US Egyptian Moroccan comedian Dina Hashem, famous for her distinctive cynical wit, is transitioning from the live comedy stage to television screens with the forthcoming animated series " #1 Happy Family US," created by Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef in collaboration with Amazon. Set in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the show centers on a Muslim-American family residing in the United States, with Hashem lending her voice to a character named Lammy, a lamb. The series synopsis paints " #1 Happy Family USA" as an exploration of the trials faced by a Muslim-American household adjusting to life after 9/11, navigating through a time characterized by fear, conflict, and the rise of the boy-band craze.
In contrast to her peers, Hashem's stand-up comedy is distinguished by its focus on sardonic observations about life, marriage, her Arab heritage, and the immigrant experience in America. Reflecting on her comedic style, Hashem remarks that her humor tends to be more extreme and specific than what is typically seen on stage, owing to the inherent need for broad appeal in stand-up performances.
While many comedians gain notoriety by tackling social discrimination and biases, Hashem sets herself apart by delving into the intricacies of familial relationships and personal challenges. She acknowledges the current trend among comedians to highlight the negative impacts of societal inequalities but notes that her own experiences of negativity primarily stemmed from familial dynamics rather than external forces.
Hashem opens up about her struggles with communication and mental health issues during her formative years, expressing how stand-up comedy became a vehicle for her to articulate her thoughts and experiences in a way that she had never felt comfortable doing before. She credits the comedy scene for providing her with a platform where her voice is heard and valued, a stark contrast to her earlier feelings of isolation and neglect within her family environment.
Presently, Hashem is a writer for "The Daily Show" and has contributed to the HBO Max comedy series "The Sex Lives of College Girls," further solidifying her presence in the comedy sphere and her commitment to exploring diverse narratives through humor.
