Biography
Lilly Singh, who was born in Toronto, Canada on September 26, 1988, is an emerging star in the entertainment world. Making waves as a YouTuber, television host, comedian, actress, and writer. Lilly Singh Biography from fighting depression to becoming one of the world’s highest-paid YouTubers, known online as ‘Superwoman,’ is a monument to her resilience and creative skill.
Quick Facts about Lilly Singh Biography
| Birth Year | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | September 26, 1988 |
| Birth City | Toronto |
| Birth Country | Canada |
| Gender | Female |
| Best Known For | YouTuber, TV host, comedian, actress |
| Astrological Sign | Libra |
| YouTube Debut | 2010 |
| YouTube Channels | IISuperwomanII, SuperwomanVlogs |
| YouTube Subscribers | 14.7 million (as of February 2022) |
| YouTube Views | Over three billion |
| Forbes Rankings | 2016: 3rd highest-paid YouTuber |
| 2017: 10th highest-paid YouTuber | |
| 2017: No. 1 in the entertainment category of Forbes’ Top Influencers List | |
| UNICEF Ambassador | Appointed in July 2017 |
| Notable Awards | MTV Fandom Award, Four Streamy Awards, Two Teen Choice Awards, People’s Choice Award |
| Entrepreneurial Venture | Author of “How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life” (2017) |
| Late-Night Talk Show | Host of “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” (2019-2021) |
| Late-Night Achievement | First person of Indian descent to host a major American broadcast network late-night talk show |
| Hollywood Ventures | Voiced characters in “Ice Age: Collision Course,” appeared in “Bad Moms” and HBO’s “Fahrenheit 451” adaptation |
| Educational Background | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, Toronto (2010) |
| Sibling | Older sister Tina, also a YouTuber, known as ‘The Tina Singh’ |
| Social Initiatives | #GirlLove campaign to end girl-on-girl hate, backed by Michelle Obama |
| Book | “How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life” – New York Times bestseller |
| Personal Motto | “Bawse” – Like a boss, but so epic the spelling had to be changed |
| Digital Impact | Over 2 billion views on the main channel IISuperwomanII |
| Global Tour | 31-date world tour in 2015 with a stage act combining singing, rapping, dancing, comedy, and motivational speeches |
| Documentary | Released “A Trip to Unicorn Island,” a behind-the-scenes documentary of her world tour |
| Hollywood Recognition | Ranked among the 40 most powerful people in comedy by Forbes in 2019 |
| Current Status | Hosted “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” from September 2019 to June 2021 |
Early Life and Upbringing
Lilly Singh’s childhood in Scarborough, Toronto’s culturally mixed region, shaped her unique outlook and creative energy. Lilly, who was born on September 26, 1988, and her older sister Tina were raised in a traditional Sikh household by their parents, Malvindar Kaur and Sukvindar Singh. The Singh family had come from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India, bringing a rich tapestry of Sikh culture and traditions with them.
Lilly had a strong and enthusiastic attitude as she grew up. She remembers being a tomboy as a child, exploring the world with a curiosity that foreshadowed the vitality she would later bring to her creative endeavors. Her parents, who were raised in Sikh traditions, instilled in her a feeling of cultural pride as well as the value of familial relationships.
The Singh household, which also included Lilly’s older sister Tina, established an environment that encouraged individual endeavors. This familial bond provided the framework for Lilly’s eventual rise to prominence in the digital entertainment world.
Lilly Singh Education
Lilly spent her early years at Mary Shadd Public School, where she began to define her individuality. She later graduated from Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute in Malvern, Toronto, in 2006. As an alumna returning to her alma mater, she expressed thanks and fondness for the place that shaped her early development.
Her involvement in the Girl Guides of Canada as a child reflects her dedication to community service and leadership development. These experiences, together with her Sikh upbringing’s cultural richness, contributed to the mosaic of influences that would later create her YouTube work.
In 2010, Lilly graduated from York University in Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a path chosen to become a counselor. This decision, influenced by her parents, marked a pivotal moment where she navigated the balance between familial expectations and her burgeoning passion for creative expression.
Lilly Singh’s early life and upbringing set the groundwork for the junction of tradition and modernity. As she entered adulthood, creating a unique prism through which she would later explore cultural nuances, comic sketches, and motivational messages on her YouTube channels. Her work reflects the principles instilled in her throughout these formative years, displaying a blend of cultural pride, resilience, and an uncompromising devotion to self-expression.
YouTube: A Therapeutic Outlet
Singh began her YouTube journey in 2010, during her university days, as a way to overcome despair and share laughter with the world. Her first video earned only 70 views, but she continued. Singh’s rise to prominence was slow, and her dedication to producing content that was honest and humorous set her apart. In her sketches, she played various characters, addressing issues such as cultural prejudices and the complexities of everyday life.
Rise to YouTube Stardom
Post-graduation, Singh faced the choice of pursuing a master’s degree or taking a leap of faith into a YouTube career. Opting for the latter, she spent a year dedicated to honing her craft, creating a solid fan base, especially among teenage girls of South Asian descent in Western countries. Collaborations with fellow YouTubers and a move to Los Angeles in 2015 marked pivotal moments in her career.
Ventures Beyond YouTube
Singh’s artistic endeavors went beyond YouTube, demonstrating her adaptability. She turned her content into a theatrical show in 2015, embarking on a world tour that included 31 dates in various nations. Her documentary, “A Trip to Unicorn Island,” which premiered on YouTube Red, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the tour. Singh also created a name for himself in Hollywood, voicing characters in “Ice Age: Collision Course,” making a cameo in “Bad Moms,” and starring in HBO’s adaptation of “Fahrenheit 451.”
Lilly Singh’s Movies and Shows
| Title | Year Released | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| “Ice Age: Collision Course” (Voice Role) | 2016 | Misty and Bubbles (Unicorns) |
| “Bad Moms” | 2016 | Cameo Appearance as a Character |
| “Fahrenheit 451” (HBO Adaptation) | 2018 | Raven, a Tabloid Blogger |
| “A Trip to Unicorn Island” (Documentary) | 2016 | Herself, Behind-the-Scenes |
| “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” (TV Show) | 2019-2021 | Host/Executive Producer |
Authorship and Entrepreneurship
In March 2017, Singh added ‘author’ to her list of accomplishments with the release of her book, “How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life.” The book, a New York Times bestseller, reflects her journey and imparts motivational wisdom to her audience. Singh’s definition of a ‘bawse’ goes beyond a boss – someone who exudes confidence turns heads, communicates effectively, and hustles relentlessly.
Lilly Singh’s Books
| Title | Publication Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| “How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life” | 2017 | Self-help, Motivational |
Late-Night Triumph and Global Recognition
Singh’s rise to mainstream media peaked in 2019 when she took over as host of the late-night chat show “A Little Late with Lilly Singh.” As a result of this historic achievement, she became the first person of Indian heritage to anchor a major American broadcast network late-night talk show. Her accomplishment was further recognized in 2017 when Forbes named her the number one influencer in the entertainment category.
Philanthropy and UNICEF Ambassadorship
Beyond her entertainment career, Singh has used her platform for philanthropy, becoming UNICEF’s Global Goodwill Ambassador in July 2017. Her #GirlLove initiative, aimed at ending girl-on-girl hate, garnered support from influential figures like Michelle Obama.
The Unseen Struggles
Singh, despite her achievements, acknowledges the toll success has taken on her personal life. In interviews, she opens up about being a workaholic and dispels the notion of a balanced life. Her dedication to her craft has been relentless, challenging the conventional idea that success comes without sacrifices.
Conclusion
Lilly Singh’s journey from depressed university student to global influencer and late-night talk show host is one of drive, inventiveness, and breaking down barriers. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, pushing a generation to accept their uniqueness and follow their aspirations with zeal. Singh’s tale remains a symbol of empowerment in the digital era, even as she continues to adapt and redefine success.
FAQs about Lilly Singh Biography
Q1: What is Lilly Singh’s real name?
A1: Lilly Singh’s full name is Lilly Saini Singh.
Q2: What is Lilly Singh’s book about?
A2: Lilly Singh’s book, “How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life,” offers motivational insights based on her journey and experiences.
Q3: When did Lilly Singh start making YouTube videos?
A3: Lilly Singh began making YouTube videos in 2010 while she was still a student, using it as a therapeutic outlet to combat depression.