Megan Stalter

Megan Marie Stalter is an American comedian, actress, and writer who gained widespread prominence through her character-driven sketch comedy online and her breakout role as Kayla Schaefer in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series Hacks. Known for her absurdist style, awkward comedic timing, and overconfident screen presence, Stalter transitioned from internet popularity to high-profile roles across television and film.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Stalter was born on September 15, 1990, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in several parts of Ohio, including Dayton, Huber Heights, and Centerville. Raised in a Pentecostal Christian family, she discovered her passion for performing while participating in drama club during high school. She later attended Sinclair Community College and Wright State University before pursuing acting and comedy full-time. Stalter began her comedy career doing stand-up and sketch performance in Dayton before moving to Chicago, where she developed her distinct comedic style at local venues and improv theaters.

Television Breakthrough and Content

After moving to New York City in 2019, Stalter expanded her reach by posting self-produced character sketches on Instagram and Twitter. During the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, her daily livestreams and viral comedy clips, such as the widely shared 'Hi, Gay!' video, earned her critical recognition as a leading voice in modern digital comedy. In 2021, she landed her major television breakthrough playing Kayla Schaefer, an entitled yet lovable assistant turned business partner, on HBO's Emmy-winning comedy Hacks. Stalter also created and hosted The Megan Stalter Show web series and hosted the podcast Confronting Demons with Megan Stalter. Beyond television, she has appeared in films such as Problemista, Sometimes I Think About Dying, and First Time Female Director, as well as starring in the romantic comedy series Too Much.

Personal Life

Stalter is based in the United States, having spent significant portions of her career performing in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. She frequently collaborates with her brother Nick Stalter on artistic projects. Openly bisexual, Stalter has been in a relationship with her partner, Maddie, since late 2022.