Trivia

In September 2011, Sykes revealed that earlier in the year, she had gone in for breast reduction surgery and discovered that she had very early-stage breast cancer. Because of a history of breast cancer in her family, she decided to have a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed).

Worked as a procurement officer at the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade in Laurel, Maryland from college graduation in 1986 until 1992.

Received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in marketing from Hampton University.

In 2009, she made history as the first African-American master of ceremonies at the White House Correspondents' dinner.

Has 2 children: daughter, Olivia Lou Sykes & son, Lucas Claude Sykes (b. April 27, 2009) with wife, Alex Niedbalski.

Came out as gay on November 15, 2008, at a pro-gay marriage rally in Las Vegas hosted by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Center of Southern Nevada. At that rally, she also publicly announced for the first time that she has a wife, to whom she was married in California on October 25, 2008.

Ranked #70 in Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time, the only Black woman to make the list.

Grew up in a military family.

Her stand-up career began at a Super Talent Showcase in Washington, DC, where she performed for the first time in front of a live audience.

She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Raised in the Maryland-Washington, DC, area.

Moved to New York City in 1992, after performing at several local clubs in Washington, DC to start her stand-up career.

Opened for Chris Rock at Caroline's Comedy Club, which brought her popularity and attention in the stand-up industry.

Friends with Steve Harvey.

Plays the drums.