As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Louis C. The Oakland, CA native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Louis Cervantez “Louis C”
Hometown: Oakland, CA/ Reno, NV
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @louisCcomedy
Years in Comedy: Approaching 4 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: My First year in comedy I booked a self-funded tour called the “Open The Mic” Tour. I performed in Madhouse Comedy Club, The Comedy Store LA (Belly Room) and many hole in the walls comics are familiar with on that run. I’ve also opened for Craig Conant, featured for Kris Tinkle and recently featured for Mike E. Winfield.. so yes, maybe you have seen me before!
Comedic Influences: My friends are the funniest people I know. However, my famous comic influences would start with Bill Burr and end with Anthony Jeselnik.
Favorite Comedy Album: Sam Kinison “Breaking the Rules”
Favorite Comedy Special: The first one I’ve ever seen that changed my life .. Bill Cosby.. in “Himself” (you can now judge me)
Favorite Comedy Movie: Anything Jim Carey. Literally, ANYTHING
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office. (American version)
Favorite Comedic Character: I’ve always thought George Costanza was more funny moments than Jerry.
Favorite City to Perform In: Any city that I’ve never performed in. I LOVE seeing and meeting new people at shows.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Lately, my mom… I love her so much for never watching me perform live!
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: College kids, they love dirty words.
Favorite Comedy Club: I came up in the scene very close to the punchlines in Sac/Bay Area, so I’m very partial to those two. I love the Laugh Factory too but haven’t spent enough time in one.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve been told I was funny my whole life, I have always had a passion for making people laugh and laughing with people, but I really dove in once most of my friend circle became comedians.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember being shocked that the roof didn’t collapse from my massive bomb!
How would you describe your comedic style:
I’m very blunt and at times gross. I’ve also been told that I have a unique way of catching people’s attention with the wild things coming from my mouth.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I think of something silly or interesting about my life and the events I’ve been in. I write down key points and words I want to use, and I break down paragraphs into what I hope will be easy to remember on stage. Most times it’s chaos.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Reno is different. We have a nice size pool of talent doing everything they can to make waves. Some of the comics out here are heavy hitters with long resumes.. the others are still working on learning how to hold a microphone.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Success comes in different forms. Some comics want the Netflix special, other comics just want to be paid for their act. It all depends on what your goals are that determines your “success”
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I have a huge list for this question, so I’ll just name the ones who have shaped me, helped me, encouraged me and taught me everything I know now: Taylor Evans, Anthony K, Sara Rooker, Andrea B., and Brandon Straker who I share a podcast with and most stages in the area as of late.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Standing on the ‘Belly Room’ Stage at the Comedy Store in front of 50 local comics who didn’t want to laugh one bit during my set.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I’ve learned that failing is a big part of growing. You’re never going to sit on the top and stay there forever. There’s always that next show where you think you’ve got the crowd on your side but they do not care about what you wrote down 3 days ago.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Well if some of my ex-girlfriends are popping up out of the bushes now wanting free tickets, I guess that says everything.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
One word…ROUGH! The struggle bus is a part of the journey so I’m enjoying the rollercoaster of emotions these last 4 years.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
SUPPORT! There’s just simply not enough of it (in any scene). I would love to see more comics going out of their way to sit at a show or even stand, just to watch their peers work out new jokes , or crush with old material! We need more of that, everywhere.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“Never sleep with your comedian peers, these girls will wreck your life” – Ed Pepitone. . Words of wisdom..I think?
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“SINGLE DAD”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once shared an elevator with Conan O’Brien. I accidentally gave him a flat tire as we were walking out and then I asked his wife to take a picture of us…she denied.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In a backyard before backyard comedy was a thing. Nothing like telling jokes for people in lawn chairs who are chain-smoking cigarettes.
A Louis C. Fun Fact:
I toured with Nickleback (pushing cases) for 3 whole days before being asked to go home for not liking Nickleback.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want to eventually be passed at any comedy club that’ll have me. My main goal is to see my name in the lights. That’s how I’ll know I’ve progressed into something bigger.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I get asked this often actually. I tell all comics (new and old) that if you want to get up and own the laughs, you need to own your responsibility of performing as much as you possibly can. That’s the only way you’ll be better at the craft. No excuses.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
My thoughts today are a lot brighter than a year ago. During 2020 I thought live events in general were gone.. but now, I’m excited for the future and what it brings for every comic still grinding! Good things are coming, people!
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:
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. – “The one where they move to a more realistic part of New York City”
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Club would be Reno’s Laugh Factory. I would pick from the list of comics I named above and I would host the whole show so I can hype up my homies all night!
What’s next for you:
Probably another tour, honestly. The country is back open and I’m itching to hit cities I’ve never performed in before. “Open the Mic” (again) Tour? Maybe !?
Why should a person always laugh at life:
If you’re not laughing at your life then you must be retired. Life is crazy in so many ways. If you’re not enjoying every moment of it, please, stay away from my comedy shows.
Follow Louis C. comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @louisccomedy
Listen to Louis C’s new podcast “So, listen to this..” right now on Spotify.
