Moshe Kasher (born July 5, 1979) is an American stand‑up comedian, television writer, author, and actor. He is known for his autobiographical comedy, his memoir Kasher in the Rye (2012), and for creating, writing, and starring in the FX comedy series Broke (2016).
Early life and education
Moshe Kasher was born in Los Angeles, California, to a Jewish family; his mother was a former mental‑health worker and his father was an Iraq‑born Jewish immigrant who died when Moshe was a child. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended Hollywood High School. Kasher earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was active in the campus comedy scene.
Stand‑up comedy
Kasher began performing stand‑up in the early 2000s, gaining national attention after appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien (2006) and Comedy Central Presents (2007). He has released several comedy albums, including Moshe Kasher (2009) and Meanwhile… (2019). His material often incorporates personal experiences, including his upbringing, family history, and mental‑health topics.
Television writing and acting
Kasher has written for a variety of television programs, notably the Comedy Central series Important Things with Demetri Martin and the animated sketch series Robot Chicken. In 2016, he created, wrote, and starred in the FX sitcom Broke, which centered on a former financial analyst who becomes a stand‑up comic after losing his fortune. He has made guest appearances on shows such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Parks and Recreation.
Publications
- Kasher in the Rye (2012) – a memoir detailing his childhood, family dynamics, and early career in comedy. The book was a New York Times bestseller and received positive critical reviews for its candid storytelling and humor.
Personal life
Kasher is openly gay and has spoken publicly about his experiences as a Jewish gay man in the entertainment industry. He has been involved in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental‑health awareness. As of the latest publicly available information, he resides in Los Angeles.
Awards and recognition
- 2012: Nominated for the Best Book category at the Comedy Book Awards for Kasher in the Rye.
- 2016: Broke received a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Comedy Series.
All information presented reflects verifiable, publicly available sources up to 2024.
