An Inspired Chat with Ellen Karis of Manhattan

We recently had the chance to connect with Ellen Karis and have shared our conversation below.

Ellen, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes I would absolutely hire me to perform Stand-Up or Host any event you are having-from the very intimate to the very large. I am reliable, easy to work with, professional and talented. I am a people pleasure and always deliver what the customer wants.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ellen Karis, also known as “The Greek Goddess of Comedy” and have performed Stand-Up Comedy all over North America for the past two decades. I have three comedy specials, the most recent on the Dry Bar Comedy Channel called “Dreams Don’t Come True”. I am the host of a weekly podcast “Sweet and Salty with Ellen Karis” in its 12th season and am an actress having appeared on Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” from Seasons 2 through 5 and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler movie “Sisters”. I co-produced the Documentary “Covid’s Impact-New York Stories”, interviewing eight New Yorkers on how the pandemic impacted their lives and businesses, which captured a snapshot of this historic point in time. I am published Author of the children’s book “Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith”. I am currently working on a one woman show about my Cypriot Great-Grandmother. Prior to my show business career, I was a CPA and Wall Street Analyst with an MBA in Finance who walked away from yearly bonus’ and 401K’s for the dream of entertaining people. I am longtime Upper East Side resident in New York City and in April of 2025, I received the Woman of Distinction Award from the neighborhood that I cherish and love.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My family, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncle. Everyone I am related to is a hard, dedicated and great worker. We are Greek and are known for our strong work ethic and being prideful about our work.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
After being in show business for the last 20 years, there are more disappointments than I can count such as not getting a acting role or not having a great Stand-Up Comedy show, which always gives me pause to say “Am I meant to be doing this”. I know this is cliché but, that is how you develop a thick skin. I have learned to give myself 24 hours to mourn and then put my big girl pants and move forward.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am currently writing a one woman show about my Great-Grandmother who immigrated from Cyprus. I have been thinking, outlining and writing this piece for a over a decade. I am committed to bringing it to the stage in 2026 and am proud that it is family friendly and for all demographics. I have to admit I did not realize how difficult it is to write a full length play, which gave me a deeper appreciation for all playwrights.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I am a worker-bee, I am peaceful when I know my calendar is full of show, I do sleep better. Aside from work, I am most peaceful at my church the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City, the smell of the incenses and taking in the service really grounds me. I also find being by the ocean or a good spa day can also put me in a state of calmness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellenkaris.com
• Instagram: @GreekChickComic
• Linkedin: Ellen Karis
• Twitter: @GreekChickComic
• Facebook: Ellen Karis Greek Goddess of Comedy
• Youtube: Ellen Karis
• Other: TikTok: @GreekChickComic

Image Credits
Elios Photgraphy-only for the one with the purple shirt, it is noted on the photo