After entertaining Americans on SNL for six seasons, Ego Nwodim announced her departure last year. With her podcast, Thanks Dad, and roles in this year’s Little Brother and Mindy Kaling’s Not Suitable for Work, she’s making a name for herself outside 30 Rock.
What are you looking forward to this year?
Learning how to properly rest, or at least nailing the basic tenets of rest.
When you were little, what were you known for?
Talking too damn much!
What’s one work of art that got you through an important moment in your life?
Lady Bird! It may be top of mind because a friend and I were just talking about how good it was, but it really reflected back to me aspects of my relationship with my mom when I was the same age as the main character. And it helped me make sense of parts of my college experience. I could really see myself in Christine.
What’s something people get wrong about you?
I may do comedy and love performing, but when I’m offstage, I can be very introverted and quiet at times. I think this shocks some people.
What keeps you up at night?
Irrational fear that my alarm won’t go off, the sound of my HVAC, and the thoughts of texts I’ve forgotten to respond to.
What do you think is your biggest contribution to culture?
Hopefully joy and levity!
Name an influence of yours that might surprise people.
C.S. Lewis.
What question do you ask yourself most often while you’re making work?
Is this anything?
Where do you feel most at home?
In my bed or in/near blue waters.
To read more from the 2026 CULT100 honorees, see the full list here.
in your life?
