Lisa Gilroy

Early Life and Education in Alberta

Lisa Gilroy was born Lisa Lorentz on 22 October 1989 and grew up on the south side of Edmonton, Alberta. She attended Strathcona High School in her hometown, where her early interest in performance began to develop. Gilroy pursued post-secondary education at the University of Alberta, graduating in 2014 with a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree in drama. This formal training in both performance and education provided a foundation for her future career in comedy and hosting. The dual degree program indicated an initial potential career path in teaching, but her focus remained on dramatic arts. Shortly after completing her degree, she made the significant move to Toronto in 2014 to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry, leaving her Alberta roots for Canada's largest media market.

Career Foundations in Toronto Television and Improv

Upon arriving in Toronto, Gilroy quickly established herself within the city's comedy and broadcasting scene. One of her first major roles was as a host for YTV's popular after-school block, The Zone, which introduced her to a national audience of young Canadians. She also hosted the International Emmy-nominated program Undercover High, a fact-based series that became a notable early credit. Her early television appearances included roles on the revived comedy series Air Farce and the satirical news show The Beaverton. To hone her craft in live performance, she became a member of The Second City Toronto's Tour Company, a prestigious training ground for comedians. Additionally, she performed with the Toronto-based sketch comedy group The Sketchersons, further developing her improvisational and writing skills through regular live shows.

Relocation to Los Angeles and Improv Training

After building a successful profile in Canada, Gilroy relocated to Los Angeles to expand her career into the American market. There, she began performing with renowned improv troupes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, a hub for alternative comedy. She also trained and performed at The Groundlings, another legendary improv and sketch theatre, where she earned a spot in their selective Sunday Company. Membership in the Groundlings Sunday Company is a significant career step, often leading to television and film opportunities. This intensive training in Los Angeles refined her character work and comedic timing, directly contributing to her later success in auditions and on-screen roles. The move represented a strategic career shift from Canadian television to the broader competitive environment of American comedy.

Critical Recognition and Viral Social Media Success

The year 2022 marked a major professional breakthrough for Gilroy, driven by both industry recognition and digital popularity. She was named to Vulture's prestigious annual list of "Comedians You Should and Will Know," a curated selection highlighting emerging talent. That same year, she was selected as one of the "New Faces of Comedy" for the Just for Laughs festival in Montréal, a key industry event. Concurrently, her profile skyrocketed through a series of viral comedic videos she created and posted on social media platforms. These videos spread widely on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, attracting mainstream attention and building a large, dedicated online following. This dual-path success, combining traditional industry accolades with digital virality, established her as a comedian with a modern multi-platform appeal.

Expanding Television and Streaming Portfolio

Gilroy has built a diverse and growing television resume with roles in numerous high-profile series across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Her notable acting credits include playing Alyssasays in the Netflix series Glamorous and Sarah Green in the Hulu adaptation of Interior Chinatown. She guest-starred as Vermin in the second season of the Peacock series Twisted Metal. Other television appearances span comedies and dramas, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Jury Duty, History of the World, Part II, and an episode of Black Mirror. She has been featured in multiple productions for the streaming service Dropout, such as Make Some Noise and Very Important People. In 2025, she appeared in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking as Kimmy and in The Studio as Gabby. She is also set to feature in Comedy Central's upcoming animated series Golden Axe, based on the Sega video game franchise.

Podcast Presence and Major Hosting Roles

Gilroy is a frequent and popular guest on the comedy podcast circuit, which has become a central part of her career and fan engagement. She is a recurring guest on the long-running improv podcast Comedy Bang! Bang!, a platform known for launching comedic voices. She has also developed a strong rapport on Take Your Shoes Off with Rick Glassman, appearing in multiple episodes. Other podcast appearances include Bad Friends, TigerBelly, and Whiskey Ginger, expanding her reach within different comedy audiences. Her hosting abilities were highlighted in major national events, beginning with her role as host for the 13th Canadian Screen Awards in March 2025, which streamed live on CBC Gem. Later that same year, in late May, she made history as the first-ever guest host of the CBS late-night show After Midnight, filling in for regular host Taylor Tomlinson after having been a panellist on the show four times previously.

Awards, Live Performance, and Current Status

Gilroy's work has been recognized with several significant awards, underlining her standing in the comedy community. She is officially recognized as a two-time winner of the Canadian Comedy Award, though the specific categories and years are not detailed in the available notes. In 2026, her rising status was formally recognized when she was presented with the Rising Comedy Star of the Year award at the Just for Laughs festival. She has become a sought-after live act, with promotional material for her 2026 tour dates describing her as one of the top acts in the contemporary comedy world. Her live performances are noted for delighting fans with a one-of-a-kind style. As of 2026, she continues to be based in Los Angeles while maintaining her professional ties to Canada, balancing acting, podcasting, writing, and stand-up comedy.

Questions about Lisa Gilroy

Where is Lisa Gilroy from in Canada?

Lisa Gilroy is originally from Edmonton, Alberta. She specifically grew up on the south side of the city and attended Strathcona High School there. Her Alberta roots are a noted part of her background, and she is recognized as a Canadian Comedy Award winner from the province. She maintains a connection to her Canadian origins even while working extensively in the United States, often referencing her upbringing in her comedy.

What show did Lisa Gilroy host on YTV?

Lisa Gilroy was a host for YTV's The Zone, the network's long-running after-school programming block. This role was one of her first major television jobs after moving to Toronto in 2014. Hosting The Zone helped establish her national profile with a younger Canadian audience. The experience in live television hosting provided a foundation for her later work hosting major award shows like the Canadian Screen Awards.

What award did Lisa Gilroy win at Just for Laughs in 2026?

At the Just for Laughs festival in 2026, Lisa Gilroy was presented with the Rising Comedy Star of the Year award. This award recognized her significant impact and growing prominence in the comedy industry. The accolade followed her earlier selection as one of the "New Faces of Comedy" by Just for Laughs Montréal in 2022. This progression highlights her sustained career growth and recognition by one of comedy's most prestigious institutions.

What viral videos is Lisa Gilroy known for?

Lisa Gilroy drew significant mainstream attention in 2022 through a series of viral comedic videos she posted on social media platforms. These videos spread widely on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, greatly expanding her audience beyond traditional comedy circuits. The viral content featured her unique characters, impressions, and comedic timing, resonating with a broad online community. This digital success complemented her traditional television and live performance work, making her a multi-platform star with a direct connection to fans.

What role did Lisa Gilroy play in 'Twisted Metal'?

In the Peacock television series Twisted Metal, Lisa Gilroy guest-starred as a character named Vermin during the show's second season. Twisted Metal is an action-comedy series based on the popular video game franchise. Her role added to her growing list of credits in high-profile streaming series. This part demonstrated her ability to fit into genre projects alongside her more straightforward comedic work, showing range as a performer.

Did Lisa Gilroy host the Canadian Screen Awards?

Yes, Lisa Gilroy hosted the 13th Canadian Screen Awards in March 2025. The ceremony was notable for streaming live exclusively on CBC Gem, Canada's public streaming service. Hosting this major Canadian entertainment awards show was a significant honour that highlighted her status within the national industry. This role came the same year she also guest-hosted CBS's After Midnight, demonstrating her versatility to audiences in both Canada and the United States.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.