Maz Jobrani

Maziyar Jobrani, known professionally as Maz Jobrani, is an Iranian-American comedian, actor, and writer. Born in Tehran, Iran, he has established himself as a prominent voice in stand-up comedy, frequently touring global stages with material that explores cultural identity, family life, and current events. His distinctive style blends observational humor with a sharp perspective on his experiences as an immigrant. Jobrani regularly performs across the United States and internationally, with recent appearances confirmed for venues like the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Beyond stand-up, he maintains a busy acting career, appearing in numerous films and television series, and engages audiences through his podcast, "License to Laugh." He connects with a large following across various social media platforms, including over 568,000 followers on Instagram, sharing insights and promoting his ongoing projects. [edit]

Maziyar Jobrani's early life began in Tehran, Iran, where he was born on February 26, 1972. His family experienced significant upheaval during the Iranian Revolution. When Jobrani was six years old, his family made the decision to move to the United States, seeking new opportunities and stability. They settled in Tiburon, California, a town in Marin County, where Jobrani spent his formative years. Growing up in the Bay Area, he attended Redwood High School, navigating the cultural shifts and experiences of an Iranian immigrant in America. This upbringing would later become a rich source of material for his comedy.

After high school, Jobrani pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused his studies on political science. He earned his bachelor's degree from Berkeley in 1994. Initially, his academic path seemed set, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. program in political science at UCLA. He envisioned a career in academia, potentially as a professor. However, during his time in college, a growing interest in the performing arts began to emerge. This nascent passion for acting and comedy gradually pulled him away from his scholarly ambitions. Instead of continuing with his political science doctorate, Jobrani made the significant decision to pivot, enrolling in an acting program. This shift marked the true beginning of his journey into the entertainment industry, laying the groundwork for his future career as a comedian and actor, long before he gained widespread recognition. [edit]

Jobrani's career began to gain significant momentum when he joined the "Axis of Evil" comedy troupe. This group, also featuring comedians Ahmed Ahmed and Aron Kader, created material that often touched on cultural and political topics, particularly in the post-9/11 era. Their work resonated with audiences, leading to a highly successful comedy special that aired on Comedy Central. This special played a pivotal role in bringing their unique comedic perspectives to a much wider audience and establishing Jobrani as a notable voice in stand-up.

Following the success of "Axis of Evil," Jobrani expanded his presence across film and television. He appeared in the 2002 film Friday After Next and later in the 2005 thriller The Interpreter. His acting portfolio grew steadily, culminating in a role he also produced: the 2016 film Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero. On television, he became a regular cast member on the CBS sitcom Superior Donuts in 2017, portraying an Iraqi character. He also had appearances on Better Off Ted. Jobrani continues to actively tour, performing his stand-up specials like The Birds and the Bees, released in 2022, at venues across the globe. Upcoming performances include engagements at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, California, the Ice House Comedy Club, and the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, solidifying his ongoing presence in the comedy circuit. [edit]

Maz Jobrani presents a public image as a thoughtful yet irreverent comedian who skillfully navigates cultural nuances. His comedic style is characterized by a blend of observational humor, personal anecdotes, and political commentary, often drawing from his experiences as an Iranian-American immigrant. Audiences connect with his ability to find humor in cross-cultural misunderstandings and societal stereotypes, using comedy to bridge divides rather than widen them. On social media, Jobrani maintains an active and engaging presence, sharing glimpses of his touring life, family moments, and opinions on current events, all delivered with his characteristic wit. His fans appreciate his approachable demeanor and his consistent message of understanding and unity, even when tackling sensitive topics. He is seen as a relatable figure who uses his platform to encourage dialogue and laughter. [edit]

Maz Jobrani has cultivated a dedicated following that identifies primarily through shared attendance at his live performances and viewership of his digital specials rather than a formalized collective identity. His audience consists largely of individuals drawn to his specific blend of observational humor regarding the Iranian-American immigrant experience, with engagement manifesting on social media platforms where he maintains a substantial presence, including over 597,000 likes on Facebook. While fans actively promote his tour dates and celebrate milestones such as his selection as the commencement speaker for the University of California, Berkeley, in March 2017, there is no evidence of an organized fan club structure, official fandom name, or coordinated campaigns involving chart pushes or charity drives. The cultural mythology surrounding him remains anchored in verified historical contributions, most notably his role as a founding member of the Axis of Evil comedy group, which challenged post-September 11 stereotypes through stand-up performance. This ensemble work, alongside his acclaimed special I'm Not a Terrorist, But I've Played One on TV, serves as the primary narrative thread connecting his career to broader societal conversations about race and politics. Despite his global touring schedule, which includes recent appearances at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and major festivals like Just for Laughs, and his recognition in institutions such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Great Immigrants series, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. Maz Jobrani is currently unranked within the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list maintained by iFANN.[edit]

Maz Jobrani is known to be an avid sports fan, often incorporating references to various teams and athletic events into his stand-up routines. He has a distinct preference for wearing colorful shirts during his performances, which has become a recognizable part of his stage persona. Jobrani hosts a podcast titled License to Laugh, where he engages in conversations with other comedians and public figures, exploring humor and current events. He has publicly discussed his efforts to learn to play the guitar, sharing humorous anecdotes about his progress and challenges. Jobrani has a keen interest in current affairs, and his comedy often reflects thoughtful observations on global politics and societal issues. A central pillar of his comedic lore involves his membership in the Axis of Evil comedy group, formed in the early 2000s to challenge stereotypes about Middle Eastern people through stand-up comedy. This ensemble, featuring Dean Obeidallah, Wyatt Cenac, and Aron Kader, turned the term Axis of Evil into a symbol of resilience and humor within the Iranian-American community. Another significant milestone occurred in March 2017 when he was selected as the commencement speaker for the University of California, Berkeley, a moment highlighted in news reports as a reflection of his status as a prominent Iranian-American voice. His recurring appearances at major festivals like Just for Laughs in Montreal and his return to venues like the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena are noted as back by popular demand, indicating a strong, consistent audience reaction.[edit]

Maz Jobrani was born to Iranian parents in Tehran, Iran. His family made a significant move to the United States when he was six years old, settling in Tiburon, California. While specific details about his parents' professions are not widely publicized, their decision to immigrate during a period of political unrest shaped much of his early life. Jobrani is a father, a role he often references with humor and affection in his stand-up comedy and on his social media platforms, discussing the everyday challenges and joys of raising children. He frequently shares anecdotes about parenting, highlighting relatable experiences for his audience. The comedian maintains a relatively private family life, focusing his public persona on his professional work and comedic observations. [edit]

Maz Jobrani is closely associated with fellow comedians Ahmed Ahmed and Aron Kader, with whom he formed the "Axis of Evil" comedy troupe. He has collaborated with numerous actors and directors throughout his film and television career. His work is often associated with the broader community of Iranian-American artists and voices who use their platforms to explore cultural identity and current events. Jobrani's public engagements frequently connect him with organizations promoting immigrant contributions and cultural dialogue. [edit]

The public record regarding Maz Jobrani's romantic life has remained largely private throughout his career, reflecting a deliberate choice to keep his personal connections out of the public eye. While he is known to be a father, as evidenced by his frequent discussions on parenting in his stand-up comedy routines and across his social media platforms, specific details about his marriage or any long-term relationships are not extensively documented in public sources. Jobrani often shares humorous anecdotes about family life, which frequently include references to the challenges and joys of raising children and navigating domestic situations, suggesting a stable and committed partnership within his household. These comedic observations often resonate with his audience, who appreciate the relatable insights into family dynamics, even if the specific individuals involved remain unnamed. Unlike many public figures whose relationships are a constant topic of media scrutiny, Jobrani has successfully maintained a clear boundary between his professional persona and his private life. This consistent approach means that information regarding his romantic history, including how past relationships might have developed or concluded, is not readily available in public archives. As of 2026, the specific status of his marital or relationship life is not publicly reported, indicating a sustained effort to protect the privacy of his personal connections from media attention and speculation. [edit]

Maz Jobrani's financial standing, estimated at $12 Million as of 2026, reflects a career built on diverse income streams within the entertainment industry according to research by the iFANN Editorial Team. A significant portion of his wealth comes from his extensive touring as a stand-up comedian. Jobrani commands fees for performances at clubs, theaters, and corporate events globally, with his popularity ensuring a consistent schedule of engagements. His multiple stand-up specials, such as The Birds and the Bees, available on various streaming platforms, also generate royalties and licensing fees from distribution agreements. Beyond the stage, Jobrani has a substantial acting career, earning income from roles in over 40 films and television projects. This includes his regular cast position on the CBS sitcom Superior Donuts, as well as appearances in feature films like Friday After Next and The Interpreter. He also takes on producing roles, as seen with his film Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero, which contributes to his overall earnings through production fees and backend participation. Additional revenue streams include his podcast, License to Laugh, which attracts sponsorship and advertising, as well as brand partnerships and appearances in commercials. His strategic diversification across stand-up, acting, writing, and producing has allowed his net worth to grow steadily over the years, demonstrating a robust financial foundation within the competitive entertainment landscape.[edit]