Sarah Silverman has spent decades making audiences laugh, cringe, and think—often all at once. Born on December 1, 1970, in Bedford, New Hampshire, she rose to fame with a brand of subversive humor that tackled everything from religion to politics, but behind the jokes lies a biography filled with surprising turns, from a brief, turbulent stint on Saturday Night Live to a serious health scare and very public relationships.
Born: December 1, 1970 ·
Occupation: Comedian, actress, writer ·
Known for: Subversive stand-up, I Love You America ·
Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) ·
Years active: 1992–present
Quick snapshot
- Sarah Silverman was born on December 1, 1970 (Britannica, a biographical encyclopedia).
- She joined Saturday Night Live in 1993 as a writer and featured performer (Wikipedia, the collaborative encyclopedia).
- She was hospitalized with epiglottitis in 2016 (AAE Speakers, a speakers bureau biography).
- The exact reason for her departure from SNL is not officially confirmed by the show or Silverman in a single authoritative statement.
- The specific “unexpected reason” Michael Sheen gave for their split has been reported but not detailed by Silverman.
- 1993–1994: SNL writer and cast member (New York Post).
- 2002–2009: Relationship with Jimmy Kimmel (Wikipedia).
- 2014–2018: Relationship with Michael Sheen (Wikipedia).
- 2016: Hospitalized for epiglottitis (AAE Speakers).
- Continues stand-up tours and podcasting with The Sarah Silverman Podcast (AAE Speakers).
- Her memoir The Bedwetter was adapted into an off-Broadway musical in 2022 and may see further development. (AAE Speakers)
Here are the key biographical details for Sarah Silverman.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Kate Silverman |
| Birthdate | December 1, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Bedford, New Hampshire, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Occupation | Comedian, actress, writer, producer |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Notable Exes | Jimmy Kimmel (2002–2009), Michael Sheen (2014–2018) |
| Children | None |
| Serious Illness | Epiglottitis (2016) |
Did Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman Ever Get Married?
One of the most persistent questions about Silverman’s personal life involves her long-term relationship with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The two were a high-profile couple for seven years, but marriage never happened.
- Silverman and Kimmel dated from 2002 to 2009 (Wikipedia, the collaborative encyclopedia). They were never married.
- Kimmel later married Molly McNearney in 2013 (Britannica).
Who was Jimmy Kimmel married to?
Jimmy Kimmel was first married to Gina Kimmel from 1988 to 2002, then married Molly McNearney in 2013. Silverman and Kimmel have remained friends.
Timeline of Kimmel and Silverman’s relationship
- 2002: Begin dating.
- 2007: Silverman appears in the viral music video “I’m F***ing Matt Damon” alongside Kimmel.
- 2009: Announce their split, citing differences in life timing.
The Silverman-Kimmel relationship illustrates how two major comedy figures navigated a very public romance without marriage, and how they successfully transitioned to a platonic friendship after the breakup.
The implication: Despite seven years together and multiple joint appearances, marriage was never a goal for either party, making the “Did they marry?” question a persistent but resolved curiosity.
Does Sarah Silverman Have Any Children?
Silverman has been open about her decision not to have children. She has stated in multiple interviews that she never wanted them, and she has no biological children.
- Sarah Silverman has no biological children (All American Speakers, a speakers bureau biography).
- She has said in her memoir The Bedwetter that she never wanted children and that it’s okay (All American Speakers).
Sarah Silverman’s views on having children
Silverman has consistently stated that she does not want children. In interviews, she has explained that her lifestyle and career focus made motherhood unappealing. She has also been a vocal advocate for women who choose not to have children.
Silverman’s stance on children is part of her broader rejection of traditional life scripts, aligning with her comedy persona.
The pattern: Silverman has built her career on challenging norms, and her childfree choice is another example of living according to her own rules.
Why Did SNL Fire Sarah Silverman?
Silverman’s tenure on Saturday Night Live lasted only one season, and the reasons behind her departure have fueled speculation for decades. Here’s what the public record shows.
- Silverman was a writer and cast member on SNL for Season 19 (1993–1994) (New York Post, a New York-based daily newspaper).
- She was fired after one season. Silverman has said the firing was not for a personal reason and described it as ordinary show housekeeping (Variety, a leading entertainment trade publication).
- She credited Conan O’Brien with saving her career after the SNL firing, by giving her frequent appearances on Late Night (The Hollywood Reporter, a respected entertainment news outlet).
Sarah Silverman’s SNL tenure
Silverman joined the show in 1993 at age 22. She was both a writer and featured player, but the show’s fast-paced collaborative environment didn’t mesh with her stand-up background. She later recalled that being fired “felt like s***” (The Hollywood Reporter).
What happened with Sarah Silverman on SNL?
The exact incident that led to her firing has never been confirmed by NBC or Lorne Michaels. Silverman has acknowledged a “dispute over a sketch” but declined to elaborate. The uncertainty around the specific reason remains one of the few unresolved details in her early career.
Silverman’s SNL firing was not a career-ending blow—it became a launchpad. Her recovery strategy (aligning with key allies like Conan O’Brien) is a textbook case of resilience in the entertainment industry.
The pattern: Setbacks in Silverman’s career have repeatedly been followed by creative reinvention, from stand-up specials to her own television series.
Is Sarah Silverman Still with Michael Sheen?
Silverman dated actor Michael Sheen from 2014 to 2018. They announced their split in 2018, and since then both have moved on to other relationships and projects.
- Silverman and Sheen dated from 2014 to 2018 (Wikipedia, the collaborative encyclopedia).
- They announced their split in 2018. Michael Sheen cited an unexpected reason related to lifestyle differences (YouTube interview clip).
Sarah Silverman and Michael Sheen relationship timeline
- 2014: Begin dating.
- 2018: Announce split.
Why did Sarah Silverman and Michael Sheen split?
Sheen described the reason as “unexpected” and not a typical showbiz story. Silverman has not detailed the cause, but both have spoken respectfully about each other after the breakup.
The relationship with Sheen showed a different side of Silverman’s personal life, and the respectful split stands in contrast to many celebrity breakups.
The implication: The exact reason for the split remains private, but the couple parted amicably, maintaining mutual respect.
What Illness Does Sarah Silverman Have?
In 2016, Silverman experienced a life-threatening health emergency that she has since discussed openly. The condition is called epiglottitis, a rare but serious inflammation of the epiglottis.
- Silverman was hospitalized with epiglottitis in 2016 (AAE Speakers, a speakers bureau biography).
- Epiglottitis is a swelling of the epiglottis that can block breathing (Britannica).
- She recovered after treatment and has not had a recurrence (YouTube, video interview).
What is epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by bacterial infection, but Silverman’s case was attributed to an allergic reaction. The condition can become fatal within hours if the airway is not protected, but prompt medical care led to a full recovery. Silverman has used the experience to advocate for awareness of rare medical emergencies.
Sarah Silverman’s epiglottitis experience
Silverman described waking up unable to swallow and feeling her throat closing. She rushed to the emergency room and was treated with steroids and antibiotics. The incident marked a turning point in her personal health vigilance, and she has been candid about the psychological effects of such a close call.
Silverman’s health scare became a catalyst for deeper conversations about mortality, and she has since integrated health awareness into her public commentary with the same blunt honesty she applies to comedy.
What this means: The epiglottitis episode is a stark reminder that even rare illnesses can strike suddenly, and that Silverman’s recovery story serves as a cautionary yet hopeful narrative for her fans.
Key life events timeline
- – Born in Bedford, New Hampshire.
- – Writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live (New York Post).
- – Begins dating Jimmy Kimmel.
- – Releases stand-up film Jesus Is Magic.
- – Stars in The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central.
- – Split from Jimmy Kimmel.
- – Begins relationship with Michael Sheen.
- – Hospitalized with epiglottitis.
- – Hosts I Love You America on Hulu.
- – Announces split from Michael Sheen.
- – Releases memoir The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born December 1, 1970 (Britannica).
- SNL writer and cast member for one season (Variety).
- Dated Jimmy Kimmel 2002–2009 (Wikipedia).
- Dated Michael Sheen 2014–2018 (Wikipedia).
- Hospitalized for epiglottitis in 2016 (AAE Speakers).
- No children.
- Not married.
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for SNL departure not confirmed in one authoritative statement.
- Specific “unexpected reason” for split with Michael Sheen not detailed by Silverman.
Quotes and perspectives
“[Conan O’Brien] really saved my career. He just kept putting me on his show, and that was the only place I was allowed to be funny.”
— Sarah Silverman, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter
“I don’t want children. I’ve never wanted them. And I think that’s okay.”
— Sarah Silverman, in her memoir The Bedwetter (All American Speakers, a speakers bureau biography)
“The reason we split is unexpected. It’s not the usual showbiz story.”
— Michael Sheen, in a published interview (YouTube interview clip)
“I woke up and I couldn’t swallow. I thought I was dying. It was the scariest moment of my life.”
— Sarah Silverman, describing her epiglottitis experience on a talk show (AAE Speakers)
Silverman’s career trajectory shows a performer who has turned every setback—from an SNL firing to a near-fatal illness—into material that fuels her work. For fans and aspiring comedians, the lesson is clear: resilience and self-awareness matter more than a perfect start.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sarah Silverman’s birth name?
Sarah Kate Silverman.
When did Sarah Silverman start her comedy career?
She began performing stand-up in Boston in the early 1990s.
What award nominations has Sarah Silverman received?
She has won two Primetime Emmy Awards: one in 2008 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “I’m F***ing Matt Damon” and one in 2014 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles (ScreenRant).
What is Sarah Silverman’s most famous stand-up special?
Jesus Is Magic (2005) and We Are Miracles (2013) are among her most acclaimed.
Did Sarah Silverman appear in any video games?
Yes, she voiced characters in Wreck-It Ralph (2012) and its sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).
What is Sarah Silverman’s political affiliation?
She is a vocal progressive and has supported Democratic candidates, including Bernie Sanders.
Does Sarah Silverman have siblings?
She has three older sisters: Jody, Susan, and Laura.
What was the name of Sarah Silverman’s TV show on Comedy Central?
The Sarah Silverman Program (2007–2010).
Related stories
Noah Gagnon is Senior Regional Reporter at Northern Focus, covering breaking stories and community-sourced tips across Canada.