Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard is a comedian well known for her acts consisting of comedy and music. She appeared in the 1983 movie King of Comedy and numerous other films such as Hudson Hawk and Dinner Rush. She also played "Nancy" on the television show Roseanne and has had work published in several magazines, including Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. Bernhard is well known for controversial commentaries on politics.¹

Fast Facts

Born: June 6, 1955 in Flint, MI²

97 on Comedy Central's list of 100 Greatest Standups of All Time²

3 books published¹

Guest star on Ally McBeal, Chicago Hope, Will & Grace¹

Had a talk show on A&E in 2001¹

Known for her friendship with Madonna³

Performs classic pop songs, jazz and blues at her shows²

Controversy

Bernhard was featured on a commercial for Make-up Art Cosmetics (MAC). During the commercial she referred to someone who wouldn't approve of her as "...little freaked out, intimidated, frightened, right-wing Republican thin-lipped bitch." MAC pulled the commercial because of the uproar that followed.²

During an episode of The View in June 2006, Bernhard offended Star Jones when talking about Mariah Carey. She also upset Elizabeth Hasselbeck when discussing Laura Bush. The segment was cut short.²

In September 2008, Bernhard was commenting on Sarah Palin during one of her acts. She said that if Palin were to come to Manhattan, "I'll tear her apart like a Wise natural kosher chicken." She also warned that Palin would be "gang-raped" by Bernhard's "big black brothers."⁴