Kumail Ali Nanjiani, popularly known as Kumail Nanjiani, is a multi-talented Pakistani-American personality. He’s a comedian, actor, screenwriter, and podcaster who has achieved significant success in Hollywood.

Wiki/Biography

Born on Tuesday, February 21, 1978, in Karachi, Pakistan, Kumail’s zodiac sign is Pisces. He completed his schooling at Karachi’s St. Michael’s Convent School and Karachi Grammar School. Even as a child, he showed an inclination towards comedy, enjoying comic books and action films. After school, he moved to the US, attending Grinnell College in Iowa where he pursued a double major in Computer Science and Philosophy.

Following graduation, he worked in an office job for about six years. Finding the work unfulfilling, he resigned to pursue his passion for comedy.

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5′ 8½”
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Black

Family & Caste

Kumail was born to a Sindhi couple in Karachi. Raised as a Shia Muslim, he later identified as an atheist. His parents are Aijaz Nanjiani (a doctor) and Shabana Nanjiani. He has a younger brother, Zain Nanjiani, who works as a banker in the US.

He’s also the second cousin of Scottish radio presenter, Shereen Nanjiani.

Wife

Kumail began a relationship with Emily Vance Gordon, a family therapist, in 2006. Initially keeping their relationship secret from his parents—who desired a Pakistani Muslim wife for him—he revealed it when Emily became seriously ill and fell into a medically induced coma for eight months. After her recovery, his parents encouraged their marriage. They had a quiet courthouse wedding in Chicago on July 14, 2007, followed two weeks later by a traditional Pakistani wedding.

Career

Television

Kumail’s career began in 2007 with his successful one-man show, “Unpronounceable,” at Chicago’s Lakeshore Theatre. This launched him into television, starting with an appearance as an Indian reporter on “Saturday Night Live” in 2008. He then appeared in episodes of “The Colbert Report,” “Michael & Michael Have Issues,” “Ugly Americans,” “Googy,” “Adventure Time,” “Bob’s Burgers,” and “The Twilight Zone,” showcasing his diverse comedic range and acting ability.

Films

His film debut was in 2010’s “Life as We Know It.” He then took on various roles in films such as “The Five-Year Engagement,” “The Kings of Summer,” “Hell Baby,” “Sex Tape,” “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” “Goosebumps,” “Fist Fight,” “Men In Black: International,” and “The Lovebirds,” demonstrating his versatility across genres.

Web Series

Kumail’s digital media work started in 2009 with the web series “Jake and Amir.” He also appeared in “Hunt The Truth,” “Game Grumps,” “Movie Fights,” and “Gay of Thrones,” expanding his reach to online audiences.

Other Work

In 2011, he co-hosted the podcast “The Indoor Kids,” initially with Ali Baker, and later with his wife, Emily. His breakthrough role as Dinesh Chugtai in HBO’s “Silicon Valley” brought him widespread recognition. His show, “The Meltdown,” further solidified his success. He’s also lent his voice to video games like “The Walking Dead: Season Two,” “Mass Effect: Andromeda,” and “Middle-earth: Shadow of War.”

Awards & Achievements

• Kanbar Award for Storytelling for “The Big Sick” (2017)
• Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay for “The Big Sick” (2017)
• Auteur Award at San Diego International Film Festival (2017)

Favourite Things

Facts/Trivia

• Hobbies include traveling and listening to music.
• He is a non-vegetarian.
• Hugh Grant’s performance in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” inspired him to pursue stand-up comedy.
• He was the second person in his family to live abroad (after an uncle who settled in Scotland).
• Comes from a family of doctors; his parents wanted him to be one.
• He’s a fitness enthusiast.
• In April 2018, he was named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” (Pioneers).
• He is an animal lover and owns a pet dog named Barley.