As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Dez O’Neal. 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: Dez O’Neal
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @Dezonealcomedy (Instagram) Comedian Dez O’Neal (Facebook) Dez O’Neal (Youtube)
Years in Comedy: 8 Years
Comedic Influences: Patrice O’Neal, Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Album: Richard Pryor “Is It Something I Said?”
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Them Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Money Talks
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Kings of Queens
Favorite Comedic Character: “Otis” of Martin
Favorite City to Perform In: Atlanta and anywhere in California
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Conspiracies
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Diverse
Favorite Comedy Club: Addison Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I discovered my passion for comedy just through living life. From growing up watching Martin & Chris Tucker to making people laugh. People told me I was going to be a comedian before I took it seriously.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
The first time I performed stand-up I googled open mics and had no idea what to expect. It ended up being an extremely small audience and cold because the venue’s heater went out.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The first time I performed stand-up I googled open mics and had no idea what to expect. It ended up being an extremely small audience and cold because the venue’s heater went out.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I would describe my comedic style as laid-back but slightly energetic. I’m an honest comic who has a naturally funny personality.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
My process for comedic writing is simple. I let life bring me jokes. Within real-life experiences, I just listen and pay attention. Jokes are everywhere.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The comedy scene in my area feels like a waiting game. Everyone is waiting for that BIG break.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I judge success in the world of comedy by achieving my goal of converting my audience into fans for life that are connected to me.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Damon Sumner’s dedication and drive inspire me personally and professionally. He is a hardworking and hilarious guy who is determined to accomplish his goals.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Winning “Funniest Comic in Texas” has to be most the memorable moment in my career.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I learned to stay humble, remain focus, and not limit myself by putting all my eggs in one basket.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I get mixed reactions when people realize I make people laugh. I’ve been told that my talent has inspired them to be their selves and pursue their own dreams and goals. I have some people who are in awe and then I have some who develop jealousy/envy just because I’m just being myself.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Building a career in stand-up comedy isn’t for the weak. Mainly because building this career isn’t always about talent or comedy. You have to put in so much more than time and effort to get desired results.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
It seems as if a lot of people get offended by jokes these days, so if I could change one thing in the world of comedy it would be the freedom to say anything you want.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
The best advice I’ve ever received from a comedian is to keep writing.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
My comedy special would be called “Dez O’Neal: The Showcase” or “Let’s Argue “
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
One night after a show with Donnell Rawlings we went to eat and someone recognized us from the show. Without hesitation, this guy began to send drinks our way. It had gotten to a point where Donnell Rawlings begged the guy to stop buying us drinks. I woke up the next morning in my car. I never made it in the house! (Laughs)
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
I performed in a BBQ shack and at the end of the night, I was compensated in baby back ribs.
A Dez O’Neal Fun Fact:
Growing up I wanted to be a WWE wrestler like ‘The Rock”. I was so serious about pursuing this as a career that I even came up with my own wrestling name “Showtime”
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
My laughs will take me ALL THE WAY TO THE MOON BABY! My plans include getting into acting and more writing so that I can get out of this 9-5 rat race.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be your authentic self as much as possible and keep practicing don’t stop writing.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
The future of comedy looks pretty solid. My only wish is for the mainstream to not censor everything they don’t agree with.
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:
If I could write one episode for a TV sitcom it would be Martin. The episode would be about how Martin first met Gina, Cole & Tommy.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Comedy Cellar in New York with Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr & I. I would open, Bill would feature, and Dave closes the show. All of us for a comedy show would be nothing short of amazing from beginning to end.
What’s next for you:
Moving out of Texas is the next move for me
Why should a person always laugh at life:
One should always laugh at life because ultimately laughter is the best medicine.
Watch Dez O’Neal at Addison Improv:
Follow Dez O’Neal’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @dezonealcomedy
Youtube: Dez O’Neal
