"Satire has always been a powerful tool to question authority and provoke thought. Comedy allows people to process heavy or polarizing topics in a digestible way."
The journey has been surreal, to say the least. I started out as a stand-up comedian while working in the tech world. During the pandemic, like many others, I was stuck at home, feeling both frustrated and creatively restless. I stumbled upon an idea to lip-sync certain public figures—their words were already outlandish—and let the absurdity speak for itself. The first few videos were just for fun, but then they resonated with people in ways I never expected.
Q. Your lip-syncing of former President Trump’s speeches has been called "genius." How did you decide on this unique approach?
It’s funny because it wasn’t premeditated. I was listening to one of his press conferences, and I realized how much humor there is in the cadence and phrasing, even unintentionally. I thought, "What if I just acted this out literally?" It highlighted the absurdity while adding a human element to it. The juxtaposition between the words and the exaggerated interpretation was where the magic happened.
Q. Many would argue that satire is a form of activism. Would you agree?
Absolutely. Satire has always been a powerful tool to question authority and provoke thought. Comedy allows people to process heavy or polarizing topics in a digestible way. For me, it’s not just about making people laugh; it’s about helping them see the ridiculousness in certain situations and maybe even rethink their perspectives.
Q. Your transition from tech to comedy is fascinating. How did your background shape your comedic voice?
Working in tech taught me so much about human behavior, corporate absurdities, and the universal quirks of office life. My first book, 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, was born out of my experiences in that environment. I think humor often comes from observation, and tech provides endless material to draw from. That background also gave me a unique lens through which I approach comedy.
Q. Can you elaborate on how your experiences in tech and comedy intersect?
In tech, you’re often dealing with jargon, hierarchy, and a certain level of pretentiousness that can be ripe for humor. My comedy often pokes fun at those universal office dynamics—things like fake enthusiasm in meetings or buzzwords that everyone uses but no one really understands. At the same time, tech taught me about discipline and problem-solving, which are skills I’ve carried into my comedy career.
Q. Your success has also opened doors to acting and writing for television. How do you balance all these creative avenues?
It’s definitely a juggling act, but it’s also incredibly exciting. Writing and performing both feed different parts of my creativity. With acting, I get to embody characters and tell stories visually. With writing, it’s about building worlds and narratives from scratch. They’re different challenges but deeply rewarding. Time management has been crucial—I have to be intentional about where I put my energy each day.
Q. What has been the most surprising part of your journey so far?
The most surprising part has been the speed at which things have happened. I went from creating short videos in my apartment to having a Netflix special and working with amazing teams in Hollywood. It’s also humbling to know that my work has resonated globally. I’ve received messages from people around the world who tell me my videos helped them find humor during dark times. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Q. Speaking of your Netflix special, Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine, what inspired the title and theme?
The title was meant to capture the feeling of pretending everything is okay when it’s really not—a sentiment many of us can relate to. The theme revolved around the absurdity of the times we’re living in and how we navigate them with humor and resilience. The process was intense, especially during the pandemic, but it was a labor of love. I worked with an incredible team, including Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne as producers, and we wanted to capture a mix of absurdity, humor, and heart.
Q. As a woman of color in comedy, have you faced any unique challenges?
Definitely. Comedy, like many industries, has its gatekeepers and biases. Early on, I sometimes felt pigeonholed or underestimated. But I’ve also seen progress and more diverse voices being celebrated. It’s a great time to be in comedy because audiences are demanding authenticity and fresh perspectives. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be part of that shift.
Q. Beyond comedy, what other creative ambitions do you have?
I’m really interested in diving deeper into storytelling. I’d love to write and direct films someday. There’s something magical about being able to shape a narrative from start to finish and bring it to life visually. I’m also exploring projects that combine comedy with social commentary, as those are the stories I’m most passionate about.
Q. What’s next for Sarah Cooper?
I’m working on a few exciting projects, including another book and some TV concepts. I’m also interested in creating content that highlights underrepresented voices in comedy and beyond. The goal is to keep pushing myself creatively and, of course, to keep making people laugh. I’m also hoping to collaborate with other artists whose work I admire. Collaboration is such a powerful way to grow and innovate.
Q. Any advice for aspiring comedians out there?
My advice would be to find your unique voice and lean into it. The internet has made it possible for anyone to share their work, so don’t wait for someone else’s permission to start. Be persistent, be patient, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Comedy is about connection, so always aim to be authentic. And remember, failure is part of the process—embrace it and learn from it.
BIO :
Sarah Cooper is a comedian, writer, and actress renowned for her satirical lip-sync videos, especially those mimicking political figures. A former tech professional, she gained fame during the pandemic with her sharp, humorous commentary on current events. Cooper is the author of '100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings' and creator of the Netflix special 'Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine'. Her work blends wit and social insight, earning her a global audience and a platform to explore diverse storytelling avenues in comedy and beyond.
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