Seven-time Emmy nominee Nicole Byer loves living in California as much as she loves making people laugh. Fans got a taste of the talented actor-writer’s comedic skills when she hosted Netflix’s Nailed It!, for which she became the first Black woman ever to be nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program.
Her Netflix standup special BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo) earned her an Emmy nod as well, and Byer has gained fans for her many guest-star appearances—30 Rock, Brooklyn 99, The Good Place, and more.
The author of #Very Fat #Very Brave is also an award-winning podcast queen, thanks to her work on Why Won't You Date Me?, Best Friends with Sasheer Zamata, Newcomers, and 90 Day Bae, amongst others.
When she’s not out on the road doing her stand-up, Byer can be found driving around the Golden State, soaking up the sun and cruising by her favorite destinations as she searches for her favorite treats.
Where do you live? Los Angeles!
Why there? I moved for work but I stayed because so many of my friends are here and I love the weather.
Who or what is your greatest California love? I love driving and since I was a kid I’ve loved looking at the cars other people are driving.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we all drive white Jeeps like Cher in Clueless. I drive a white jeep like Cher in Clueless, but most people are driving cars that weren’t in movies.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? The weather—265 days of sun, baby!
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Disneyland.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? Driving up the 1 to the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for the Pink Champagne cake. The views are great, too, but you can’t get the cake anywhere else. And I’ve tried.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? The Pink Champagne Cake at the Madonna Inn. I know I’ve mentioned it already but it’s truly delightful and unavailable on Postmates.
What is your favorite way to play in California? The Ferrari Experience in L.A.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I love vintage stores for clothes and furniture. People in California collect truly wild stuff!
Best California song? “She’s Like The Wind.” What makes a song a California song? Does it have to have California in the lyrics? “She’s Like the Wind” is from Dirty Dancing so it’s a Hollywood song. It has the essence of California.
How would your California dream day unfold? Stumptown cold brew appears on my bedside table. Nobody had to get it for me, it just showed up. I walk my dog Clyde (the weather is perfect because we are in California and Clyde won’t pee if it’s raining). I get lunch with my friends at Night + Market, which, in a perfect world, is open for lunch and I get the fried chicken sandwich. I go for a drive in my Mitsubishi 3000GT. I take a pole dancing class at my favorite studio. I finish off the night with lasagna from Little Dom’s, which they allow me to order as take-out.