Shazia Mirza is a British comedian, actress, and writer. She is best known for her stand-up comedy, and her articles in British newspapers The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph.

Early life and education

Mirza was born in Birmingham, England, the eldest daughter of Punjabi Pakistani parents who moved to Birmingham, England in the 1950s. Mirza read Biochemistry at the University of Manchester and then achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London. Before beginning her career in comedy, Mirza was a science teacher at Langdon Park School, where she taught Dylan Mills, now known as the grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal. She later attended Rose Bruford College, where she studied acting part time while working as a supply teacher, taking the final year of the course full time.

Career

Stand-up

Her comedy is said to push barriers and as a comedian, she is often referred to as 'brave'.

Writing

Mirza was a columnist for The Guardian between 2008 and 2010. In the past she has written columns for The New Statesman and Dawn newspaper.

Television and radio

She was a regular panelist on the Channel 5 topical discussion series The Wright Stuff, as well as appearing on other TV shows In April 2007, she presented a documentary on BBC Three called F*** Off, I'm a Hairy Woman. Mirza has also appeared in reality game shows Celebrity The Island with Bear Grylls on Channel 4 (2017), and in 2018, the Channel 5 show Celebs in Solitary. In 2024 she appeared in SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Recognition

She was recognized as one of the BBC's 100 women of 2013.