History of Desi Lydic in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2026

Desi Lydic is an American comedian and actress recognized for her role as a senior correspondent and rotating host on The Daily Show. She has received three Emmy Awards, one for hosting The Daily Show and two for hosting and producing the YouTube series 'The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains.' Lydic is also known for her portrayal of guidance counselor Valerie Marks in the MTV comedy-drama series Awkward from 2011 to 2016.

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Full Timeline

June 30, 1981: Desi Lydic Born

On June 30, 1981, Lani Desmonet Lydic, known as Desi Lydic, was born.

1981: Birth Year

In 1981, Desi Lydic was born in Louisville, Kentucky.

1997: iO Theater Opens Los Angeles Branch

In 1997, iO (Improv Olympic) opened a branch in Los Angeles where Desi Lydic would later perform.

2001: Debut in 'Not Another Teen Movie'

In 2001, Desi Lydic started her film career with a role in the parody film Not Another Teen Movie.

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2011: Appearance in 'We Bought a Zoo'

In 2011, Desi Lydic appeared as Shea Seger in the film We Bought a Zoo, alongside Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

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2011: Starred in 'Awkward'

In 2011, Desi Lydic began starring as guidance counselor Valerie Marks on the MTV comedy-drama series Awkward.

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2013: Appearance in 'The Babymakers'

In 2013, Lydic appeared in the film The Babymakers with Olivia Munn.

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2014: Appearance on 'Good Luck Charlie'

In 2014, Lydic appeared as one half of a lesbian couple on an episode of the Disney Channel series Good Luck Charlie.

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September 29, 2015: Joined 'The Daily Show'

On September 29, 2015, Desi Lydic joined Trevor Noah's lineup of correspondents for The Daily Show.

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December 2015: Birth of Son

In late December 2015, Desi Lydic and her husband, Gannon Brousseau, had a son.

2016: End of Starring in 'Awkward'

In 2016, Desi Lydic concluded her role as guidance counselor Valerie Marks on the MTV comedy-drama series Awkward.

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2018: iO Theater Closes Los Angeles Branch

In 2018, iO (Improv Olympic) closed its Los Angeles branch where Desi Lydic once performed.

May 13, 2019: 'The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Presents Desi Lydic: Abroad' Aired

On May 13, 2019, Desi Lydic's first one-hour special, 'The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Presents Desi Lydic: Abroad,' aired on Comedy Central, exploring gender inequality in the United States.

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October 30, 2020: 'Remembering RBG' Special Aired

On October 30, 2020, a half-hour special entitled 'The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Presents: Remembering RBG – A Nation Ugly Cries with Desi Lydic' aired on Comedy Central, paying tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg.