“Humor, acting, and good chaos” — that’s the tagline of Carla Laneri, the actress and comedian behind one of Argentina’s most popular comedy shows. With over a million followers on TikTok, nearly half a million on Instagram, and an active YouTube channel where she posts highlights from her sketches, Laneri has become a reference in school-based comedy and everyday humor.
She burst onto the theatrical scene with her one-woman show Hilda – Memories from My School, where she portrays a teacher celebrating her students’ graduation while reminiscing about her own school years and childhood. The performance, lasting about ninety minutes, blends comedy, nostalgia, and emotion, highlighting the importance of education during adolescence and the enduring value of friendship. Alongside her stage work, Laneri produces short, school-themed comedy videos, often in costume and filled with satire.
Carla Laneri, Hilda, and the Evolution of a Character
The character of “Hilda,” the teacher Laneri plays, has evolved over time. “Hilda was shaped by teachers from both the old and the new school,” she explained, adding, “some stories transcend generations. I admire teachers who motivate and inspire.”
Laneri revealed that the character originated spontaneously during an Instagram Live. Surrounded by friends and family who are teachers, she had plenty of inspiration. After debuting Hilda in a virtual show, she went on to perform three solo theater pieces exploring different moments in the teacher’s life. The second focused on Hilda’s retirement, while the current version intertwines past and present — her childhood memories and her students’ graduation ceremony. Laneri noted that this version includes “classic jokes” that resonate strongly with audiences.
Her preparation is meticulous. To stay connected with real classroom dynamics, Laneri often visits schools to observe the interactions between teachers and students. As a former acting instructor, she acknowledges that Hilda shares “more similarities than differences” with her own life.
Theater and Social Media
Social media amplified Laneri’s artistic reach, bringing her content to a massive audience. Yet she views live theater as a unique experience — intimate, spontaneous, and deeply personal. “If I had to define acting in one word, it would be air,” she said, describing the stage as her space to breathe and play freely.
She distinguishes the immediacy of theater from the fast-paced rhythm of digital platforms. On social media, content must be brief — her TikTok and Instagram videos rarely exceed two minutes. The pandemic lockdown marked a turning point: viewership soared as audiences sought humor online, and one of her early sketches went viral, consolidating her career.
Carla Laneri, Beyond Acting
Although best known for her comedy and stage work, Laneri’s background extends beyond acting. Before dedicating herself fully to performance, she taught theater and completed a degree in advertising after high school — a path that, she says, “helped unlock her creative side.” Like many comedians, she initially pursued a traditional career for stability before fully embracing her artistic calling.
In September, Laneri reimagined her show with Hilda Fest, a special edition celebrating Teachers’ Day. The event turned her solo performance into a dynamic, interactive experience featuring music, games, sketches, and a new fictional character — “Ceci, the psychologist.”
Through humor, creativity, and a deep understanding of human emotion, Carla Laneri continues to bridge digital entertainment and live performance, transforming everyday experiences into laughter and shared reflection.
