Chicago-born comedian Emil Wakim has made history as the first Lebanese-American cast member of Saturday Night Live.
The 24 year old comedian is among three new additions to the iconic late-night comedy show, joining as a featured player alongside comedians Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline.
As SNL approaches its milestone 50th season, new cast members like Wakim are introduced as featured players, while more seasoned comedians, such as Michael Che and Heidi Gardner, hold the status of repertory players.
Wakim shared his excitement on Instagram, saying, “Too many words to say and too many people to thank. This is beyond a dream,” along with heartwarming photos of his family reacting to the news.
Emil Wakim was born in Chicago but grew up in Indiana, where his journey as a stand-up comedian began. His comedy is deeply influenced by his experiences growing up in an immigrant family in the U.S., drawing on both social and political dynamics.
Wakim, who honed his craft at the Bloominton Comedy Club, has opened for renowned comedians like Hasan Minhaj, Nikki Glaser, and Roy Wood Jr., but his major breakthrough came in 2022 with his debut on late-night television, performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Watch Emil Wakim on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Wakim’s performance on SNL was met with a standing ovation, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Reflecting on the experience in an interview with Vulture, Wakim described it as a surreal highlight. “It’s still crazy to me that I survived it,” he shared. “The anticipation leading up to the taping was overwhelming. I was so anxious, it didn’t even register. I’m shocked I could fall asleep at all the night before.”
The moment was also significant for his parents. “It was finally something all their friends and co-workers recognized,” Wakim added. “It gave them closure—they didn’t have to explain to people why a Just for Laughs audition was a big deal.”
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