Meet Our SAY Gala 2026 Honoree: Drew Lynch
Comedian and actor Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his Golden Buzzer performance on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent, where he finished in second place. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury at age 20, Drew turned to stand-up comedy as a way to rebuild his confidence and reclaim his quality of life, developing a signature self-deprecating style that quickly resonated with audiences.
Since then, Drew has amassed millions of followers across social media and continues to tour worldwide to sold-out crowds. He released multiple comedy specials, including And These Are Jokes and Short King in 2023, as well as his most recent hour-long special, The Stuttering Comedian. He also expanded his impact through a widely viewed TEDx Talk “Why curiosity gets you farther than ambition,” where he spoke candidly about stuttering, resilience, and embracing imperfections, further inspiring audiences around the world. Today, Drew continues to connect with fans through his stand-up, digital content, and live performances.
So much of the day is spent shrinking ourselves to try and fit into a mold. This organization doesn’t just allow space, it encourages it. After my accident changed how I speak, I learned how powerful it can be to feel heard. Watching these kids step into that space and discover their power no longer accommodates a mold. It creates one.