Weekly : Lesbian or bi-sexual actress

WANDA SYKES

Written by: Ruth

 

Wanda Sykes (born March 7, 1964) is an American Emmy Award winning stand-up comedian and actress. She is known for her blunt comedic observations on current events, the differences between the sexes and races, and the human condition. As an actress she is known for her role as Barb on The New Adventures of Old Christine, on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm as herself and numerous cameo appearances. In 2004 Entertainment Weekly named her as one of the 25 funniest people in America

In October 2008, Wanda Sykes appeared in a television ad for the Think Before You Speak Campaign, an advertising campaign by GLSEN aimed at curbing homophobic slang in youth communities. In the 30-second spot, she uses humour to scold a teenager for saying "that's so gay" when he really means "that is so bad."

In March 2009, it was announced that Sykes would be the host of a new late-night talk show on Saturdays on Fox. It is expected to premiere in the Fall of 2009.[ In April 2009, she was named in Out magazine's Annual Power 50 List, landing at number 35.

In May 2009, Sykes was the featured entertainer for the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, becoming both the first African American and the first openly LGBT person to get the role. At this event, Sykes made controversial headlines as she responded to conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh's recent comments regarding President Barack Obama. Limbaugh had said "I hope he fails" regarding Obama's "socialist" agenda, as Limbaugh put it. In response, Sykes quipped: "I hope his [Limbaugh's] kidneys fail."

Sykes was married to David Hall from 1991 to 1998. In October 2008 in California she married her female partner Alex whom she met in 2006, and publicly came out in November at a same-sex marriage rally regarding Proposition 8 in Las Vegas that she is a lesbian and had just married. Alex gave birth to twins Olivia Lou and Lucas Claude on April 27, 2009.

Sykes expressed her excitement over the presidential election of Barack Obama, and feeling "crushed" after California voters passed state Proposition 8, which forbade marriages of same-sex couples. She has continued to be active in same-sex marriage issues hosting events and emceeing fundraisers.

Sykes was nominated for three Primetime Emmys and in 1999 won the Emmy for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special." In 2001, she won the American Comedy Award for "Outstanding Female Stand Up Comic". She won three more Emmys, in 2002, 2004 and 2005 , for her work on “Inside the NFL” for “Outstanding Studio Show - Weekly- Inside The NFL" followed by a Comedy Central Commie Award for "Funniest TV Actress in 2003."