Harper Steele is an Emmy-winning veteran comedy writer and producer, most known for her thirteen years with Saturday Night Live where she spent four seasons as the head writer. Most recently, Steele was the subject of the new Netflix documentary Will & Harper, which chronicles her evolving relationship with longtime collaborator and friend Will Ferrell. The documentary centers around a road trip the two friends take across America for the first time since Harper’s transition, and nearly thirty years after they first met on the set of SNL.

With the trademark humor you’d expect from an SNL writer and a reserved yet commanding presence, Steele speaks to the uniting power of comedy, navigating major life changes, and the beauty of living life authentically. Operating on the belief that laughter is the shortest distance between two people, she sees comedy as a catalyst for important conversations that breaks down walls and builds bridges between disparate communities. Her talks are perfectly suited for colleges, LGBTQ+ organizations, corporate groups, and any audience with interests in comedy and creativity.

More About Harper Steele

After leaving Saturday Night Live, Steele took over as Creative Director of the comedy website Funny or Die, started by her friends Adam McKay and Will Ferrell. While at Funny or Die, Steele wrote the films, Casa De Mi Padre, Deadly Adoption, and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

Steele is currently writing a memoir that tells her unique trans story, exploring not only her transition but also the broader societal challenges the trans community faces today. With honesty and vulnerability, she hopes the memoir will help current and future generations of trans people to feel seen, valued, and understood.

Harper Steele's courageous story of transitioning in her late fifties and the joy she’s experienced since coming out is a resounding message to all that it’s never too late to claim the life you deserve.