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Desi Lydic

Desi Lydic is an American comedian and actress best known as a senior correspondent and rotating host on the late-night satire program *The Daily Show*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Desi Lydic is an American comedian and actress best known as a senior correspondent and rotating host on the late-night satire program *The Daily Show*. She is also known for playing Valerie Marks on MTV’s *Awkward* and has won multiple Emmy Awards for work connected to *The Daily Show*. Through *The Daily Show*, which is widely watched in Canada and frequently covers U.S. politics and culture, Lydic is familiar to Canadian audiences.

Early life and education

Desi Lydic was born Lani Desmonet Lydic in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 30, 1981. Sources also describe her as having trained in improvisational comedy and acting before moving into screen work.

Acting career

Lydic appeared in films and television series including *Not Another Teen Movie*, *We Bought a Zoo*, *The Babymakers*, and *Awkward*. Her role as Valerie Marks on *Awkward* became one of her best-known acting credits.

The Daily Show

Lydic joined *The Daily Show* as a correspondent in September 2015. She later served as a senior correspondent and rotating host, and she received Emmy recognition for projects associated with the program, including *Foxsplains*.

Personal life

Lydic is married to Gannon Brousseau. Public biographical sources state that the couple has one child.

Key facts

  • She joined *The Daily Show* as a correspondent in 2015 and later became a rotating host and senior correspondent.
  • Lydic won three Emmy Awards for work connected to *The Daily Show*, including projects such as *Foxsplains*.
  • She played Valerie Marks on the MTV comedy series *Awkward*.
  • Her film credits include *We Bought a Zoo* and *The Babymakers*.
  • She was born Lani Desmonet Lydic on June 30, 1981, in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Canadian context

Desi Lydic is familiar to Canadian audiences through *The Daily Show*, which is widely watched in Canada and frequently covers U.S. politics and culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Desi Lydic?
Desi Lydic is an American comedian and actress known for *The Daily Show* and *Awkward*.
What is Desi Lydic’s real name?
Her birth name is Lani Desmonet Lydic.
What is Desi Lydic best known for?
She is best known for being a senior correspondent and rotating host on *The Daily Show* and for playing Valerie Marks on *Awkward*.
Has Desi Lydic won any awards?
Yes. Public sources report that she has won three Emmy Awards for work connected to *The Daily Show*.
Is Desi Lydic married?
Yes. Biographical sources state that she is married to Gannon Brousseau.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desi_Lydic
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, occupation, The Daily Show role, and Emmy Awards count.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1367450/
    Supports: Birthplace, profession, marriage, children, and notable credits.
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/desi-lydic/bio/3000397293/
    Supports: Birth name, birth place, and profession.
  4. CAA Speakers — https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/desi-lydic/
    Supports: The Daily Show role, Emmy recognition, and prior acting credits.