Carol Leifer

Award-Winning Comedy Writer & Best-Selling Author

Carol Leifer

Award-Winning Comedy Writer & Best-Selling Author

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Biography

Carol Leifer is an Emmy, Golden Globe, Writers Guild Award & Producers Guild Award winner for her work on Hacks. She has also written for such legendary shows such as Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, SNL, Modern Family, The Larry Sanders Show and 11 Academy Awards shows - the most of any female writer.

As a stand‐up, Carol has appeared on The Tonight Show, HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central and made 25 appearances on Late Night with David Letterman.

Her new book How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn’t Want to Go to In the First Place is a bestseller. Her two previous books are When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win & How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying. Carol is a popular speaker on the corporate/nonprofit circuit, delivering speeches for over one hundred organizations.

Speaker Videos

More Funny Women of a Certain Age

A Glimpse of Carol Leifer

Speaking Out for Choice

Speaking Reel

Writing for the Oscars

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Speech Topics

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying

Based on her April 2014 bestseller, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying, Carol Leifer discusses her extraordinary three-decade journey through show business, illuminating her many triumphs and some missteps along the way. In a presentation that is a perfect blend of comedy and mentorship, Leifer offers valuable lessons and shares her secrets for success with her witty and hilarious how-to guide for everyone: College graduates just breaking into the job market, women who find themselves frustrated by the “glass ceiling” and for anybody who wants a bigger and better career now. Using priceless insight, she provides audiences with tips and tricks for getting ahead, finding your way and opening locked doors.

Judaism is in My DNA

Carol speaks about how her Jewish roots informed the person that she is today - by the values instilled in her by her hard-working parents, the children of immigrants from Russia and Poland. She shares many personal family stories of how their life lessons shaped her to live a good Jewish life - recollections of Tzedakah and even chutzpah in approaching everyday life. Their Jewish life lessons also helped lead her to pursue her passion for comedy, going back to a time when the field was mostly an old boy network. Their morals and values gave her the strength, tenacity and grit to have, what is now, a thriving 45-year career in the business.

She talks about how her Jewish upbringing has been a model for her, as a parent herself now, and how important it is to keep our traditions alive for all the generations to come.

Also, as a proud Lion of Judah (Los Angeles chapter), Carol likes to reinforce that she not only talks the talk, but walks the walk in her support of The Federation and its great work. She likes to remind her audiences of the many ways the Federation has impact locally and globally, and encourage them to continue their support, now more than ever!

Comedy Workshop with Carol Leifer

Have you dreamed of becoming a comedy writer, either as a hobby or a profession? Do you think your company, organization, or students could benefit from an infusion of humor in presentations and seminars?

Then four-time Emmy nominee and best-selling author Carol Leifer is perfect for your group! Book her now for her critically acclaimed writer’s workshop.

You will learn:

The basics of joke writing and personal essay writing from the woman who’s written for Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, and Whoopi Goldberg
What makes a funny idea for an episode of a sitcom
The behind-the-scenes stories of triumph and tragedy from the woman who’s written for Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live, and Modern Family
Never-before-shared secrets of breaking into the business
The art of “pitching” your comedy ideas—in work and everyday life

You’ll even have the chance to get up on stage and read your joke or personal essay in front of Carol Leifer for on-the-spot encouragement and direction. By bringing simple exercises to her workshops, Leifer unleashes the funny power that lies in everyone!

When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win: Reflections on Looking in the Mirror

Coming Out: The Guts, the Glory, the Grief

Life on an Everything Bagel: Wisdom & Thoughts on Life from Seinfeld Writer Carol Leifer

How to Handle Everything with the Key Ingredient of Humor

Life, Work & Staying Sane: How Women Find Balance in Today's Chaos

Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine: How Humor Makes You Healthier, Reduces Stress & Helps You Be a Peak Performer

Testimonials

"We highly recommended Carol Leifer for all Jewish groups and especially for Jewish Federations. She is very talented and is very easy to work with."

- Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York

"Everything went very well. Carol was very well received by our audience. She was also a delight to be with—a real professional who delivers the goods and doesn't demand extra attention. Our audience appreciates the opportunity we offer to ask questions of our speakers, and Carol entertained everyone with her answers. I would not hesitate to recommend her."

- Vice Chairman, Montgomery Women’s Club

"Carol Leifer was GREAT! She was absolutely hilarious and a big hit with our hard-to-please group. We've received a lot of compliments and she was very gracious to all of our guests, especially at her book signing after her program which was also a great success. She could not have been nicer or more fun. I highly recommend Carol Leifer if you want a fun, CLEAN evening of humor from a woman who has blazed a trail in comedy."

- Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Maryland

"I want to thank Carol Leifer for her tremendous program at our Women Leaders Training Symposium. She is so gifted and funny - a perfect fit for our audience!"

- Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, Sacramento, Ca.

"Carol isn't just a comedian, she's a rock star! Nobody gets an audience going like Carol Leifer. Carol has energetically appeared at many of the events I've planned for both The Human Rights Campaign and PFLAG over the last couple of years and she consistently not only brings down the house but also gets people to open their wallets! Book her and you are guaranteed to have a successful event."

- PFLAG

"We doubled our turnout when we booked Carol Leifer! Our attendees are still talking about how funny and heartfelt her program was. On a scale of 1 to 100, she scored 1000! We are so happy that we got her."

- Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo

"Carol was laugh-out-loud funny! And not only funny, but very real and warm. We wholeheartedly recommend her for any group - her speaking program is a HOMERUN. Our attendees have not stopped talking about her!"

- North Shore Congregation Israel, Glencoe, Illinois

"Carol Leifer was a wonderfully, funny guest speaker. The group seemed to enjoy her humor and stories. She spoke from her heart about the importance of women’s rights and our freedom of choice."

- Joint Action Committee, Greater Chicago Area

"Carol was amazing! So funny, witty and timely. We had donors from 35-85 years old who got her humor and laughed for a half-hour. With the crazy world we live in, everyone wanted to laugh, enjoy and just be happy...and that's exactly what Carol gave us. A piece of happiness and each guest left with a smile on their face."

- Lions of Judah

"Fabulous! It was a perfect fit for our group – she pushed the envelope just far enough and we have had so much praise about the entire event which was lightened, brightened and enlightened with her humor!"

- Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

"Carol Leifer is, without a doubt, one of the funniest people on the planet! Not only that, but she is a genuinely nice lady who takes great pride in her work and presentation. Her stories about her own life and career and her general observations about life -- whether seen through a Jewish lens or not -- are hilarious and, often, extremely touching. Our program with her was delightful from beginning to end, and is one none of us will soon forget. Our only regret is that she can't stay in Atlanta and be our best friend!"

- Book Festival of the MJCCA

"Carol was an absolute joy! Her humor resonated with the crowd and she nailed every joke. She shared stories that made the audience laugh hysterically and brought back wonderful memories for all of us. A doll to work with! Class act all the way through."

- Katz JCC Cherry Hill, New Jersey

"Carol, as they say, “killed it” last night. She was the perfect presenter for the opening event of our 4th annual Jewish Book Festival. Everyone in the crowd of 250 people loved her. There was laughter and belly laughs throughout Carol’s performance. She was also very gracious during the Q&A session and book signing. The Federation leadership and staff, as well as the book festival committee and chairs, could not have been more thrilled or happier with how the evening went, thanks to Carol’s professionalism, style, delivery and overall personality."

- Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

“Carol was outstanding. Her ability to engage with students, faculty, staff and community members was great. Carol wove her personal story with humor and reflection. She was easy to work with and very approachable.”

- Sinclair Community College

"Carol was absolutely fantastic! She perfectly fit the moment. Her message was engaging and timely, and she had the entire room captivated. We've received incredible feedback from attendees, with many saying she's the best speaker we've ever had. Carol not only brought insightful and meaningful content, but she also knew exactly how to make us laugh and forget about the real world for a while. It was the perfect balance of lightheartedness and depth. On top of that, she was a pleasure to work with, and her strong Federation connection made her even more relatable to our community. We couldn’t have asked for a better speaker—thank you, Carol!"

- Jewish Federation of St. Louis

"Carol was a smashing success! Our phones have been blowing up since her performance and everyone enjoyed her immensely. The Meet and Greet and Book Signing were a hit as well. She was just what we needed!! She also was an absolute joy to work with…just as you said she would be. We truly appreciate all of you!"

- National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW/Essex-New Jersey)