5 Reasons Hannah Pilkes Is The Breakout Star Of Netflix's 'Leanne' (Updated 2025)

Comedian and actress Hannah Pilkes has officially transitioned from viral social media fame to a certified television star, dominating the conversation with her standout role in the critically acclaimed Netflix comedy series, Leanne. As of December 13, 2025, the Philadelphia-born talent is riding a massive wave of success following the show's premiere and its swift renewal for a second season, cementing her status as one of the freshest and most exciting voices in modern comedy.

Her unique blend of sketch-comic timing, sharp wit, and deeply relatable characters—first honed on platforms like Vine and now perfected on screen—makes her a captivating performer. From her Second City training to her recent work co-directing at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Pilkes is a multi-hyphenate force whose career trajectory is skyrocketing. This deep dive explores her complete biography, her scene-stealing role as Josie, and the future projects that promise to keep her in the spotlight.

Hannah Pilkes: Complete Biography and Career Timeline

Hannah Pilkes is a dynamic comedian, actor, writer, and improviser known for her distinctive comedic style and ability to create memorable characters. Her career is a fascinating case study of a performer who successfully navigated the transition from internet stardom to mainstream television success.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Hannah Pilkes
• Date of Birth: April 13, 1992
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 33 years old
• Zodiac Sign: Aries
• Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Current Residence: Splits time between Los Angeles and New York
• Education: Alumna of the Second City Conservatory in Los Angeles
• Spouse: Gregory Nussen (married partner who uses they/he pronouns)
• Notable Early Career: Gained significant recognition as a "Vine superstar" for her short-form sketch comedy videos.
• Key Acting Credits:
  • Leanne (Netflix Series, 2025–Present) as Josie
  • Average Joe (TV Series)
• Comedy/Writing Credits:
  • Edinburgh Festival Fringe Show: A Woman on the Verge (2022)
  • Co-Director: qfwfq (Hollywood Fringe Festival)
  • Appeared on Dropout TV, various podcasts including Comedy Bang! Bang!

Pilkes’s foundation in improv and sketch comedy from the prestigious Second City Conservatory is evident in her versatile performances. Her early success on Vine established a dedicated following, which she successfully carried over to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, continuing to produce hilarious and inventive comedy skits.

The Scene-Stealing Role: Hannah Pilkes as Josie in Netflix's 'Leanne'

The biggest update in Hannah Pilkes's career in 2025 is undoubtedly her pivotal role as Josie in the Netflix comedy series Leanne. The show, which stars comedian Leanne Morgan as herself, premiered on July 31, 2025, and was an immediate hit, leading to a Season 2 renewal announcement in September 2025.

Pilkes portrays Josie, the quick-witted, rebellious, and slightly messy daughter of the main character. Josie is often described as the antithesis of her brother, Tyler, providing a necessary comedic foil to the family dynamic. Critics and audiences alike have praised Pilkes for her ability to steal scenes with her sketch-comic timing, bringing a fresh, modern energy to the ensemble cast that also includes veteran actors like Kristen Johnston and Ryan Stiles.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Her performance as Josie is a masterclass in blending vulnerability with sharp comedic delivery. She perfectly captures the "work in progress" nature of a young adult still figuring things out, making the character incredibly relatable to a new generation of viewers. The show’s success has put Pilkes firmly in the spotlight, proving that her unique comedic voice translates seamlessly from short-form internet content to long-form narrative television. The anticipation for Season 2 is high, with many looking forward to seeing how Pilkes’s character arc develops further.

Beyond Acting: Pilkes's Growing Topical Authority in Comedy

Hannah Pilkes is not just an actor for hire; she is a creator, writer, and director actively shaping the comedy landscape. Her topical authority extends far beyond her on-screen performances, encompassing a robust career in stand-up, writing, and directing.

A Woman on the Verge and Stand-Up Success

In 2022, Pilkes took her talents to the international stage with her show, A Woman on the Verge, at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show explored the concept of our "inner mess"—the idea that everyone is "kind of on the verge" of something. This theme of exploring relatable, messy human nature is a hallmark of her stand-up and sketch comedy. Her live performances, which she continues to do in Los Angeles and New York, are characterized by high-energy, observational humor, and a self-proclaimed "giraffe-like" physical comedy style.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Move to Directing and Writing

Pilkes's commitment to the craft is further demonstrated by her move into directing. She co-directed the show qfwfq at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, a project that delved into complex themes of international relations and storytelling. This experience showcases her desire to be involved in all facets of comedy production, from performance to conceptual realization.

Crucially, Pilkes is currently writing and developing her own television show. While specific details about the project are tightly under wraps and have not been officially announced as of late 2025, the news confirms her transition into a full-fledged show creator. This development is a strong indicator of her growing influence and the industry's confidence in her ability to headline and shape her own narrative content. Fans of her unique, character-driven comedy are eagerly anticipating any announcement regarding this new venture.

Social Media and Podcast Presence

Despite her move to television, Pilkes maintains a powerful presence on social media. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts are extensions of her comedy lab, where she continues to experiment with sketch comedy and connect directly with her audience. Her appearances on popular comedy podcasts like Comedy Bang! Bang! allow her to showcase her improvisational skills and engage in long-form discussions, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and quick-witted comedic entity.

From being a "Vine legend" to a breakout star on a major Netflix comedy, Hannah Pilkes has proven she is a generational talent. Her work on Leanne, her active stand-up career, and her forthcoming television project all point to a long and successful career as a leading voice in comedy. Keep an eye on her; the best is clearly yet to come.