Sasheer Zamata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sasheer Zamata
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Zamata performing at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival
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Sasheer Zamata Moore
May 6, 1986 Okinawa, Japan
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Virginia (BA) |
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| Years active | 2005–present |
Sasheer Zamata Moore, born on May 6, 1986, is an American actress and comedian. She is well-known for her time as a cast member on the TV show Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2017. After SNL, she gained more attention for her main roles in TV series like Woke (2020–2022) and Home Economics (2021–2023). In 2024, Zamata played Jennifer Kale in the Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe show Agatha All Along. She has also worked as a special helper for the American Civil Liberties Union.
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Early Life and Education
Sasheer Zamata was born in Okinawa, Japan. Her father was in the US Air Force, which is why she was born there. Her family later moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she grew up. She went to Pike High School.
Zamata studied at the University of Virginia. She earned a degree in Arts. While in college, she helped start a comedy group called Amuse Bouche. She also worked at Disney World for a short time, where she dressed up as characters like Buzz Lightyear.
Comedy and Acting Career
Sasheer Zamata started performing comedy in New York City in 2009. She often performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. She appeared in TV shows like Would You Fall for That? and Hey Girl. She also had small roles in comedy shows such as Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell and Inside Amy Schumer. Zamata also made funny videos for CollegeHumor and her own YouTube channel. In these videos, she would pretend to be famous people like Michelle Obama and Rihanna.
Joining Saturday Night Live
In 2014, Sasheer Zamata became a cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL). SNL is a very famous comedy show. She joined the show during its 39th season. At that time, some people had said the show needed more diverse cast members. Zamata was the first black female cast member on SNL since Maya Rudolph left in 2007.
Her first SNL episode was on January 18, 2014. She became a main cast member in 2015. On SNL, she played many different characters. One was Janelle, a teenager with a dance YouTube channel. Another was Keeley, a contestant on a game show called Black Jeopardy!. She also did impressions of famous people like Rihanna, Michelle Obama, and Beyoncé. Sasheer Zamata left SNL in 2017 after four seasons.
After Saturday Night Live
After leaving SNL, Zamata continued to act in movies and TV shows. She was in films like I Feel Pretty (2018) and Spree (2020). She also lent her voice to animated movies, including The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) and Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021).
Sasheer Zamata also kept doing stand-up comedy. She released two comedy specials: Pizza Mind (2017) and Sasheer Zamata: The First Woman (2023). In 2019, she started a podcast called Best Friends with her friend and fellow comedian, Nicole Byer.
In recent years, Zamata has had important roles in several TV shows. She was a main character in Woke (2020–2022) and Home Economics (2021–2023). Her role as Jennifer Kale in the Disney+ Marvel show Agatha All Along (2024) also made her more widely known.
Community Work
Sasheer Zamata has been involved in community work. From 2009 to 2010, she was part of Public Allies. This is a program that helps young people develop leadership skills.
In 2015, Zamata became a special ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She worked with their Women's Rights Project. This project aims to help women have equal opportunities and to stop violence against them. Zamata has spoken about fairness for women, especially women of color. She has shared her own experiences to encourage self-acceptance.
Selected Film and Television Roles
Sasheer Zamata has appeared in many films and television shows throughout her career. Here are some of her notable roles:
Film Appearances
- I Feel Pretty (2018) as Tasha
- The Weekend (2018) as Zadie Barber
- Spree (2020) as Jessie Adams
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) as Jade (voice role)
- Unfrosted (2024) as Beth Donovan
Television Appearances
- Saturday Night Live (2014–2017) as Herself/Various characters
- Transparent (2016) as Asra
- BoJack Horseman (2017) as Jewelry Store Clerk (voice role)
- Corporate (2019) as Jessica
- Woke (2020–2022) as Ayana
- Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021) as Mary (TV special)
- Home Economics (2021–2023) as Denise
- Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023–2025) as Adria Lafayette, Flying Fox (voice role)
- Agatha All Along (2024) as Jennifer Kale
See also
In Spanish: Sasheer Zamata para niños
