megan stalter is undeniably a force to watch. From captivating online audiences with her distinctive viral videos to stealing every scene as the unforgettable Kayla in HBO’s acclaimed series Hacks, her star power is clear. Now, Stalter steps into the spotlight as the lead in Too Much, a highly anticipated new Netflix series created specifically for her by writer and director Lena Dunham. Set to premiere on July 10, this marks a pivotal moment in the 33-year-old comedian and actress’s rapidly ascending career. Her journey reflects a unique blend of online savvy, raw comedic talent, and a deep-seated belief in her own path.
The Persona Versus the Person
Meeting Megan Stalter in person offers a surprising contrast to the often over-the-top characters she portrays. While her viral videos and stage work frequently feature exaggerated confidence and screwball energy, an interview might reveal a remarkably low-key, down-to-earth demeanor. This unexpected quietness highlights the depth of her acting ability; she isn’t simply playing herself amplified. For instance, a seemingly mundane decision like adding shrimp to a salad can spark a moment of relatable, observational humor, reminiscent of classic stand-up. These quiet observations underline the authentic comedic sensibility beneath the larger-than-life performances that first garnered her attention.
How Comedy Became Her Calling
Stalter’s path to comedy felt almost inevitable. Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, after being born in Cleveland, she was the eldest of four children. Despite her self-proclaimed “bossy mother” tendencies at home, outside the family, she often felt shy and unsure. This shifted dramatically when she discovered the high school drama club. Here, she found a space where she could shed the quiet persona and embrace being “the funny, wild person” she felt she truly was. While lead roles weren’t her focus, the stage provided a vital outlet and a sense of belonging. She recalls participating in poetry contests simply for the chance to perform, highlighting her early, persistent desire to be on stage.
Her upbringing also included a strong connection to faith, growing up Pentecostal and later active in a nondenominational church. Identifying as bisexual, Stalter views this combination as “interesting” but maintains a sense of being a “God girl,” feeling no judgment from her faith regarding her sexuality.
Early Days in Chicago and Finding Her Identity
After high school, Stalter briefly explored teaching and nursing at community college, pursuits her heart wasn’t truly in. Comedy lingered in her mind, leading her to try improv classes. Initially, she admits she wasn’t a natural fit for the collaborative nature of improv, joking about wanting to “kill everyone” in a scene. Undeterred, she persisted. In her early 20s, seeking to pursue comedy seriously, she moved to Chicago.
For eight years, she immersed herself in the city’s renowned comedy scene, taking classes at legendary institutions like Second City and iO. She juggled this burgeoning passion with work as a nanny. It was during this period in Chicago that her understanding of her sexuality solidified. Engaging in dating in a more significant way, she quickly realized her attraction to women felt more natural and connecting for her. Today, she is happily in a relationship, speaking glowingly if privately about her partner. The Chicago scene, she notes, offered a supportive environment focused on artistic development rather than constant industry comparison, a foundation that proved crucial for her growth as a performer across stand-up, improv, and even “weird burlesque.”
Viral Fame: The “Hi, Gay” Moment and Social Media’s Role
The advent of the pandemic proved an unexpected turning point for Stalter’s career. While the world was in lockdown, her online videos, often featuring parodies of “cringe women” or awkward, overly confident characters, began to gain traction. Her distinctive style, characterized by a quirky personality and often hilariously poor social awareness, resonated with millions.
One video, in particular, catapulted her to wider recognition: the now-iconic “Hi, Gay” parody from 2021. This quick sketch spoofed corporations engaging in superficial “rainbow washing” during Pride Month. Stalter deadpanned lines like claiming a butter company accepted all people since “the last four months.” The humor lay in calling out performative allyship, a sentiment that struck a chord. The video garnered over 2 million views on Instagram alone and became a defining moment, making many people recognize her name alongside Hacks. This online success was vital for Stalter, who describes herself as “not a great auditioner,” allowing her work to bypass traditional gatekeepers and find a direct audience, joining other successful online creators like Benito Skinner and Ziwe Fumudoh.
The Hacks Phenomenon and Stealing Scenes as Kayla
Stalter’s online visibility and live performances led directly to her breakthrough professional acting gig: the role of Kayla Schaefer on Hacks in 2021. Hacks showrunner Paul W. Downs, who also plays her scene partner Jimmy, saw her perform live after enjoying her videos and knew she was something special. The character of Kayla, an oblivious, overconfident, yet strangely endearing assistant, felt tailor-made. Downs confirms the character was inspired by industry assistants with a unique blend of blundering and self-assurance, a quality they recognized in Stalter’s online persona. They even wrote “think Megan Stalter” into early script drafts.
Stalter’s comedic chemistry with Downs was a crucial element in Hacks‘ evolution. What began focused on the dynamic between Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) expanded into a true ensemble comedy, thanks in part to the unexpected hilarity delivered by the agent-assistant pairing. Their dynamic produced some of the show’s most memorable moments, solidifying Stalter’s reputation as a scene-stealer and earning Hacks numerous accolades, including Emmy nominations.
Leading the Way in Too Much on Netflix
Now, Megan Stalter takes center stage as the lead in Too Much. This new Netflix romantic comedy series, premiering July 10, is not only created by Lena Dunham but was also written specifically with Stalter in mind. Dunham stated she “knew when I started writing that it was Meg and only Meg,” seeing Stalter’s face and hearing her voice as she developed the protagonist, Jessica. While loosely inspired by Dunham’s own experiences after moving to the UK, Jessica is described as a unique creation born from the “alchemy” of their collaboration.
In Too Much, Stalter plays Jessica, a 30-something American navigating life in London after a significant breakup. She connects with Felix (Will Sharpe), an aspiring musician, and the two attempt to work through their considerable personal baggage together. The series is a departure for Stalter, who often plays characters who are untalented but think they are brilliant. Jessica is more grounded, allowing Stalter to showcase a different range, exploring themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and complicated relationships.
Stalter describes the show as a “subverted rom-com.” It includes classic romantic elements alongside the “jagged edges” and candid honesty that characterized Dunham’s earlier hit series, Girls. Expect themes of jealousy, female rage, and frank discussions about bodily functions alongside the romance. The show’s ability to blend humor with melancholic and even embarrassing moments aligns perfectly with Stalter’s comedic strengths and her ability to play characters who are both “confident and nervous.” The series boasts a strong supporting cast, including Rhea Perlman and Rita Wilson as Jessica’s family, and features recurring encounters with a kind stranger, Tom (Manny Jacinto), echoing rom-com tropes, as seen in her film Cora Bora which explored similar themes for a bisexual lead.
Collaborating with Lena Dunham
The connection between Stalter and Dunham feels serendipitous. Andrew Scott, known for his role as the “Hot Priest” in Fleabag, first introduced Dunham to Stalter’s videos, believing they had something creative to make together. Stalter, a fan of Girls, found the opportunity to lead Dunham’s return to TV surreal. She views it as a full-circle moment, having watched a show about being in your 20s by a voice of her generation now starring in that same creator’s show about being in your 30s. Dunham has been protective of Stalter, mindful of the intense scrutiny she faced herself during the peak of Girls‘ fame. However, Stalter, having built her career online, feels uniquely prepared, having already navigated significant public opinion about her work and appearance. Their creative bond is strong, built on shared humor, a love for playful style, and mutual respect, including for Stalter’s spiritual side.
On Authenticity and Embracing “Too Much”
Megan Stalter is refreshingly open and authentic, particularly when discussing body image and societal pressures. She gained attention for candid comments on a podcast regarding the non-medical use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. She clarified that her remarks were aimed at healthy individuals using the drug, highlighting potential side effects, and emphasized its life-changing benefits for those who need it for health reasons. Her perspective celebrates body positivity and self-acceptance, stating she feels “lucky to love my fat ass.”
This comfort in her own skin is striking in an industry often fixated on appearance. It ties back to her character in Too Much, who learns self-love. Stalter relates this to her own life, admitting she previously felt like “too much” but has grown to embrace that part of herself, particularly finding freedom in performing where she could finally be the “wild person” she felt she was meant to be.
Looking Ahead: Beyond Too Much
With Too Much set to premiere and Hacks recently renewed for a fifth season, Stalter’s schedule remains full. She continues to develop new material and explore other creative outlets, including painting, where she focuses on flowers and jokingly wonders about getting her work into a museum. She’s also expressed interest in writing her own material, potentially exploring genres like horror-comedy, citing The White Lotus as a dream project.
Stalter consistently expresses profound gratitude for her career in comedy, a feeling she’s held since her early improv days in Ohio and Chicago. Even when nannying to make ends meet, she couldn’t believe she got to perform at night. This persistent feeling of luck is coupled with a quiet confidence, admitting she “kind of always knew it would happen.” She attributes this foresight to needing a “little delusional” belief to pursue such a challenging path successfully. Megan Stalter isn’t just the main character in her own story; she’s writing a compelling narrative for others to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Megan Stalter’s new Netflix show Too Much about?
Too Much is a romantic comedy series created by Lena Dunham for Megan Stalter. It follows Jessica, a 30-something American woman who moves to London after a significant breakup. She meets Felix, a musician also dealing with personal challenges, and they explore a relationship while navigating their emotional “baggage.” The show blends traditional rom-com elements with sharper, candid themes.
How did Megan Stalter become famous?
Megan Stalter’s rise to fame began in the Chicago comedy scene, where she honed her skills in improv and stand-up after moving from Ohio. Her career accelerated significantly during the pandemic when her quirky, character-based online videos gained viral popularity, particularly the “Hi, Gay” parody. This online success, combined with live performances, led to her breakout role as Kayla in HBO’s Hacks.
What is Megan Stalter’s view on body image and weight-loss drugs?
Megan Stalter is openly body positive and comfortable in her own skin, expressing gratitude for her body. She sparked discussion with comments about weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, clarifying that her remarks were directed at healthy individuals using the drug recreationally, highlighting potential side effects. She emphasized that for people who need the drug for health reasons, it can be life-changing and beneficial.
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