Desi Lydic Biography Desi Lydic born in 1981 is an American comedian and actress, currently a senior correspondent on the satirical news show The Daily Show. From 2011 to 2016, she starred as guidance counselor Valerie Marks on the MTV comedy-drama Awkward. Lydic began her career in the 2001 parody film Not Another Teen Movie. She also appeared in the Spike miniseries Invasion Iowa with William Shatner and the parody series The Real Wedding Crashers. Lydic had a role as Shea Seger in the 2011 film We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, and in the 2013 comedy The Babymakers with Olivia Munn. She also appeared on the Disney Channel series Good Luck Charlie in 2014 as part of a lesbian couple. She joined The Daily Show as a correspondent on September 29, 2015, and later served as one of the guest hosts following Trevor Noah’s departure.
Desi Lydic Biography
Desi Lydic is an accomplished American comedian and actress, known for her sharp wit and diverse range of performances. She has made a significant impact in both television and film, with her roles as a senior correspondent on The Daily Show and as Valerie Marks on MTV’s Awkward standing out as career-defining moments. Born on June 30, 1981, in Louisville, Kentucky, Desi Lydic has proven herself a versatile and comedic talent in Hollywood. Her journey from her early life in Kentucky to becoming a respected figure in the entertainment industry is both inspiring and impressive.
Desi Lydic Biography Details
| Born | 1981 (age 43–44)
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Occupations | · Comedian
· actress |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Spouse | Gannon Brousseau |
| Children | 1 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Desi Lydic
Desi Lydic is an American comedian and actress who is a senior correspondent on the satirical news program The Daily Show. From 2011 to 2016, she starred as guidance counselor Valerie Marks on the MTV comedy-drama series Awkward. She got her start in the 2001 parody film Not Another Teen Movie.
- Born: 30 June 1981 (age 43 years), Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Spouse: Gannon Brousseau (m. 2014)
- Height: 7 m
- Education: Youth Performing Arts School
- Children: 1
Early Life
Desi Lydic was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1981. Her love for comedic acting began at the age of three when she watched Carol Burnett portray Miss Agatha Hannigan in Annie. As a child, she attended the Young Actors Institute at the Youth Performing Arts School and even appeared in a Kroger commercial. After graduating from Eastern High School, she briefly attended the University of Louisville before deciding to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Despite the uncertainty of the move, her supportive parents drove her across the country to help her start her career. Lydic later shared in a 2024 interview that she had a passion for late ’90s Saturday Night Live, which inspired her to move to L.A. She became an improvisational actor, performing at The Groundlings and Improv Olympic.
Key Details
- Full Name: Lani Desmonet Lydic
- Date of Birth: June 30, 1981
- Place of Birth: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Nationality: American
- Relationship Status: Married
- Spouse: Gannon Brousseau (married since September 13, 2014)
- Children: One son, born December 2015
- Net Worth: Estimated at $2 million as of 2024, primarily from her acting and comedy career
Family Background
Desi Lydic was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where her love for comedy began at the age of three after watching Carol Burnett’s portrayal of Miss Agatha Hannigan in Annie. This inspired her passion for acting and led her to join the Young Actors Institute at the Youth Performing Arts School. She began her career with a commercial for Kroger. After graduating from Eastern High School, Lydic briefly attended the University of Louisville before deciding to pursue acting in Los Angeles. With the full support of her parents, they packed a U-Haul and drove across the country to California to help her start her career.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
In Los Angeles, Lydic immersed herself in the world of improvisational theater, performing at institutions such as The Groundlings and Improv Olympic. Her acting career began in 2001 with her role in the parody film Not Another Teen Movie. In 2011, she landed a notable role as guidance counselor Valerie Marks on MTV’s Awkward. The show ran until 2016 and garnered a loyal fan base, with Lydic’s portrayal of the quirky yet beloved counselor becoming one of the highlights of the series.
Notable Works and Achievements
Lydic’s career is defined by a wide range of roles across television and film. In 2011, she appeared in We Bought a Zoo alongside Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, playing the character Shea Seger, also known as “Lasagna Mom.” The following year, she starred in The Babymakers with Olivia Munn, showing her comedic range.
In 2015, Lydic joined The Daily Show as a senior correspondent, where her sharp satire and insightful commentary quickly gained a dedicated following. Her series Desi Lydic: Foxsplains earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. In addition, her one-hour special Desi Lydic: Abroad, which aired in 2019, was nominated for a Writers Guild Award.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
In recent years, Lydic has continued to make a significant mark in the industry. In 2020, she paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Presents: Remembering RBG – A Nation Ugly Cries with Desi Lydic, blending humor with a touching tribute. After Trevor Noah’s departure from The Daily Show, Lydic was one of the guest hosts, stepping in during the week of April 24, 2023. Her hosting was well-received, further solidifying her place as a significant comedic voice in television.
Personal Life and Relationships
Desi Lydic married Gannon Brousseau on September 13, 2014, and they welcomed their son in December 2015. Despite the demands of her career, Lydic places a strong emphasis on family and often shares glimpses of her life with fans. Her story, from a young girl in Louisville to a celebrated figure in American comedy, showcases her talent, determination, and the importance of following one’s passions.
Desi Lydic Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Desi Lydic’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.