Sandra Bernhard has spent nearly five decades carving a space uniquely her own in entertainment. Renowned for her sharp wit, magnetic stage presence, and trailblazing creativity, she has become a cultural cornerstone. From her breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy to her seamless fusion of cabaret, stand-up, and social commentary, Bernhard’s artistry defies categorization. A fearless voice for individuality and justice, she continues to captivate audiences while pushing boundaries across mediums.
Her journey is a masterclass in reinvention, evolving from an audacious young performer into a seasoned artist whose work still resonates. Whether acting, singing, or hosting Sandyland on SiriusXM, Bernhard maintains an unflinching commitment to honesty and authenticity. As she embarks on a slate of ambitious projects, she exemplifies relevance and creativity in an ever-changing cultural landscape.
Activism Through Art
Bernhard’s position as a cultural icon, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, fuels her activism. She passionately asserts, "We must be united on all fronts to protect marginalized groups." Whether using her SiriusXM show Sandyland to highlight social justice issues or performing at events supporting LGBTQ+ rights, Bernhard consistently leverages her voice for advocacy. During the height of the AIDS crisis, she was a vocal supporter of affected communities, blending her art with activism to bring attention to their struggles. "I lost many dear friends," she reflects, "and being deep in the gay scene watching people fall into the abyss, it was a terrible time, but also inspiring as terrible times can be." Today, she champions causes like gender equality and reproductive rights, emphasizing, "The fight never ends, but we have strong allies and inner strength that keeps us on the front lines."
Stellar Collaborations and Acting Projects
Sandra Bernhard’s acting slate is as exciting as ever. She has been cast as one of the Gray Sisters alongside Margaret Cho and Kristen Schnall in Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, season two. "I’ve never been in SFX makeup before or played a kind of fantasy character, so I really loved it," she shares of this iconic role. She will also guest star in season two of Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest, starring Michelle Buteau. "I have been very lucky this past four years getting cast in amazing projects that are not only fun but I am proud to be a part of," she notes.
Adding to her impressive list of projects, Bernhard joins the all-star cast of Marty Supreme, which includes Timothée Chalamet in the title role, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, The Creator, and more. The film, set for release in early 2025, gives her another opportunity to shine among Hollywood’s elite. "It’s always nice to continue being relevant as an artist and included in A-list projects," she remarks.
Additionally, Bernhard is featured in the new Netflix documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution. "Well earned," she asserts. "I have put myself on the line as a performer in ways that have been perceived as revolutionary, and I am thrilled that my work still has resonance."
A Home on Stage: "Shapes & Forms"
Joe’s Pub has long been a creative home for Bernhard. This year’s Shapes & Forms promises to deliver "personal stories with a bang, excellent musical choices, offbeat observations, and a reflection of where we are at in this very strange time." True to her style, she keeps her performances dynamic and unpredictable: "Yes, there are always surprises, and I like to keep them that way!"
Her holiday performances, another cherished tradition, evolve from year to year while staying authentic to her persona. "I curate these shows year-round," she explains. "Sandyland, my SiriusXM radio show, is a place to try out material in a carefree manner, and much of it goes into the new shows."
Career Reflections
Bernhard’s breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy remains one of her proudest achievements. "It was so ahead of its time, and very few women’s characters back then were as audacious as Masha," she reflects. "It was hard to find those roles to follow it up, which is why I leaned into my own work."
Her distinctive ability to merge cabaret, stand-up, and social commentary feels natural to her. "It’s just a natural blend of all the influences that have inspired me since I was a kid," she explains. "It’s like culture itself, bouncing from one idea to the next without missing a beat." As for her enduring relevance, Bernhard attributes it to authenticity: "You either have it in your DNA, or you don’t. I don’t like phonies. I don’t like work that is dishonest, and I will never accept it from myself."
A Cultural and Social Beacon
Bernhard’s art often challenges societal norms, as seen in her roles on shows like Pose. "We’ve planted our flag, and no one will ever be able to remove it again," she says about LGBTQ+ representation in media. But she acknowledges the ongoing struggles: "The fight never ends, but we have strong allies and inner strength that keeps us on the front lines, chopping away battle by battle."
For aspiring performers, Bernhard offers straightforward advice: "I always recommend that if this is the only thing you can imagine doing, then go for it. If not, find another profession. And if you don’t have something important to say, find another path."
When asked about the United Nations' Global Goals, Bernhard connects deeply with gender equality. "Certainly, finding ways for women to have autonomy is one of my top priorities—around the globe but sadly here in America, where so much has been stolen from us by the authoritarians who have taken foothold," she states. "Education, independence, bodily autonomy—the list is long, and we can’t stop advocating. I don’t see it ending anytime soon."
Sandra Bernhard returns to the stage at Joe's Pub in NYC for her 19th year with her new Shapes & Forms live show
for six nights only (Dec. 26-31). Sandra's show features brand new material along with the Sandyland Squad Band. Tickets on sale HERE
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