You’ve probably seen her. Maybe it was a video of a frantic woman named Sharon Jean, or perhaps you caught a clip of a prank call to a taxidermist that felt way too real to be fake. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, Danae Hays has likely appeared on your feed, sporting a trucker hat and delivering a thick Alabama drawl that feels like home to some and a fever dream to others.
But who is Danae Hays, really? Honestly, she’s not just "another TikToker." She is a former Division I athlete, a chart-topping parody musician, and a stand-up comedian who managed to sell out a national tour before she even had a full hour of material written. It’s a wild trajectory.
From the Softball Field to the Viral Stage
Before the 2 billion views and the sold-out theaters, Danae was known for a very different kind of performance. She was a standout shortstop for the University of Alabama’s softball team. We’re talking about a high-level athlete who started all 63 games in her 2015 season and helped lead the Crimson Tide to the Women’s College World Series.
That athletic background explains a lot about her current career. You can see the discipline in how she handles a crowd. After college, she didn't jump straight into comedy. She actually spent time in the fitness industry and as a real estate agent. The pivot to content creation happened almost by accident during the pandemic. Like many of us, she was stuck at home, but unlike most of us, her bored prank calls turned into a global phenomenon.
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Basically, she leaned into the eccentricities of Southern culture. She created a roster of "zany" characters—most notably the opinionated, filter-free Southern women we all know from Sunday dinner or the local grocery store. It wasn't just mean-spirited mockery; it felt like an insider’s look at a very specific way of life.
The Grand Ole Opry and the Music Mystery
One of the weirdest—and most impressive—parts of her bio is the music. Danae isn't just "trying" to sing. Her debut country-comedy single, "Rode Hard," actually hit No. 5 on the Country Global iTunes Charts. It even landed on Billboard's Emerging Artists chart.
She's working with real Nashville heavyweights, too. People like Alex Kline, who has produced for Reba McEntire, are helping her craft songs that sound like legitimate 90s country hits until you actually listen to the lyrics. It’s a fine line to walk. If the music is too bad, the joke doesn't work. If it's too good, people forget it's comedy.
In March 2025, she officially hit the big time. She made her comedic debut at the Grand Ole Opry. Think about that for a second. Most comedians grind in clubs for twenty years before getting an invite to that stage. Danae did it by embracing the "multi-hyphenate" label—part singer, part storyteller, part chaotic social media force.
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Life Behind the Skits: Mandie and The Refined and Rowdy Show
If you follow her, you know Mandie Kaii. She’s Danae’s wife and often the "straight man" in their collaborative videos. Their relationship is a massive part of the brand. They launched a podcast called The Refined and Rowdy Show in late 2023, and it blew up almost immediately, surpassing a million listeners in record time.
The dynamic works because it’s authentic. They talk about everything from pop culture to the actual struggles of being a same-sex couple in the South. It’s not all jokes. There’s a lot of heart there, which is probably why her fans are so protective of her.
The Hollywood Push and "The Buckwild Tour"
Danae isn't slowing down. She’s already moved into acting, snagging roles in movies like Summer Camp alongside legends like Diane Keaton and Kathy Bates. Can you imagine going from making TikToks in your kitchen to sharing a set with an Oscar winner?
Her first headlining tour, "The First Time Tour," was a massive success, selling over 50,000 tickets. Now, as we move through 2026, she’s hitting the road again with "The Buckwild Tour." She’s playing much bigger rooms now—theaters with 1,000 to 3,000 seats.
What to Expect if You See Her Live
- Character Work: Expect Sharon Jean to make an appearance.
- Storytelling: She talks a lot about starting a new career at 31, which is surprisingly inspiring.
- Live Music: She usually mixes her parody songs into the set.
- Authenticity: It feels less like a polished HBO special and more like a wild night at a bonfire.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're just discovering Danae Hays, here is how to actually keep up with the chaos:
- Check the 2026 Tour Schedule: She has dates lined up in Kansas City, Knoxville, Atlanta, and Jacksonville through May 2026. If you want tickets, buy them early—her shows have a habit of selling out in minutes.
- Listen to the Backlog: Dive into The Refined and Rowdy Show podcast. It gives you the context behind the characters.
- Watch the Movies: Look for her cameo in Mother Nature and the Doomsday Prepper to see her acting chops outside of the TikTok format.
- Wait for the Memoir: She’s been vocal about working on a book regarding starting over later in life. It’s expected to be a mix of humor and "don't give up" energy.
Danae is a prime example of the "New Hollywood." You don't need a gatekeeper to tell you you're funny anymore; you just need a phone, a funny voice, and the work ethic of a D1 athlete.