She’s chaotic, unhinged, fearless, and the prettiest girl in America. “Ever heard of her honey?”
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Megan Stalter is an icon in everything she does. From an early age she wanted to be on stage, participating in poetry contests and the drama club in high school. She later moved to Chicago where she resided for many years to pursue a career in comedy before getting her big break. Now, Stalter is taking the internet by storm in the most beautifully awkward way, and is showing no signs of slowing down.
She D-I-D Many D-I-Ys
Circa BP (before the pandemic), Stalter was making improv videos of anything and everything, gaining a massive following as time went on. She would use her phone to record and use whatever she could find around the house as wardrobe and props. You would never be able to tell by simply watching one of her videos.
Catching the attention of millions during quarantine with her awkwardly funny videos, she earned the well deserved title: queen of quarantine.
By the time 2021 rolled around she got her first acting gig. She went directly from making at home videos to acting on a proper set.
Hollywood’s Calling
The HBO series Hacks debuted May 13, 2021, and aired its final episode May 28 of this year. The show follows the lives of Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) as they navigate their way through the grueling world of entertainment. Although Vance and Daniels were the stars of the show, another dynamic duo quickly became a fan favorite: Kayla Schaeffer (Megan Stalter) and Jimmy LuSaque Jr. (Paul W. Downs).
Kayla and Jimmy are inseparable in their work. We see their partnership/friendship evolve from the first episode to the finale.
When looking at what makes Kayla so Kayla is what makes Stalter so Stalter. Both are hilarious, ridiculous, and able to deliver a single line that steals the spotlight in any scene she’s in.
These similarities don’t come as a surprise however, after learning that the Hacks character was written with Stalter in mind.
Paul W. Downs, one of the shows creators, told Glamour that “Meg was doing characters online that had that exact quality…” referring to wildly self-assured assistants who were more so on the clumsy side. He continued by noting that “she was so funny that, as we polished the pilot, we added ‘think Megan Stalter’ to the script.”
It would seem Stalter was on Downs radar long before they became fan favorites in Hacks. and although their characters’ stories have come to an end, that hasn’t stopped the collaborations between the two.
The Bestest Duo to Ever Duo
Stalter is iconic, Downs is iconic, when together they’re the ultimate pair. Fans can’t seem to get enough of them, and it’s even better because the comedy duo seems just as obsessed.
In 2026 during the SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards, Stalter and Downs performed a very memorable sketch on stage.
Stalter’s spontaneity paired with Downs’ way of de-escalating the situation makes it even more absurd and witty. Since then, both are often seen together at other red carpet events.
One of their first viral moments was when they recreated Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s look at the Critics Choice Awards.
All the details are there, and it brings a fun new twist to the red carpets.
They also more recently showed up to the American Music Awards wearing outfits that made people turn heads. Both looked fabulous in their “everyday looks.”
Stalter opted to go topless, instead using her very real, very natural hair to cover up. Downs wore a spiked bracelet around his leg and oval sunglasses, giving off futuristic punk vibes. They wore belt buckles with each other’s faces on them, and were very color coordinated with all of the black and denim.
What better outfits to wear when presenting the best rock/alternative album award?
These two have quickly become what I most look forward to when it comes time for an award ceremony.
Going Solo
Until just last week, I never thought things could get better. Stalter stole the show at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards when she performed her hit song “Prettiest Girl in America”.
It’s a theatrical performance that shows the trials and tribulations of being the prettiest girl in America. Starting with the most amazing, entirely live vocals I’ve ever heard to date, with a few little spoken ad-libs here and there; it’s phenomenal.
Stalter seems to be a jack of all trades: a great actress, comedian, singer, have I mentioned the prettiest girl in America yet? What else can’t she do?
Hot Pop Star Coming Through
Stalter released her debut hit single “Prettiest Girl in America” earlier this year. With a total of over 1 million listeners on Spotify, it’s as popular as Statler.
Although it just came out less than four months ago, I feel like I’ve been listening to it for ages; it already has that classic feel to it.
Her song “Prettiest Girl in America” is a teaser to her upcoming debut album, Crave.
The Pretty Music Video
On June 12 of this year, Stalter released the official music video for “Prettiest Girl in America” featuring content creator/streamer Vanilla Mace. It shows a frenemy relationship between Stalter and Mace, both seemingly gunning for the honorable title.
From the outfits to the chorus, it’s a collab made in heaven.
BRB, While I get my Dancing Shoes
Stalter’s first song was a major hit, and it’s not the only one she has bestowed upon us. Exactly one month after “Prettiest Girl in America” was released, Stalter debuted another song called “GAY”, and another titled “BRR” a few days after.
Set to be the second song in Crave is “GAY”. Including “lipstick lesbians, the dolls, and the they,” it’s a dance-pop song that was released just in time for pride month.
“BRR” has an electro pop type beat, and is the perfect third addition to Stalter’s singles.
Statler’s songs are extremely catchy. All three are addictive in the best ways, and I’m very excited to hear what she’ll release next with the rest of Crave.
Meg, Meet Mary
Starting July 6 to September 12, Stalter will be making her Broadway debut as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!
A comedy that follows the wife of Abraham Lincoln leading up to his assassination, Oh, Mary! brings to life the ignored and forgotten life of Mary Lincoln, written by Cole Escola.
Stalter has already taken Mary to NYC pride, and it’ll be very exciting to see what else she has in store for the former First Lady.
The Finale
Stalter’s career has been very fun to write about, and she’s done more than I mentioned.
Her comedic genius and over the top skits remind us not to take everything too seriously and have fun; a breath of fresh air in the midst of everything going on right now.
As we prepare to part ways, I’d like to send you all off with one of Stalter’s most viewed sketches. Enjoy!
