He’s the author whose witty, laugh-out-loud stories—like the now-iconic “SantaLand Diaries”—became regular features on National Public Radio, earning him a devoted following. Over the years, he built a reputation as a master of the personal essay, with several New York Times bestsellers to his name, including Naked (1997), Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000), and When You Are Engulfed in Flames (2008). Before all the fame and book tours, he spent years bouncing between odd jobs in North Carolina and New York City, trying to find his voice. It wasn’t until a performance at a Chicago club caught the attention of radio host Ira Glass that things began to shift. That break led to wider recognition, and eventually, the publication of his first collection of short stories and essays, Barrel Fever, in 1994. He was born in Binghamton, New York, to Lou and Sharon Sedaris, and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, alongside five siblings—one of whom is actress and comedienne Amy Sedaris. Throughout much of his adult life, he shared his home with his long-term partner, Hugh Hamrick. And through it all, he remained a distinctive voice in contemporary literature—sharp, honest, and always surprisingly funny.
He ended up publishing over forty thought-provoking essays in The New Yorker, showcasing his unique voice and perspective. Alongside that, he regularly contributed to various segments of the widely loved radio program, This American Life. He really made a name for himself through consistent, high-quality work across both platforms. His contributions stood out, not just in quantity—over four dozen pieces—but in their lasting impact on readers and listeners alike. He became a familiar presence in American literary and media circles, thanks to his engaging storytelling and insightful commentary.