By Iman Sadri
January 23, 2021
Maz Jobrani is the first Persian American standup comedian to become a household name. Maz rose to stardom with this comedy special Axis of Evil. He then catapulted to film starring in The Interpreter opposite Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman. Then Maz starred in Friday After Next opposite Ice Cube.
Maz’s career highlights are prolific for someone not even 50. He has his own comedy special on Netflix – Maz Jobrani : Immigrant. He has hosted the International Emmys. He starred in Superior Donuts on CBS. He introduced Michelle Obama at a White House Norooz event. Maz wrote a best-selling book, I am Not a Terrorist, But I Play One on TV. He wrote, produced and starred in his own film, Jimmy Vestvood. He has appeared and/or performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Maz started his career performing standup at famed clubs such as The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. Famed patrons such as Jamie Masada and Mitzi Shore gave Maz a platform to perform. His comedic talents took over from there. Maz has performed at the Kennedy Center and large arenas around the world. Prior to the pandemic he toured nationally and globally. Bringing his comedy to audiences around the world.
Maz Jobrani credits his success with the mantra, ‘Do What You Love.’ He followed his passion and made it in America, following his talents and passions. After arriving to the U.S. when he was six years old from Iran, Maz was raised in Northern California. He attended UC Berkeley. Then later dropped out of a PhD program at UCLA to follow his dreams. Recently Maz gave the commencement speech at his Alma Mater – an extraordinary accomplishment, due to the prestige of Cal. The world gets to share in the laughter Maz brings to it.
