Sandra Bernhard is an actor, comedian, and author. In addition to her hugely successful career as a standup, she has appeared in numerous television shows including Roseanne (1988-1997), The L Word (2004-2009), and POSE (2018-2021).
She began in the 1970s as a fixture at The Comedy Store doing standup. Though a male-dominated field, she eventually attracted the attention of Richard Pryor and was hired to be a supporting player in his variety show, an opportunity that opened the door to many others.
The role that many people recognize her for is that of Nancy, Roseanne's friend on the TV series Roseanne. She appeared on the show from 1991 to 1997. During her time on the cast, Nancy divorced her husband and eventually began dating women. Yay early bi representation!
In 2002 Bernhard won a GLAAD Media Award for her LGBT advocacy.
Sandra Bernhard has been in a relationship with Sara Switzer for decades and they have a daughter together. Bernhard has long been loud and proud about her bisexuality and has refused to let others erase it.