Imagining Life Beyond 'Hacks' by Hannah Einbinder
Hannah Einbinder, a little-known stand-up comic, was chosen for the role of Ava Daniels in the HBO Max series "Hacks." The creators were seeking someone who could hold their own opposite Jean Smart, a veteran actress. Einbinder, then relatively unknown and new to TV, impressed them with her audition that balanced humor with a tough, sharp tone typical of a comedy writer[1].
Einbinder's background as a stand-up comedian played a significant role in her portrayal of Ava. Her dry, sardonic comedic style and emotional toughness resonated with the character, making her performance authentic and relatable[3]. This was particularly evident in Season 4, where Ava's character took center stage, showcasing her maturation and delivering memorable moments like the "branzino crash out"[2].
The success of Einbinder's performance earned her multiple Emmy nominations[1][3]. In addition to her work on "Hacks," Einbinder has made a name for herself in the stand-up comedy world. She became the youngest comic ever to appear on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" in early 2020[4]. Her stand-up comedy special for HBO Max, titled "Everything Must Go," is another testament to her comedic prowess.
Einbinder's journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, with a mother who brought her to voice-over auditions[5]. Her stand-up comedy career officially kicked off in 2017 when she volunteered to be a warmup act for comedian Nicole Byer[6]. Mark Indelicato, who plays Deborah's assistant on "Hacks," remembers watching Einbinder learn on the fly and describes her as competitive with herself[7].
Einbinder's rapid growth as an actor on "Hacks" is attributed to a combination of hard work and raw talent. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her performance in "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," where she plays a queer director and falls into a "frenzy of psychosexual mania"[2].
The plan for "Hacks" was to end after five seasons, but the series has been renewed for a fifth season, with no official word on an end yet[1]. Despite the uncertainty, Einbinder hopes Ava's character cures her acne and grows her hair out before the series concludes[7].
Einbinder is currently working on another movie, but the details have not been announced. Regardless of what the future holds, Einbinder's unique comedic style, emotional depth, and dedication to her craft have solidified her as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
References: 1. The Hollywood Reporter 2. The A.V. Club 3. Vanity Fair 4. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert 5. The New York Times 6. Nicole Byer 7. Mark Indelicato
- Hannah Einbinder, a native of California, showcases her comedic talents not only on "Hacks," but also on the stand-up comedy scene in Los Angeles.
- The cultural landscape of Los Angeles, known for its entertainment and celebrity influences, has played a significant role in shaping Einbinder's style as a comedian and actress.
- As her career in entertainment appears to be on an upward trajectory, Einbinder also demonstrates an interest in personal growth, expressing a hope for her character's improvements in health, such as curing her acne and growing her hair, before the end of "Hacks."
- In addition to her work on "Hacks" and her upcoming movie, Einbinder's commitment to education is evident in her exploration of challenging topics like teenage sex and death, as seen in "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma."
