Phil Hanley is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who has turned his experience with dyslexia and ADHD into both a creative advantage and a platform for advocacy. Growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, comedy became his saving grace—and today, he uses humor to break down stigma and empower others with learning differences. His memoir, Spellbound (Henry Holt/Macmillan, 2024), chronicles his journey of self-discovery and how comedy helped him embrace his identity.

A staple of the New York City comedy scene and a regular at the Comedy Cellar, Phil is known for his masterful crowd work—clips of which have gone viral across social media. He’s a favorite on the late-night circuit, with appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Comedy Central’s John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show. His acting credits include I Feel Pretty, Sundowners, and Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer. His stand-up album Please Don’t Chit Chat While I’m Pursuing My Dream (2018) earned cult status, and his 2022 special Ooh La La is available on YouTube. Through stand-up, storytelling, and advocacy, Phil continues to show how the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD can be transformed into sources of strength, creativity, and connection.