Meg Stalter found herself in a hot tub spat during a relaxing break at a Wisconsin water park. She was in town for her comedy tour, performing satirical rallies for a fictitious, wealthy presidential candidate. In the hot tub, she noticed a child swimming alone while a group of adults were being unkind, trying to push him away. This upset Stalter, who didn’t take kindly to their behavior. She confronted them, sparking a heated exchange that led her to bang her head against the wall in frustration. “It felt like a scene from a movie,” she later described.
Stalter is known for her fun and quirky characters, such as Kayla in Hacks and various personas on her Instagram. Most recently, she stars in Too Much, a Netflix series created by Lena Dunham and Luis Felber. Stalter plays a version of Dunham herself—a character trapped between romantic tumult and self-doubt.
While her comedy often explores clueless characters, Stalter herself is refreshingly earnest. She once brought tangerines, freshly picked with her girlfriend, as a gift during an interview. She holds strong beliefs about kindness and faith, describing herself as a “God girl” who trusts there’s a plan for her life. This genuine spirit stems from a tough upbringing in Ohio, where she was bullied in school but always held onto her humor.
This blend of vulnerability and comedy gives her a unique edge. Stalter recalls a particularly interesting show at the Laugh Factory. Despite a tough crowd of uninterested tourists, her only supportive friend found her nervous humor hilarious. “Even one laugh makes it worth it,” she reflects.
In Too Much, her character navigates love and heartbreak, recording candid videos for her ex’s new girlfriend. It reflects real emotional struggles, much like Stalter’s own experiences. Dunham, who saw Stalter’s potential early on during the pandemic, felt an instant connection with her after being introduced by actor Andrew Scott.
Dunham wrote the lead role for Stalter, describing her humor as teetering on the edge of cringe while being self-aware. Their bond deepened during the show’s creation, transforming it into a shared project that feels personal for both of them.
While luck has favored her collaborations in Hollywood, Stalter is aware of the industry’s darker sides. Yet, her strong sense of self and connection to her roots help keep her grounded. She hopes to represent those from her background in her work, showcasing the complexity of their lives.
As she readies for this next chapter, Stalter balances excitement with apprehension about sharing personal stories on a public platform. “It’s vulnerable to put yourself out there,” she acknowledges, yet she sees the beauty in telling her truth. Through it all, she remains in touch with the essence of her younger self—the girl who just wanted to throw a Hawaiian party and be accepted.
In a world that often feels chaotic, Stalter’s journey is a reminder of the importance of kindness, connection, and staying true to oneself.
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Andrew Scott,Hacks,Lena Dunham