Anna Akana is an American actress, filmmaker, comedian, musician, and YouTuber, born on August 18, 1989, in Monterey County, California. She launched her career in 2011 by creating a YouTube channel that now has millions of subscribers and hundreds of millions of views. Her content, often combining humor with personal insights, has made her a prominent figure in digital media. Akana’s work extends beyond YouTube, with roles in television shows like Awkward and films such as Ant-Man (2015) and Hello, My Name Is Doris (2016).

In 2013, Akana wrote and starred in the digital series Riley Rewind, which achieved viral success across platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and Netflix. She expanded her creative reach by producing and starring in the YouTube Red series Youth & Consequences (2018). Her talents also include voice acting, with credits in animated series like Big City Greens and Amphibia. In 2019, she ventured into music with the release of her debut album Casualty, followed by the EP No Longer Yours in 2021.

Akana’s personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping her career. After the tragic loss of her younger sister to suicide in 2007, she turned to comedy as a form of healing and expression. This deeply personal journey led her to become an advocate for mental health awareness, a theme that appears frequently in her work. She addressed these themes in her book So Much I Want to Tell You: Letters to My Little Sister (2017), which shares the lessons and reflections born from her grief.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Akana is known for being outspoken on issues such as identity, self-worth, and mental well-being. She has openly discussed her bisexuality and struggles with anxiety and depression, using her platform to promote authenticity and support for others. In 2015, she launched her fashion brand Ghost & Stars, showcasing designs that reflect her personality and message. Through her multifaceted work, Anna Akana continues to turn personal challenges into creative empowerment.