Who is Caroline Hirsch?

Caroline Hirsch is a pioneering entrepreneur and producer who founded Carolines on Broadway, the legendary New York comedy club that helped launch the careers of comedians like Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, and Sarah Silverman. She also founded the New York Comedy Festival, now the largest comedy festival in the U.S.

How did Caroline Hirsch start Carolines on Broadway?

Hirsch began her career in retail before opening a cabaret with friends. Within about a year, that cabaret evolved into Carolines, which became one of New York’s most iconic comedy clubs. She credits following life’s unexpected changes for shaping her career path.

When is the 2026 New York Comedy Festival?

The 2026 New York Comedy Festival runs from November 6 to 15, 2026. Founded by Caroline Hirsch, it’s the largest comedy festival in the United States.

What is Caroline Hirsch’s best career advice?

Hirsch’s top career advice is to respect everyone you work with. A former retail boss taught her that you never know who will bring the next big hit, and she applies that same mindset to every agent, manager, and comedian she works with.

What does Caroline Hirsch say matters most in your first job?

According to Hirsch, your first job is where you learn to take direction, understand what’s expected of you, and build workplace discipline. Keeping an open mind and being willing to accept advice from those around you is key.

Comedy Legend Caroline Hirsch’s Best Career Advice

Girlboss Real Talk Tuesday in collaboration with Superhuman.

Victoria here, Girlboss’ executive editor. 👋

I love stories like this one: women who paved the way, especially in male-dominated industries like comedy. Comedy veteran Caroline Hirsch built an entertainment empire from the ground up (one that helped launch the careers of Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman, and more).

And today, she’s getting real with us about her impressive 40-year career, from the success she wishes she’d capitalized on early in her career to the one piece of advice she still lives by after all these years. It’s worth a read!

Other stuff the Girlboss team is yapping about on Slack:

What’s happening at Reese Witherspoon’s production company?
Let’s normalize resume gaps, shall we?
Your coworkers are using AI to work smarter. Here’s how you can too (for free).*

💼 Job of the day: Tiffany & Co. is hiring a Specialist, Media (North America) in NYC ($80-$90K). You’d help bring the iconic jeweler’s campaigns to life across paid social, YouTube, and creator partnerships. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but a dream job is a close second. 💎

Real Talk Tuesday with Caroline Hirsch, Founder & Owner, New York Comedy Festival

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