Emil Wakim is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who has quickly become a fresh voice in the comedy scene. Known for his witty takes on his Lebanese-American roots and everyday experiences, he became widely recognized after joining Saturday Night Live in its landmark 50th season in 2024. Emil made history as the first Lebanese-American cast member on the show, bringing a unique perspective to sketches and “Weekend Update.”
Even though he left SNL after just one season in August 2025, his career is still on the rise with stand-up tours and new projects ahead. His sharp storytelling, long-form jokes, and ability to turn family and cultural experiences into comedy have made him one of the most exciting new names in the industry.
Emil Wakim Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Emil Wakim |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Writer |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Current Residence | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American (Lebanese-American) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Instagram ID | @emilwakim |
| X ID | @emilwakim |
Physical Details
| Field | Details |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 70 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Emil Wakim Early Life
Emil Wakim was born on March 11, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, to a Lebanese Maronite Christian father and an American mother. Growing up in a mixed cultural household, Emil often found humor in the differences between his family’s Lebanese traditions and the American lifestyle around him.
As a child, he was known for being funny and often used humor to connect with classmates. Watching Saturday Night Live inspired him early on, planting the dream of one day being part of the show. He grew up in Chicago before moving to Bloomington, Indiana, where his passion for comedy grew stronger.
Emil Wakim Education
Emil studied at Hinsdale South High School in Illinois and later attended Indiana University in Bloomington. Initially, he considered pre-law studies but decided to leave the traditional path to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. His real training came from performing at open mics, small clubs, and eventually comedy festivals.
Emil Wakim Family Details
Emil comes from a close-knit family that plays a big role in his material. His father is a Lebanese immigrant, and his mother is American. While they initially struggled to understand his career choice, their support grew stronger after his appearances on national television. Emil has not shared much about siblings, and he is currently single, focusing on his comedy career.
Emil Wakim Career
Emil Wakim began his comedy career during college in Bloomington, performing in local clubs. In 2019, he moved to New York City to take comedy more seriously. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he was chosen as a New Face of Comedy at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.
That same year, Emil made his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which gave him a boost of recognition. He went on to perform with major comedians including Hasan Minhaj, Nikki Glaser, Roy Wood Jr., and Neal Brennan.
In September 2024, Emil was announced as a featured player on Saturday Night Live Season 50, making history as the first Lebanese-American cast member. His sketches and a bold “Weekend Update” appearance on youth views about Palestine drew both praise and debate.
In August 2025, Emil shared that he would not be returning for Season 51, calling the exit a “gut punch” but expressing gratitude for the opportunity. Since then, he has focused on stand-up tours across the country and is working on future projects, including specials and television appearances.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Stand-Up Start | College years in Bloomington; NYC move 2019 |
| Just for Laughs | New Face of Comedy (2022) |
| Tonight Show Debut | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2022) |
| SNL Join | Featured player, Season 50 (2024) |
| Weekend Update | Guest spot in April 2025 |
| SNL Exit | Announced departure in August 2025 |
Controversies
Emil Wakim has generally kept a clean public image, though his Weekend Update segment in April 2025 sparked mixed reactions. Some admired his courage to address sensitive topics like Palestine, while others criticized the delivery. Overall, Emil remains respected for his authentic voice and willingness to take risks in comedy.
Also Read this:
- Brandon Herrera Biography, Age, Height, Youtube, Career, Guns & More
- Abigail and Brittany Hensel Biography – Age, Height, Career & More
- Jacob Frey Biography – Age, Family, Career, Education & More
- Brooks Nader Biography, Age, Height, Sisters, Family, Career,& More
- Kylie Kelce Biography – Age, Height, Kids, College, Family & More
- Jasmin Jaffar Biography – Age, Height, Family & More