Having grown up in poverty in a Hasidic Jewish family, Robby Hoffman brings singular personal experience to her work, including the recent John Mulaney-directed stand-up special Wake Up, HBO’s Hacks, and Rooster. She’s also developing a show based on her life for the network, where she’ll play a version of herself.
What’s your biggest vice? Your greatest virtue?
I like vaping but stopped doing it. What are the virtues again? I don’t vape anymore as of like a month ago. Does that count?
What’s been the hardest part of your career so far?
The uncertainty, the worry, the risks. It has taken absolutely everything out of me to be doing this. I frankly don’t think I have the right temperament for it, but alas here we are, by the grace of G-d.
What’s something people get wrong about you?
That I’m rude. But like I’ve tried to explain, I’m opposite [of] Ellen. Like Ellen purports to be friendly and kind. She’s dancing. But she’s actually a terror to work with. I, on the other hand, am aggressive, a little rough around the edges, but I’m actually a delight to work with! They’ll print that one day. It’ll come out that I’m kind, you wait and see.
What’s one work of art that got you through an important moment in your life?
One is tough. It’s like when someone asks what’s my favorite movie or what’s my favorite color. I’m not 6 anymore. I don’t just have one, I like a lot of them now. That said, red and Brokeback Mountain.
When you were little, what were you known for?
Remember Dennis the Menace? But with red hair.
What keeps you up at night?
Nothing. I sleep like a baby next to my wife [Gabby Windey], thank G-d.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I went camping once like 10 years ago and dream of potentially going again this year at some point. I don’t camp or have any gear, but ideally if a friend of mine is reading this and has a tent, can we please go? Maybe for my birthday? That’s the only way I can get Gab to join too.
What do you think is your biggest contribution to culture?
I’m a breath of fresh air.
Name an influence of yours that might surprise people.
Eminem? Not sure that’s surprising. Katt Williams? Again no surprises. Maybe Bunny Williams (designer), Alex Honnold (climber), or Lewis Hamilton (best driver and sickest style). I love people who are extremely themselves.
What do you want to see more of in your industry? Less of?
More me. Less action, big superhero or Marvel formulaic movies, unless I’m in one.
What question do you ask yourself most often while you’re making work?
How long? When is it due? Have we been paid?
Where do you feel most at home?
Duh, at home with Gab and the animals.
What would you wear to meet your greatest enemy?
No idea, what’s the occasion? Is there a carpet? What’s the function? They’re not coming over, I can tell you that much.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in your field?
I’d probably have to take Bernie’s mantle or be the greatest lawyer the world has ever known.
To read more from the 2026 CULT100 honorees, see the full list here.
in your life?
