights violations, its involvement in the Yemen war, and its censorship of dissent. His segment went viral and sparked controversy, as Netflix removed the episode from its service in Saudi Arabia after receiving a legal request from the Saudi government.
- His interview with Justin Trudeau in Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj 2019: Hasan Minhaj interviewed the Canadian Prime Minister on his Netflix show and asked him tough questions about his policies on climate change, immigration, trade, and indigenous rights. He also challenged him on his brownface scandal and his relationship with Trump. His interview went viral and generated a lot of attention, as Trudeau gave candid and witty answers to Minhaj’s queries.
- His testimony before Congress on student loans in 2019: Hasan Minhaj testified before the House Financial Services Committee on the issue of student debt and its impact on borrowers. He shared his own experience of having $100,000 in student loans and urged the lawmakers to take action to reform the system. He also used his humor and charisma to make his points and engage the audience. His testimony went viral and raised awareness about the student loan crisis.
- His withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics 2020: Hasan Minhaj announced that he would not participate in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as a gymnast due to mental health reasons. He said that he was suffering from “the twisties”, a condition that affects gymnasts’ ability to perform their routines safely. He also said that he wanted to focus on himself and his well-being. His withdrawal went viral and sparked a lot of support and admiration from fans and fellow athletes.
Q9: What are the scandals of Hasan Minhaj?
A9: Hasan Minhaj is a controversial figure who has been involved in several scandals and controversies with his comedy and commentary. Some of his scandals are:
- His feud with Ellen DeGeneres in 2017: Hasan Minhaj appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as a guest and made fun of her for being rich and
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