11 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Kumail Nanjiani
11 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Kumail Nanjiani
Funny man Silicon Valley, but you may be surprised to learn which famous actor inspired Nanjiani to kick-start his stand-up career. Here are 11 things you probably don't know about the star of "The Big Sick," opening this weekend.
1. Karachi Kick-Off
Kumail Nanjiani was born February 21st, 1978, in Karachi, Pakistan.
2. Pakistani Childhood
Nanjiani spent his entire childhood in Karachi, Pakistan, where he attended the Karachi Grammar School.
3. Successful Relatives
Nanjiani is related to famed radio presenter, Shereen Nanjiani.
4. Go Your Own Way
Nanjiani was raised a fundamentalist Shia Muslim before becoming an atheist later in life.
5. Makin’ Moves
After graduating in Karachi, Nanjiani packed his bags for the United States at the young age of 18.
6. College Days
After moving to the States, the actor enrolled in Grinnell College, in Iowa, where he had a double major in philosophy and computer science.
7. Just Not for Me
Nanjiani says the worst gig he ever had was an office job that he held for six years. Still, his coworkers were fine. "That's nothing against the people who I was surrounded by, because they were wonderful people,” Nanjiani said later.
8. Family of MDs
Nanjiani is from a family of doctors and even believed for a while that he would be one himself. “I'm from a family of doctors, and I think they really wanted me to be a doctor. I even sort of assumed I would be a doctor,” the star later said.
9. Hugh Grant Forever
The comedian is a fan of Hugh Grant, and was inspired to start a stand-up career after he saw Grant’s role in “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” As revealed in "The Big Sick," it also inspired some early hair cuts.
10. Guilty Pleasure
Nanjiani’s biggest guilty pleasure is street food. “Gyros are like a meat-flavored fruit roll-up," Nanjiani said. "A meat roll-up.”
