He would like for everyone to acknowledge him as an Asian sex symbol, but if you ask anyone that knows him, he is just the very hilarious Alex. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Alex Duong. The Dallas, TX native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Alex Duong
Hometown: Dallas TX/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @dapperduong
Years in Comedy: 9
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Roast Battle on Comedy Central/Pretty Little Liars
Comedic Influences: Dave Attell, Dave Chappelle, & Bill Burr
Favorite Comedy Album: Skanks For The Memories
Favorite Comedy Special: I’m Sorry You Feel That Way
Favorite Comedy Movie: Dumb & Dumber (classic) / Bad Trip (recent)
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Norsemen
Favorite Comedic Character: Saul Goodman
Favorite City to Perform In: Any working-class city.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: It varies but I’m really enjoying my relationship jokes.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People with families and everyday jobs.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
After discovering Dave Attell’s “Insomniac” I started writing jokes. I wiggled my way into emceeing my high-school pep rallies, After our last senior pep rally, our principal said I had a career in this. I brushed it off because I thought he was trying to hire me for the school. Years later when I ended up in LA, I found an open mic and asked if this is where I can emcee. The host at that mic said that was his job but I could sign-up for the mic to do stand-up. I wish that principal told me what stand-up really was.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
After my set, an old white guy kept following me around and telling me how likable I was. He was either trying to sign me or fuck me and I didn’t see a contract.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I like jokes. Some have nutritional value, some are injected with red dye 40 and high-fructose corn syrup.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write everyday. If it makes me go “hmm” or chuckle out loud, I write it down and keep testing it out. My ego and/or a real audience determines if it stays.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Sheesh. LA is the worst place to start comedy. If that damn principal told me what stand-up was early on, I would’ve started in New York. That’s where you get good. LA is where you get famous. We got it backwards here. But it’s what I got so I’m making the most of it.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Money and respect. You don’t have to like me but you do have to pay me (even if it’s in drink tickets) and pronounce my name correctly when you bring me up.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I opened for Ronny Chieng and that’s someone who needs to be protected at all costs. After his Netflix taping, he was passing out spring rolls to his guests. Who the fuck does that? Someone who was raised right that’s who. He’s also one of the few Asian comedians that gives stagetime to AAPI up and comers like myself. I aim to do the same.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Back in 2015, I had a complete personal and online meltdown the week before I hosted “Comedy Juice” at The Hollywood Improv. The booker thought I was in rehab and shit. I showed up for my gig and he had rebooked me already. So I keep going to AA meetings until then. I show up, it’s chilly for LA, I’m clean and sober, and the line-up is bananas. I had a good set, I brought up the next comic, and I went back to the comics table. Then my friend leans over and says, “Hey do you want me to take a pic of you bringing up Louie?” I said, “Louie’s not on the line up.” He points behind me and Louie CK is sitting by the sound booth going over his notes. So I say, “Yeah dude, please.” I approached Louie, I introduced myself, yadda yadda ya, and asked him how he wants to be brought up (respect). He said, “I don’t know, the next comic?” I said back to him, “Okay just the next comic.” He’s like whatever. So the comic on stage wrapped up her set and I approached the stage. I said to the crowd, ” Guys, you’ve weathered the brutal LA winter to support live comedy. And sometimes, God gives you a gift. Ladies and gentlemen, Louie CK!” The crowd loses their shit. Louie approaches the stage, shakes my hand, and gives me that nod. Like “not bad, kiddo.” I was cloud 9. I got the picture, I got the nod, and then Louie got MeToo’d. Comedy, baby!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
You’re only as good as your last set.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
It depends. Guys dap me up, women debate whether they want me to be their first Asian guy. I’m married so that’s out of the question. “Talent is wasted on the married man.” But I usually get a “good job” or “you’re funny.”
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s like restoring an old Jaguar. It doesn’t always get you where you need to be but when it does, it’s fucking amazing. Get a hybrid.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
That’s a tough question. I do and don’t like the politics in comedy. I could work for years to get into a club then get bumped by Jeremy Piven. Everyone should have to do mics. That’s why I like the Store. It’s a true meritocracy.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“Learn to be comfortable with the silence.”
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Keeping that one to myself. I promise it’s really good.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
2013, I’m waiting outside The Laugh Factory mic and this black on black Audi A8 pulls up. The passenger window rolls down and I see a beautiful blonde in the driver’s seat. Then I look at the passenger seat and it’s JASON STATHAM. I said, “Hey.” He asked me who was in there tonight and I said, “Me.” He replied, “You any funny, kid?” And I said, “I’m the funniest motherfucker in here.” He chuckled and said, “I’ll see ya around.” Then he rolled up his window and they sped off down Sunset. I think about this every time I see an A8.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any forms of comedy:
During one of my first road gigs in Portland, a bar show got canceled as we arrived at the venue. A couple of college kids felt bad for us and offered up their poolhouse to do a show for them and their friends. No mic, no lights, no stage, and lots of white kids. We all bombed our dicks off and got wasted afterward.
A Alex Duong Fun Fact:
I think I might still be in a gang. I got jumped in but I never got jumped out. They just stopped calling me to hangout. I don’t know…
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Television, tours, specials, and movies. Rinse and repeat.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I’d ask them, “Do you need to do this?” If they answer “Yes” then I’d tell them to keep doing it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
The audiences are getting way smarter and way dumber at the same time, thanks to the internet. If you can have fun with both crowds whether it be online or on stage, you can survive. Comedians that can do both will work the most.
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:
The Office: Michael Scott becomes a social justice warrior and Dwight joins the Scranton police reserve.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Underground in Seattle. 90 minute show. Best local host (5 mins), best local opener (8 mins), Dicey (20 mins), and Me (55 mins). After the show, our meet and greet leads to new followers and every single piece of merch being sold. We’re rebooked before we leave the building with checks in hand. *chef’s kiss
What’s next for you:
Headlining, auditioning, and submitting for writing jobs. We have a 3-month old so book me!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Recovery has helped me become a witness to my thoughts and not a victim. I think if you can laugh at life you can eventually have that same freedom..
Watch Alex Duong at Laffs Comedy Club in Tucson, AZ :
Follow Alex Duong’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @dapperduong
Youtube: Alex Duong
