As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Keith Pedro. The Toronto, Canada native shares some of their favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how they always own the laughs.
Name: Keith Pedro
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @KeithPedro @keith.pedro
Years in Comedy: 15
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, Fuse TV, Degrassi The Next Generation. Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.
Comedic Influences: Dave Chapelle, Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Eddie, Bernie, Patrice.
Favorite Comedy Album: Right now I’m really feeling Lil Rel’s new album
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Them Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: its a tie between Coming to America & Anchorman
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin/ Rick & Morty
Favorite Comedic Character: George Costanza
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles area or Halifax, Nova Scotia, (I know weird mix).
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Doing crowd work.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A non-sensitive crowd.
Favorite Comedy Club: Dunno why, but every time I do Brea Improv it’s always litttt! Or the ICE HOUSE.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I took a comedy program for college because my mom said I have to go to school or she’ll kick me out of the house (Laughs).
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was booked for 3 mins at an open mic and it felt like 3 hours up there.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Like KRS once said “too many MC’s not enough Mics” Toronto is the hub for Canadian comedy so every Canadian Comedian from everywhere who wants to make it here and there are not enough stages and mics.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If you make enough money to provide for yourself and your family through comedy and you’re mentally healthy. It’s a ruthless game trying to make people laugh.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Chris Robinson, Ron Josol, Nick Reynoldson (they’re Canadian that’s why you don’t know them lol) Americans; James Davis, Clayton English, Andrew Orfolo, Joey Gulia, amongst others of course.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
There are too many to just put as one moment to tell ya the truth. From being part of an amazing Filipino Comedy tour raising funds for my homeland while bringing the tour everywhere from The Greek Theater in Hollywood to Blaisdale Theater in Honululu or Meeting Kevin Hart and performing on His LOL Network at the biggest comedy festival in the world, amongst others. As I said, there are too many moments that I am truly grateful for.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Success in comedy comes from failing. If you’re not bombing from trying new shit you’re not gonna be successful. If your comfortable doing the same shit then you’re never gonna grow. A wise man once told me, “If you’re too cozy then you’ll never leave your couch”
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Its a mix usually. Sometimes they wanna pick at my brain for hours and pitch ideas to me or they automatically assume all I do is smoke weed all day, I hate that assumption even though it’s true.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Hard AF (pause) being a comedian is the only game that involves other things besides a comedian, ya gotta be an actor, a writer, a social media influencer, a twitch video gamer, a podcaster, a TikTok dancer, etc, etc, I feel like I have to be Batman, Bruce Wayne and Alfred all in one.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
This cancel culture needs to stop. It’s crazy cuz we live in a world where smart or creative people have to be silenced because it offends stupid people. I once did a show at a College, where I spoke about growing up in a Filipino household and mimicked my Mom’s accent and the Caucasian booker told me some students were offended by my accent. Later to find out they weren’t even fellow Filipinos, SMDH. What kind of world do we live in where someone who isn’t Filipino is telling me my mom’s Filipino accent is offensive?!?
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
J.B Smoove saw me at a warm-up show at JFL in MTL and he told me to commit to every joke. The audience won’t be as much unless YOU believe everything you’re saying. After I applied that, I never looked back.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“The Sweat Shop” cuz bruuuuhhh…I gotta lotta material fam.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
When Donald Glover flirted with my wife in front of me. Felt good about it, to be honest.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In an ex-Jewish soldier’s living room for his bachelor party. Performing for only 5 men in socks with no mic is definitely different.
A Keith Pedro Fun Fact:
I am currently trying to move to the US to pursue more in my comedy career but my becoming a permanent resident is being delayed because of a 20-year-old weed charge.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
One day produce my own show and just live off royalties.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be yourself, tell YOUR story. Whatever comes out of your own truths is genuine and when you do that, no one can tell you, you’re a hack or stealing jokes.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It will be illegal to laugh at taboo topics. The comedy will be an underground art. joke will be illegal and comics will be like criminals. So hopefully I’ll be Pablo Escobar by then.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
Seinfeld. The episode is Jerry goes to a party in Queens and it’s an all ethnic jam. George learns Soca Tracks to impress a woman. Jerry is unsure how to eat Oxtail. Kramer spills Ramen on his lap messing up his pants. Elaine is caught in the middle of Reggae’s bubble with a Jamaican man named Junior wearing a mesh tank top.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Ice House with Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart & Jo Koy. Cuz if these guys are on the same bill best believe I’ll try my best to get some of their fans (Laughs).
What’s next for you:
Just wrapped Some shoots in Canada for shows I can’t disclose yet. And Going to back on the road again in California & Vegas. Lets link!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Laughter can make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem. But don’t ask me, ask a real Doctor.
Follow Keith Pedro’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @KeithPedro @keith.pedro
Youtube: Keith Pedro
