As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Sedric Drake. The Menlo Park, CA native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Sedric Drake (Big Sed)
Hometown: Menlo Park, CA/Turlock CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Instagram: @bigsedcomedy, Facebook: Sedric Drake, Twitter: @bcuzsedsedso
Years in Comedy: 5 ½ years
Comedic Influences: Moms Mabley, Bobby Heenan, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Robin Harris, & Sam Kennison
Favorite Comedy Album: Richard Pryor “That N*gga is Crazy”
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Them Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Dodgeball
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Wayans Bros.
Favorite Comedic Character: Dwight Schrute (The Office)
Favorite City to Perform In: San Francisco, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My wife, my appearance, and the culture
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Mixed and ready to laugh
Favorite Comedy Club: Punchline SF or Cobbs Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Watching it as a kid and I just always wanted to try it.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The stares I wagered before I even said anything was super intimidating.
How would you describe your comedic style:
High energy! I love having fun and telling silly jokes! I love to get the audience involved.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write about things that make me unique to others. I am always trying to write a positive spin on negative subjects.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I moved from the Bay Area to the Central Valley, so I am basically dealing with multiple scenes. I feel like a man with no country. It’s dope!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Hard work, this business requires you to work hard.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Ryan Goodcase, Mean Dave, James Mwaura, Paul Conyers, Aivy Cardova, Brian Moore, Bryant Hicks, Big T, AJ Demello, Taylor Evans, & Connor Martin.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
When I was able to perform at the SF PUNCHLINE showcase for the first time.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That failure makes you better, and failing is part of being a comic.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People are always surprised, but when they see me perform, all that changes.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s been difficult. It’s also been so fun as well. It’s a matter of just staying consistent and not quitting.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I wish comics would be kinder to each other.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Stayed hydrated and use it to your advantage.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
The Other Negro or SED
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was at the Michael Jordan basketball camp when I was 15 and Mike laughed at me for missing a free throw for a pair of shoes. He even gambles with kids.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Biker Club
A Sedric Drake Fun Fact:
I play with wrestling action figures, and I love it!
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would love to be touring and have my own talk show one day.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Find what makes you funny and OWN IT! #Bcuzisedso
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think the future is bright, as long as we can keep speaking what’s real! We had to keep honesty in comedy.
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:
I would have loved to write for Frasier because they wrote jokes, and the punchlines are always good. My episode would be Frasier going to a black cookout with Cam Winston (Frasier’s black neighbor upstairs who is exactly like him).
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Michael Che, David A. Arnold, Tracy Morgan, and myself at Cobbs Comedy Club
What’s next for you:
Grinding and adding more things to my comedy toolbox.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because life is freaking hilarious, and if you sit back and see how absolutely idiotic people are, and I bet you will laugh more! (Laughs).
Watch Sedric Drake at the Sacramento Comedy Spot:
Follow Sedric Drake’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @bigsedcomedy @bcuzsedsedso
