With her heavy Brooklyn accent and a no-holds-barred approach to comedy, stand-up comedian Robby Hoffman seems to be everywhere these days – from scene-stealing roles in the Emmy-nominated shows like Hacks, to her most recent Netflix special, Wake Up. But she’s also taken heat for some of her remarks, including lengthy jokes about the non-binary community and dismissing the use of they/them pronouns.
Hoffman, who described herself as “somebody who’s clearly in the queer space, who cut my tits off, who could be they/them at the drop of a hat,” pushed back at critics who suggest that her jokes could be dangerous.
“I think it’s fair if they’re mad about it. I also think it’s fair for many of us to laugh at it. And I feel like I want to talk to the stuff that I know and experience day-to-day,” she said.
NPR’s Juana Summers spoke to Hoffman about her experiences behind the mic and behind the scenes, and even got a small unexpected glimpse into her current home life.
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Great interview – Thanks Juana & @NPR for posting on YT. Here's hoping Robby makes it to Australia at some stage.
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Ya know, I am all for taking seriously whatever Robby has to say. It feels odd to watch her interviewed by someone who is projecting such stern humorlessness. Like podcasts has shown two funny people can discuss nuanced things in a smart way, why bring in this kind of prosecutorial-feeling vocal-fry person?
So nice that NPR lets students and inexperienced interviewers interview the comedians.
Legit love.
The landlord phone call took me out LMAO
I looooooooove Robbie, great interview
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NPR sucks. The phrase truth to power needs to be retired. Robby Hoffman is the only reason I would suffer through this slop.
I find it VERY difficult to listen to this interviewer. The vocal compression is so intense; whether it's done in the studio or by her clenched jaw and (what sounds like) a clenched everything else. The harsh, loud, rapid-spit of the bullet-like questions? Why so aggressive? Why not take a breath and LISTEN to your guest? You're not replying to her answers; you just move on to the next Q. ~ Breathe again and relax your voice to resemble an actual human who's engaged, interested in the person to whom they speak. Authenticity is beautiful! Try to achieve it in your work, please. P.S. This interviewer would benefit enormously, from some voice therapy before the extreme 'vocal fry' she's exhibiting wears-out her pharynx before she's done with it.
"who could be they/them at the drop of a hat" wtf does that mean 😂
No shade but why isn't the audio matching the video? Kung fu movie vibes. Shame bc i like Robby.
Interviewer asks the same question over and over 'do you feel responsible…'
Damn, your intro misgendered them continuously.
What a warm and sincere person is Robby. And whip smart. Applause from here.
Agree. Many orgs and systems meant to serve or protect certain ppl don’t do that. Nonprofit board positions should not have salaries.
Thoughtful, wise thru experience, intelligent. Love listening to Robbie ❤
I am volunteering now to be your security anytime you want to ask a question anywhere.
Love you Robby! Keep going.
These interview questions are BAITING. Why not just ask about her LIFE? Not everything needs to be so HEAVY and CONTROVERSIAL
I am SO HAPPY you guys left her talking to her landlord in this video omg 😂😂😂😂!!!
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This interviewer makes me think I'm watching in 2x speed. Then Robby talks and it's back to normal.
The most best embodiment of authenticity I have ever seen, this person. Reminds me of how I feel after watching Love on the Spectrum…. Yes, we’re all just finding our way, wanting to grow and connect. I hope this authenticity is a trend!! ❤
I get comedians wants to push the envelope. But joking that child molesters aren't that bad and the kids asked for it, isn't some comic pointing out uncomfortable foibles of the human condition. It's a lazy attempt to be as controversial as possible for the sake of attention. Then she tries to paint herself as a victim of those point out her laziness and lack of comical talent.
I thought the joke about her sister was funny. People need to lighten up.
I fucking love Robby Hoffman. Funny, real and cuts right to the heart of so many things
So good
Robbie deserved a better interviewer here
Robby Hoffman is hilarious. Truly, a very funny, brilliant, empathetic comic.💐
STOP THE GENOCIDE. END APARTHEID. ISRAHELL. IS DOING IT IN YOUR RELIGION NAME.. TALK ABOUT THAT.
I live in San Diego and can confirm that I do currently have a beach ball in my car…
I wouldn't give a shoutout to joe rogan for any reason. He is pure malevolent ignorance. Shame.
Is she a zio terrorist or is she a cool, anti genocide Jewish person?
So glad Robby exists
Why does your newsletter bio have to list Robby as someone who's caused offense, as if that's the only thing we need to know? Stop defining people as one thing. She's a comedian, yeah? I've never believed she was out to harm anyone.
Who is this atrocious interviewer? The vocal fry is just one of her problems.
These interviews are beginning to get redundant and boring. I find it clear that there's a specific story being pushed here… we get it… if you're poor, "work hard" and you might be like Robby Hoffman. It just feels like a stale and out-of-touch boomerism. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps rebranded for in-despair Gen-Z. All while ignoring that Robby had fallbacks and opportunities.
She has spoken directly about the ludicrousness of gender ideology.
She is unafraid.
Robby Hoffman❤
"Now I don't have to raise my hand to talk." Love it. Keep going RH.
This girl has really been through it
my fam from holland was hoffman a century back, not jewish, but landed in brooklyn then jersey all the same — deal and lakewood 🤣LOVED hacks and robbe in it. 😘
Robbie holy shit answering a phone call during an npr pod? Get an assistant.
They Lost me with all the shitty jokes about gay pride. You can count me out!
I love Robby’s smile because it’s as authentic as she is. Literally nothing is real anymore everyone looks the same. I appreciate how she’s still the same kid just bigger