Ilana Glazer, co-creator and star of the hit Comedy Central show Broad City, offers a glimpse into her life and career through a revealing "25 Things You Don’t Know About Me" feature. From her comedic beginnings to her current projects, Glazer’s personality shines through, highlighting her love for family, quirky habits, and deep appreciation for the arts. A particular highlight of her career, and a favorite comedic moment, stems from the season 1 finale of Broad City, where her character suffers a shellfish allergy attack. The ensuing chaos, involving an accidental EpiPen stabbing and Abbi carrying her out of a fancy restaurant, left the cast and crew, including director Amy Poehler, in stitches. This anecdote encapsulates the show’s signature blend of humor and heartwarming friendship.
Beyond the realm of Broad City, Glazer’s life is a mix of simple pleasures and creative pursuits. Weekends are ideally spent relaxing with family and indulging in home-cooked meals. She enjoys exploring her Brooklyn neighborhood with her daughter, treating even familiar locales as a tourist adventure. Her culinary preferences lean towards healthy, comforting dishes, while a fast-food craving might lead her to a Wendy’s crispy chicken sandwich with extra pickles. She finds solace in a warm bath infused with Epsom salts and a small dose of a weed gummy after a hectic day. These small details paint a picture of a woman who appreciates both the quiet moments and the vibrant energy of life.
Glazer’s artistic sensibilities are evident in her admiration for various performers and her own creative endeavors. Beyoncé reigns supreme as her most-listened-to artist, while her childhood admiration for Robin Williams reflects her appreciation for genuine emotional expression. A chance encounter with Nicole Kidman led to a starstruck imitation, showcasing Glazer’s playful nature and perhaps a hint of her comedic instincts. Her career aspirations extend beyond acting, with an interest in therapy driven by her love for deep conversations. The nostalgic pull of Craig David’s "7 Days" transports her back to her youth, while the desire to collaborate with Viola Davis hints at future projects that could blend humor and dramatic depth.
Glazer’s journey into the entertainment world started early, making sketch videos with her brother, Eliot, a cherished childhood memory. This early experimentation likely laid the groundwork for her later comedic pursuits. Her first foray into the workforce was unconventional, acting as a “mother’s helper” at the tender age of 9, involving babysitting while the mother indulged in daytime drinking. From these humble beginnings, she honed her talents, leading to a successful career in comedy. Her proudest moment involves honoring Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the Kennedy Center Awards with a comedic dance performance alongside Abbi Jacobson, a testament to her admiration for the comedic icon and the strong bond she shares with her Broad City co-star.
Glazer’s creative process involves grounding rituals, like taking two-hour walks around the neighborhood before each of her stand-up performances, allowing her to connect with the environment and prepare mentally. Her love for writing, nurtured since her school days when English was her best subject, continues to play a vital role in her work. She treasures voice memos exchanged with her best friend, finding joy in these extended auditory connections. These personal touches reveal a thoughtful and introspective individual who values both solitude and connection.
Finally, Glazer’s "25 Things" reveal glimpses of her playful and adventurous spirit. She admits to keeping Freddie Prinze Jr. clippings in her Caboodle as a teenager, a relatable nod to the universal experience of celebrity crushes. She cherishes the scraps of paper her daughter writes on, a heartwarming testament to her role as a mother. And her ultimate bucket list item – riding a horse on the beach in a bikini – paints a vivid picture of a woman who embraces life with a sense of playful abandon. Her favorite vacation spot, Marseilles, suggests a love for vibrant cultures and perhaps a hint of wanderlust. Through these seemingly random details, Glazer reveals a multifaceted personality – a comedic talent, a devoted mother, a thoughtful friend, and a woman who embraces life’s simple pleasures with gusto.
