When it comes to spot-on celebrity impersonations on “Saturday Night Live,” Nasim Pedrad quickly made a name for herself—much like how Tina Fey famously embodied Sarah Palin, Nasim Pedrad became the go-to performer for Kim Kardashian. In fact, Nasim Pedrad’s impressions were so uncannily accurate that in quick clips, you’d be forgiven for mistaking her for the real thing. Over the years, Nasim Pedrad proved to be a standout presence on the long-running NBC sketch show, which has been a launching pad for comedic talent since 1975.
What makes Nasim Pedrad’s rise even more remarkable is her background. As an Iranian-American, she brought a unique perspective to the comedy world—a space where representation like hers was once rare. Born in Tehran, Nasim Pedrad moved to the United States with her family when she was just two years old. She grew up immersed in the vibrant Persian community of Irvine, California, a cultural backdrop that subtly shaped her identity and humor.
Her path to SNL wasn’t overnight. After studying at the UCLA School of Theatre, Nasim Pedrad honed her craft with two of the most respected improv groups in the country: The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade. That training paid off when she joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2009. From there, Nasim Pedrad became known not only for her sharp celebrity impersonations—like Kim Kardashian, Arianna Huffington, and Zooey Deschanel—but also for her original, quirky characters that added fresh energy to the show.
Beyond live sketches, Nasim Pedrad expanded her reach into voice acting. She lent her vocal talents to major animated films such as “The Lorax” (2012) and “Despicable Me 2” (2013). She also played a key role in “The Awesomes,” the superhero spoof series streaming on Hulu from 2013 to 2015. Created by Seth Meyers and Michael Shoemaker, the show featured several familiar faces from the SNL universe, including Bobby Moynihan, Kenan Thompson, Taran Killam, Cecily Strong, and alumni Bill Hader and Rachel Dratch—making it something of a comedic reunion, with Nasim Pedrad right in the middle of it.
Even while still performing on “Saturday Night Live,” Nasim Pedrad took on new challenges. She landed a role in the pilot for “Mulaney,” a sitcom created by and starring comedian John Mulaney, who had previously written for SNL. Though NBC passed on the pilot, Fox saw potential and picked it up for the 2014–15 season, giving Nasim Pedrad another platform to showcase her range. Through each step of her career, Nasim Pedrad has balanced satire, authenticity, and versatility—proving time and again that she’s much more than just a mimic.
When it comes to Nasim Pedrad’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical and audience reception is Despicable Me 2 from 2013, which happens to be her highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised the animated hit, and Nasim Pedrad’s contribution added to its charm. On the other end of the spectrum, her role in Desperados, released in 2020, received notably less acclaim, making it her lowest rated film to date. While Nasim Pedrad has showcased her talent across various genres, these two titles mark the peaks and valleys of her movie ratings so far. It’s interesting to see how Nasim Pedrad’s career spans both blockbuster successes and more underwhelming projects. Still, her performance continues to draw attention, proving that Nasim Pedrad remains a notable presence in the entertainment industry.