Nimesh Patel is an Indian-American comedian, writer, and actor who has made waves in the comedy industry with his witty observations, sharp punchlines, and unique perspective on life. Born and raised in New Jersey, Patel started his career in comedy as a writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2017. Since then, he has been creating laughter through his stand-up act, television appearances, and podcast.
Patel's comedic style is characterized by his ability to fuse observational humor with social commentary. He often explores topics related to his identity as a South Asian immigrant, such as race, culture, and language, while also commenting on current events, politics, and pop culture. His jokes are clever, intelligent, and at times, controversial, but always delivered with humility and charm.
In 2018, Patel joined the writing team for SNL’s 44th season, becoming the first South Asian person to do so. His writing credits include sketches featuring hosts such as Sandra Oh, Steve Carell, and John Mulaney. Patel’s most memorable SNL moment came when he appeared as a panelist in a sketch where he made a joke about being fired by Kevin Hart immediately after introducing him as the show’s host. The comment sparked outrage from some members of the audience, who accused Patel of being insensitive and racist in his depiction of African American stereotypes.
Despite the controversy, Patel has remained steadfast in his commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers in the comedy world. He has continued to perform live shows across the country, appearing at prestigious venues such as Comedy Cellar, Carolines on Broadway, and The Comedy Store. In 2020, he released his debut stand-up special, "Still Got It," which aired on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Beyond his work as a comedian, Patel is also a writer and producer for TV and film. He has worked on popular shows like A Little Late with Lilly Singh and The Oscars, as well as the upcoming Marvel’s Eternals movie.
Throughout his career, Patel has been recognized for his talent and contributions to the comedy industry. He was named one of Variety's 10 Comics to Watch in 2019 and received a Writers Guild Award nomination for his work on SNL. His unique voice and perspective have made him an important figure in the world of comedy, inspiring other young people of color to pursue their dreams and make their voices heard.