Ramy Youssef

A singular voice in comedy and storytelling, Egyptian-American artist and creator Ramy Youssef brings heart, humor, and sharp social commentary to the stage and screen. Known for his acclaimed Hulu series Ramy, which earned him a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations, his latest HBO comedy special Ramy Youssef: More Feelings is likewise garnering critical acclaim. Beyond stand-up, Youssef lent his directorial eye to an award-winning episode of FX’s The Bear and co-created Netflix’s Peabody-winning Mo. On the big screen, he starred alongside Emma Stone in the Academy Award-winning Poor Things. Founder of the production company Cairo Cowboy, he is dedicated to advocating for inclusivity in the entertainment industry and amplifying underrepresented voices–particularly emerging Muslim talent. 

Finding humour in hardship, Ramy Youssef’s deeply personal narratives explore identity and the absurdities of modern American life with wit and warmth. He joins the Phil Lind Initiative series centered on the topic “What it means to be ‘American,’” offering perspectives from the entertainment industry in a conversation moderated by Ravi Nandan.  

Ravi Nandan is Head of TV and Non-Fiction at A24,the global entertainment company behind last year’s Emmy-Award winning and critically acclaimed series Beef on Netflix. With 13 nominations, Beef won 8 Emmys, including Best Limited Series, while its stars, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, each earned awards for Best Actress and Best Actor.

Presented by UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in partnership with Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.