Robby Hoffman's Slow and Steady Rise to the Top

A comedy breakout star resists the appeal of overnight success

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Robby Hoffman, a 36-year-old comedian, has been steadily building her career in stand-up and television over the years, resisting the temptation of quick fame through platforms like TikTok. Despite her dry, curmudgeonly humor, Hoffman has found success in shows like "Hacks" and "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney," and recently released her first Netflix special, "Wake Up," directed by Mulaney. Hoffman's journey has been marked by her practical upbringing, her embrace of her clever personality, and her refusal to compromise her authentic voice, which has endeared her to audiences and industry figures alike.

Why it matters

Hoffman's story highlights the value of taking a slow and steady approach to building a career in the entertainment industry, rather than chasing overnight success. Her authenticity and refusal to conform to industry norms have resonated with audiences and earned her critical acclaim, demonstrating that there are multiple paths to success in the comedy world.

The details

Robby Hoffman, whose real first name is Rivkah, grew up in a Hasidic Jewish community in New York before moving to Montreal with her single mother. She initially pursued a practical career in accounting and finance, but continued to do stand-up comedy on the side. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Robby, paying homage to her uncle. Hoffman eventually left accounting to pursue writing, moving back to New York, where she met her future "Hacks" co-star Paul W. Downs. Hoffman's comedy often deals with her religious upbringing and queer identity, but she says she is most passionate about discussing issues of poverty and classism.

  • Hoffman started doing stand-up while attending McGill University.
  • Hoffman moved to Toronto after graduation to continue pursuing a career in accounting and finance.
  • Hoffman left accounting to take a writing gig on "The Chris Gethard Show," moving back to New York.
  • Hoffman met Paul W. Downs and started working on "Hacks" just before the pandemic.
  • Hoffman's first Netflix special, "Wake Up," was released in December.

The players

Robby Hoffman

A 36-year-old comedian who has been steadily building her career in stand-up and television, resisting the temptation of quick fame through platforms like TikTok.

Paul W. Downs

A co-creator and star of the series "Hacks," who met Hoffman doing alt-comedy just before the pandemic and was struck by her "unfiltered" comedy style.

John Mulaney

A comedian who found Hoffman's work online and reached out to her about directing a comedy special before they had even met.

Gabby Windey

Hoffman's wife, who is a reality TV star.

Lucia Aniello

A co-creator of the series "Hacks," who drew inspiration from Hoffman's life to write the character of Randi.

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What they’re saying

“It's enviable and aspirational. Everybody wishes they could say whatever is on their mind with such confidence, and that's something that makes Robby so appealing.”

— Paul W. Downs, Co-creator and star of "Hacks"

“The whole show is about people who are cast aside by the industry. We wanted Robby to fit into that tapestry of people on the outside, looking in.”

— Paul W. Downs, Co-creator and star of "Hacks"

“Robby has not taken into consideration any rules ... or accepted wisdom on show business. I believe it to be why she remains so authentic.”

— John Mulaney

What’s next

Hoffman will return to "Hacks" in addition to developing an HBO comedy called "Unentitled" and appearing in another HBO project, "Rooster," a series from Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses that stars Steve Carell.

The takeaway

Robby Hoffman's story demonstrates that taking a slow and steady approach to building a career in comedy, rather than chasing overnight success, can lead to authentic and lasting success. Her refusal to compromise her unique voice and perspective has resonated with audiences and industry figures alike, proving that there are multiple paths to success in the entertainment industry.