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Short Biography
Actor, comedian and disability advocate – fighting hate through laughter.
Born in the great state of New Jersey to Palestinian immigrant parents,
Zayid is transforming views within the entertainment industry about the
role of disabled women.
During her early acting years, Zayid was repeatedly turned down for roles, because of her disability.
On the advice of a trusted mentor, Tanya Berizen, Zayid turned to stand-up comedy and soon began appearing at New York top clubs as well as touring worldwide.
Zayid’s TED Talk “I have 99 problems… palsy is just one” was one of
the most viewed TED Talks of 2014. It has over ten million views and
counting.
She is one of the first Muslim women to become a top comedian in the
USA and to perform in Palestine and Jordan, where she pioneered Arabic
standup comedy.
Maysoon has appeared as a commentator won prominent news programs such
as Countdown with Keith Olbermann and CNN’s New Day. She is currently
developing a television series titled Sanctuary and is the
author/narrator of the Hello Sunshine/Audible book, Find Another
Dream.
Maysoon has dedicated her life to mainstreaming disabled students into
the worldwide education system with a special focus on Palestinian
refugees and students denied access throughout the United States of
America.