BIO: SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER
Before Ellen and before Cho, there was Suzanne Westenhoefer.
Fearless, bold, unapologetic, and freaking hilarious best describes Comedian
Suzanne Westenhoefer. She’s made a career out of telling the truth. And, the
truth is, life is funny and no one is off limits. From her mom’s Last Will and
Testament to her dog’s embarrassing discovery, Suzanne shares stories that
leave audiences in stitches.
The first openly gay comedian in the United States, Suzanne has delivered gay
material to straight audiences in mainstream comedy clubs beginning in NYC
since the early ’90s. After accepting a dare, she entered the world of comedy by
accident and her life has never been the same since. Suzanne soon became the
first lesbian comedian to garner an HBO Comedy Special, earning her a Cable
Ace Award nomination. Additionally, a performance on “Late Night with David
Letterman” marked the first by an openly lesbian comedian.
Suzanne works mostly unscripted, so when she hits the stage it’s an
unpredictable, original night of comedy magic. On land or at sea, Suzanne
delights audiences with over 100 performances a year at theatres, clubs,
colleges, fundraisers and cruise and resort vacations (Olivia, Sweet and RSVP
Vacations). Having toured with the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco while on Olivia
Cruises, Suzanne wishes she’d been born a rockstar.
Her comedy special and documentary, “A Bottom on Top,” aired on LOGO
Television in fall 2007 (and will be available on DVD on March 18, 2008). In the
summer of 2006, Suzanne starred nightly on the GSN’s remake of the classic
game show, “I’ve Got a Secret.” HBO, Bravo and LOGO TV specials dot her
resume.
COMEDY CDS / DVD & AWARDS
“HBO Comedy with Suzanne Westenhoefer” (1994): Nominated for a Cable Ace
Award
“Nothing in my Closet but my Clothes” (1999): Gay and Lesbian American Music
Award (GLAMA) winner for best comedy CD
“I’m Not Cindy Brady” (2000): GLAMA winner for best comedy CD
“Guaranteed Fresh” (2003) : GLAMA winner for best comedy CD
“Live at the Village” (2006)
“A Bottom on Top” (2007)