Aziz Ansari is one of the most recognizable names in contemporary American comedy — a stand-up star, actor, writer, and creator who moved from regional stand-up rooms to mainstream TV success.

Best known for playing Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation and for creating and starring in Master of None, Ansari blended sharp observational humor with personal storytelling to build a career that spans stand-up specials, television, film, and books.

Data

• Full Name: Aziz Ismail Ansari
• Stage Name: Aziz Ansari
• Born: February 23, 1983
• Age: 42 (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker (stand-up, television, film)
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
• Religion: Born into a Muslim family, but Ansari has said he is non-religious.
• Parents: Father: Shoukath Ansari; Mother: Fatima Ansari
• Siblings: Brother: Aniz Adam Ansari
• Spouse / Relationship: Married to Serena Skov Campbell (since June 2022)
• Net Worth: Estimated around US $20 million.

Early Life and Background

Aziz Ismail Ansari was born on February 23, 1983, in Columbia, South Carolina, to parents who immigrated to the United States from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He grew up in the small town of Bennettsville, South Carolina, raised in a Muslim family though he has described himself as non-religious in adulthood. Ansari showed early academic promise — he skipped grades in elementary school — and went on to attend New York University’s Stern School of Business, graduating in 2004 with a degree in marketing.

His upbringing in a Southern, Indian immigrant household influenced much of the cultural curiosity and identity-focused comedy that would later appear in Master of None. Family members have even appeared in his work, and his background often serves as the basis for observational material about culture, food, and belonging.

Early Career: Stand-Up and First Breaks

Ansari began doing stand-up comedy while still at NYU. He performed in New York clubs, honing a voice that combined the high-energy cadence of classic observational comedians with a modern sensibility about technology, dating, and identity. His early comedy recordings and television spots led to bigger opportunities in the mid-2000s, culminating in increased visibility that helped him land TV roles.
Biography

Breakthrough: Parks and Recreation

In 2009, Aziz Ansari landed the role that introduced him to a broader television audience: Tom Haverford on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. His portrayal of the charismatic, entrepreneurially obsessed government employee won fans and critics alike and became a staple of the show’s ensemble. The role allowed Ansari to expand his acting profile while continuing stand-up and other projects.

Master of None: Creation and Impact

Taking creative control of his narrative, Ansari co-created Master of None with writer Alan Yang. Premiering on Netflix in 2015, the semi-autobiographical series put Ansari at the center as Dev Shah, exploring topics such as cultural identity, relationships, race, and modern life. The show was praised for its thoughtful storytelling, unique episode structures, and cinematic sensibility. It garnered critical praise and industry recognition, including Emmy wins for writing. Master of None marked a major transition from sitcom actor to showrunner, writer, and director.

Stand-Up Specials, Writing, and Other Work

Beyond television, Ansari maintained an active presence in stand-up, releasing specials and touring internationally. He also authored Modern Romance (co-written with sociologist Eric Klinenberg), a book that examined dating in the smartphone era, showing his interest in blending comedy with cultural and social analysis. His stand-up specials and book cemented his reputation as a comedian who thought deeply about contemporary life as well as extracting laughs from it.

Awards and Recognition

Across his career, Aziz Ansari has received numerous nominations and awards: Emmys (including a win for writing on Master of None), a Golden Globe, and other critics’ accolades. His work has been recognized both for comedic performance and for innovative writing and directing in television. These honors reflect how Ansari evolved from supporting sitcom comedian to an auteur of intimate, culturally resonant TV.

Controversy and Public Scrutiny

In January 2018 an article published allegations about a date with Ansari that described behavior the writer called non-consensual; Ansari issued a public response describing the encounter as consensual. The episode sparked a broad public conversation about consent, modern dating, and how to handle accusations in the #MeToo era. Ansari’s career and public image were affected; he addressed the matter in subsequent interviews and in his comedy, reflecting on the experience and its fallout. Over time he has occasionally spoken about the incident in interviews while continuing to work on new projects.

Recent Projects and Where He Is Now

After Master of None returned with a later season, and despite the controversy’s reverberations, Ansari continued to act, write, and produce content across film and television. He has taken on projects that include acting roles in movies and producing new television work, and he remains a visible figure in comedy and entertainment. Over the years he has reinvented and adapted his public persona while maintaining a presence as a creative voice.

Net Worth and Financials

Estimates of Aziz Ansari’s net worth commonly hover around the mid-to-high single-digit millions to the low tens of millions, with many reputable outlets reporting figures in the ballpark of $20–$25 million as of recent years. These estimates factor in earnings from television, stand-up tours, specials, book deals, and film roles. As with all celebrity net-worth figures, exact numbers vary by source and over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When and where was Aziz Ansari born?

A: Aziz Ansari was born on February 23, 1983, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Q: What is Aziz Ansari best known for?

A: He’s best known for his role as Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation and for creating and starring in Netflix’s Master of None.

Q: Has Aziz Ansari won major awards?

A: Yes. Ansari has earned Emmy recognition (including a writing Emmy for Master of None), a Golden Globe, and various critics’ awards.

Q: Did Aziz Ansari face public allegations in 2018?

A: In 2018 an account of a date led to public scrutiny and debate about consent; Ansari responded publicly and later addressed the matter in interviews and in his work.

Q: What is his educational background?

A: Ansari graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing in 2004.

Conclusion

Aziz Ansari’s trajectory — from a Southern upbringing and college stand-up nights to mainstream fame and an Emmy-winning television auteur — is a case study in how contemporary comedians can translate personal voice into multifaceted careers. His body of work includes unforgettable sitcom performances, innovative television storytelling, thoughtful nonfiction, and stand-up specials that reflect cultural shifts. Like many public figures, his career has included controversy and reinvention; his later projects suggest a continued creative evolution. For fans of smart, culturally aware comedy, Ansari remains a major voice in 21st-century entertainment.