Fans may know Wanda Sykes from her hilarious stand-up special on Netflix or for her starring role in her sitcom The Upshaws. Now, the comedian is starring in the Hulu series History of the World, Part II, a sequel to the comedy film written and directed by comedian Mel Brooks.
History of the World, Part I, first premiered in 1981 and was a hit for its vignettes tracing human history from the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. The film starred comedy icons Sid Caesar and Charlie Callas and dancer Gregory Hines and was narrated by Orson Welles.
In the upcoming sequel, which premieres on March 6, Sykes stars alongside Nick Kroll, Zazie Beetz, and Ike Barinholtz. The sketch-comedy show takes us through global history — from the Bible and ancient Egypt to women’s rights — for a young, comedy-savvy audience. Over the course of eight episodes, we see Sykes play major historical figures, including abolitionist Harriet Tubman; Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress; and Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to get a pilot’s license.
History of the World, Part II, isn’t Sykes’ only upcoming project. Her Netflix special I’m an Entertainer, which highlights everything from raising Gen Z teens to the ever-evolving political climate, will stream on May 23. Sykes had an unlikely foray into comedy. A former employee of the National Security Agency, she started her career as a stand-up comedian in 1987 and got her big break opening for Chris Rock at Caroline’s comedy club in the 1990s. That opportunity led her to join the writing team on The Chris Rock Show, where she was part of an ensemble who won an Emmy for comedy writing in 1999.
We’ve seen Sykes everywhere on TV, from Curb Your Enthusiasm to being the first Black, openly gay woman to entertain at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, in 2009. The comedy legend speaks with Shondaland about making History of the World, Part II, working with Mel Brooks, and finding the right balance in comedy.
NADJA SAYEJ: In this new series, you play historical women figures, and we have Women’s History Month this month. How did it feel to play them?
WANDA SYKES: It was a fun project. It’s Mel Brooks, so you go into it thinking of what’s fun and what can be funny. Then we started talking about what historical figures or events speak to you; we wrote this as a group. But we each had figures or characters we gravitated to. For me, it was Shirley Chisholm. I really wanted to do something about her, and she ended up being one of our tent poles. When the guys pitched it as a 1970s sitcom, I was all over that. I love that format. It gave us so much room; it’s a world that is very comfortable to me.
NS: What about Harriet Tubman, who runs the MTA from Manhattan to the Underground Railroad? What was it like playing her?
WS: We were doing Civil War segments, and Ike wanted to do something that brings her into a world she belongs.
NS: You also play Bessie Coleman, who was the first African American woman and the first Native American to have a pilot license. She isn’t as well known as Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm.
WS: Yes, she isn’t. It started as an Amelia Earhart sketch, and then we just layered it. Bessie Coleman was important to aviation. But she doesn’t get the credit she deserves or the notoriety. Hopefully, somebody will look her up and learn more about her.
NS: The History of the World, Part I, was released in 1981. I hope this will speak to a younger generation to teach them things they don’t know.
WS: I hope so. I’m sure a lot of people don’t know about the Russian Revolution; that is fun. We add music and characters that people will remember.
NS: Comedy is a great tool for education, right?
WS: Absolutely. I was just saying that a lot of Americans get their news from comedy. They’re watching late-night hosts and monologues. That’s pretty scary. There are so many different ways of doing comedy. I love comedy that you can learn something from, comedy that’s rooted in historical facts. Hopefully, we can get back to people learning things from history from the news. I don’t know how it looks; it’s distant.
NS: What does Mel Brooks mean to you in comedy?
WS: He is huge. I remember the History of the World, Part I — it was on TV. I remember watching it and seeing him as Moses with the 10 Commandments. I remember my mother being in the room when I was watching it; she’s pretty religious. She said, “What is this mess y’all watching?” A light bulb went off for me. I thought, if this is the kind of response it’s getting, this is what I want to do.
NS: What was it like working with Mel Brooks on such an epic project?
WS: He’s still there. He’s still sharp, still funny. He’s current. Even being on a Zoom call with him, I thought to myself, “Oh, my God, I am talking comedy and working with Mel Brooks.” It’s insane. It’s inspirational; he’s 96. I technically could have another half of my life to continue doing this.
NS: The Shirley Chisholm sitcom was so good, it could have actually been a real sitcom, in a way.
WS: [Laughs] That was the goal! Thank you for that. We were a little nervous about that. It was pretty out there. We took our swings on that one.
NS: What is the line you draw? How do you know if you go too far as a comedian?
WS: There are no lines. If it’s funny, it’s funny. It comes down to a matter of taste. Some things I just wouldn’t do because it’s just not in my taste, but I never feel handcuffed that there’s something I can’t do that I would find funny.
NS: You are known as a stand-up comedian, and you have a stand-up special coming out this spring. Did your stand-up career prepare you for TV?
WS: I love stand-up. It’s where I started. Everything I’ve gotten has been from that initial goal of “I want to be a really good stand-up comedian and make people laugh.” Everything else has been from that one passion.
NS: Do you have any advice for comedians who look up to you?
WS: My advice is to all comedians — even though I know that it’s harder for women. I would say get as much stage time as you can. Find your voice — it really is about your point of view. A comic can go onstage and tell a bunch of jokes, but if I don’t know anything about them — if it’s more about you and personal, I can make a connection. That’s my taste. Some guys smash watermelons, and that’s their taste.
NS: How will you celebrate Women’s Day on March 8?
WS: I’ll acknowledge it on social media, and then I’ll continue to be a woman in history. I just keep doing it! Just hang in there, and keep doing it!
Nadja Sayej is an arts and culture journalist based in New York City who has written 5 books, including Biennale Bitch and The Celebrity Interview Book.
Get Shondaland directly in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TODAY
