Steph Tolev is a Canadian stand-up comedian from Toronto. Born in 1985 to Bulgarian immigrants, she grew up in the East York neighbourhood. She first took the stage in high school and later studied in the Comedy Writing and Performance program at Humber College. Now based in the U.S., Tolev performs at major comedy shows and festivals while actively growing her online audience, writes toronto-trend.
Path to the International Stage
Steph Tolev grew up in East York, a residential neighbourhood in Toronto’s east end where she spent her childhood and teenage years. Her first taste of the stage came from a high school theatre production. This experience helped her realize she loved working with an audience, performing for large crowds, and honing her skills in stagecraft. After graduating, she enrolled in the renowned Comedy Writing and Performance program at Humber College, one of Toronto’s leading post-secondary institutions. The specialized course taught her how to write jokes, improvise, and perform comedy sets. It was there she met Allison Hogg, and the two soon formed the comedy duo Ladystache.
Ladystache performed together for several years, gaining popularity at local festivals. They were a hit at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, earning rave reviews for their performances. The duo also landed coveted spots at Montreal’s prestigious Just for Laughs, one of the world’s largest comedy festivals. Winning awards in 2010 and 2014 helped solidify their reputation in the Canadian comedy scene.
During her time with Ladystache, Tolev began developing her unique comedic voice. The duo experience taught her how to connect with an audience and craft her own material. It was during this period that she started seriously planning a solo career, honing her improvisational skills and finding her place in the stand-up world. Tolev also appeared in various TV shows and comedy projects, which boosted her national recognition. These years laid the foundation for her future international career.
Solo Success
After several years with the duo, Steph Tolev decided to pursue a solo career, starting around 2016. That year, she released her debut stand-up album, Hot N’ Hungry. The project established her as a distinct comedian with her own style. Her next major step came in 2019 with her second album, I’m Not Well. This release was equally successful, even earning a Juno Award nomination for Comedy Album of the Year in 2020. In 2022, Vulture recognized her growing popularity in the U.S. by naming her to its “Comedians to Watch” list, praising her original style.
In 2025, Tolev hit another major milestone with the release of her first Netflix stand-up special, Filth Queen. Filmed in Boston and produced by acclaimed comedian and actor Bill Burr, the special earned critical acclaim for its vibrant delivery and sharp humour. This marked a major breakthrough for Tolev on the international stand-up stage. Beyond stand-up, she has also expanded her acting career, with roles in popular TV series like Hacks and Old Dads. She also hosts her own comedy podcast, Steph Infection, where she shares her thoughts on life, humour, and her peers.
Style, Audience, and Instagram Presence
Steph Tolev is known for her unique and bold comedic delivery—she is fearless, engaging, and incredibly candid. Her performances often delve into personal stories, body image, and social traumas that are rarely discussed so openly. This has earned her comedy a reputation for being painfully real—honest and without sugar-coating. She isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, which helps her connect deeply with many listeners.
Tolev’s career has flourished in both Canada and the United States. She is a regular at major comedy festivals like Just for Laughs in Montreal and has been featured on television shows, including Bill Burr’s comedy series Friends Who Kill. Tolev has also appeared on Comedy Central and various podcasts and radio shows, where she discusses life and her craft. Beyond the stage, Tolev is active on social media, especially Instagram, where she shares both professional news and personal moments. For example, she recently announced the release of her special, Filth Queen, which premiered on June 24, 2025. On her Instagram, she often posts updates from her tours, photos from the stage and daily life, and her reflections on various topics. This direct engagement helps her maintain a close connection with her fans and attract new followers. Her willingness to be honest and open makes her content particularly appealing to a younger audience.
