In the 2022 Netflix special “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration,” Lily Tomlin introduced Sandra Bernhard as “indescribable.” This description fits Bernhard perfectly. Identifying as bisexual, Bernhard has been a groundbreaking, queer force in comedy since her stand-up debut in the 1970s. Her career skyrocketed with her role in Martin Scorsese’s 1981 dark comedy “The King of Comedy.” Since then, she has taken on various roles, from a recurring part on “Roseanne” to a stint on Broadway, and even released multiple music albums.
In a recent Zoom interview with The Daily Beast’s Obsessed, Bernhard reflected on her career, especially in light of the June 22 release of Netflix’s “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution.” This special traces the history of queer stand-up comedy through its most iconic figures. Bernhard shared, “Not only do I love what I do as a performer and artist, but I’m really interested in the world.” She emphasized her ability to focus on others and draw out the best in them, a trait that has defined her career.
Bernhard’s sense of belief and investment in others stems from her childhood. Born in Flint, Michigan, she moved to Arizona with her family at the age of 10. “I was plunged into a very white world,” she recalled. Comedy became her tool to navigate this new environment. “Comedy helped me learn how to be quick on my feet,” she said, adding that it’s an innate skill for some people. She used humor to disarm people and make them comfortable, a strategy that has kept her somewhat outside the “normal squares of humanity.”
As an entertainer who blends music and traditional stand-up, Bernhard’s work is unique. However, it took time for her to find her rhythm, just as the comedy world’s relationship with female performers evolved. “We can talk about anything now,” she noted. When she started, female comedians like Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers had to rely on self-deprecating humor. Growing up during the feminist movement allowed Bernhard to break through and introduce a new kind of comedy. “I could say ‘I’m cool. I’m sexy. I’m groovy. I feel good,’” she said.
Bernhard’s self-confidence has always been a significant part of her appeal, especially in a scene where it was unusual for women to be so self-assured. “I like looking in the mirror. I don’t need a man to define me—I don’t need anybody to define me,” she stated. She believes she set a tone for others to follow, even if she doesn’t take full credit for the shift. “From women in comedy to rap, to influencers, everybody feels like they can talk about anything now,” she said.
Despite her history of speaking her mind unapologetically, Bernhard is more cautious these days. “I wouldn’t critique other performers as I would 10-15 years ago,” she explained, noting that people are quick to label others as racist or otherwise. However, she remains steadfast in discussing politics. The upcoming election is a significant concern for her, and she supports President Biden. “We’re at a tipping point,” she said, emphasizing the importance of realizing what’s at stake.
Bernhard has no plans to retire from comedy. She continues to host her weekly Sirius XM show “Sandyland,” act, and perform stand-up. She was recently seen in “Babes” alongside Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau. While she has worked with many icons, she is currently interested in the younger generation of comedians. She was unfamiliar with some of the comedians featured in “Outstanding” but was impressed by their work.
For Bernhard, the metric for great comedy remains the same: talent and substance. “Is somebody talented? Do they have a lot to say?” she asked. She believes that identity—whether queer, racial, or gender—should not be the sole focus. “What are you doing in the scope of your work? That’s what I judge performers on,” she said.
Bernhard believes that tapping into something deeper than identity is what truly connects people. “Outstanding” exemplifies this truth by exploring the progress made by marginalized groups. Bernhard is proud to celebrate these achievements and be part of a community that has made significant strides. After more than 40 years in the industry, she remains one of the best people to ask about making big strides.
