A rising star from the capital of California, this comedian feels like she’s walking on sunshine every time she has a mic in her hand in between the spotlight and the stage. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Morgan Anderson. The Sacramento, CA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Morgan Anderson
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @itsthemorganator/@es_elmorganator/@itsthemorganator
Years in Comedy: 3
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I wish, but none yet.
Comedic Influences: Doug Stanhope, Greg Giraldo, Maria Bamford, Taylor Tomlinson, Robin Williams, and a ton more but too many to name.
Favorite Comedy Album: Sam Tallent “Waiting for Death To Claim Us”
Favorite Comedy Special: Doug Stanhope “Beer Hall Putsch”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Spinal Tap or Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Favorite Comedy TV Show: SNL (but not recent SNL)
Favorite Comedic Character: Lorraine from Mad TV. Mo Collins is a beast!
Favorite City to Perform In: LA and New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Things that make people uncomfortable. Pubes, sexual assault, death, and my terrible life choices.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Ones that want to laugh and isn’t super PC. I hate PC crowds, they’re worse than conservative crowds.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, CA. I’ve done roast battles there and opened for Doug Stanhope. Every experience I’ve had in that club has. been magical.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve always loved making people laugh. From a super young age, I realized I was good at it. But, I never really thought it could be a job until a few years ago.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I ran the light and got played off as I ran over my time like I was at the Oscars. But I remember being so nervous until I hit the stage and everything melted away. I felt something inside me say, “This is your thing. Don’t ever stop.” I’ve taken every chance to perform since.
How would you describe your comedic style:
A little angry, a little sarcastic, a lot dark, and a little bit self-deprecating.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I usually talk through my jokes to myself first to get all of the ideas out. Then I’ll write it down. Usually, I think of ideas when I’m driving or walking.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Sacramento is full of great talent and I feel so lucky to have been a baby comic surrounded by so many great comics pushing me to be better.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Emily Pedersen, Alicia Davis, Colin Casados, and Ashley Monique.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Doing a roast battle in LA that Doug Stanhope, one of my comedy inspirations, judged. After the roast, he asked me to open for him in the Main room the next night. Best two nights in LA ever. It was a dream come true.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I’ve learned everything from failure. You don’t learn much from success other than to keep doing what you’re doing. The failures will really make you stretch and grow.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I think the ability to make people laugh draws them to you.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. It’s a lot of building your brand, marketing that brand, and relentlessly reaching out to bookers, producers, etc. to book you. It’s also full of trial and error… mostly error.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More women and POC get booked and shows are less white male-heavy.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
I forget who told me this but I was having a hard time with some darker jokes that would get more sporadic and light laughs, and a comic I know told me something Kyle Kinane said once. “I am willing to lose most of you to get a few of you”. I’ve tried to live that way. I don’t need everyone to like me because that means I’m not being authentic. I would rather have a few people love me than an entire audience who just likes me.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Lesbian Horse Trainer
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Coolio ate at a brewery I worked at once and I had to help chase him down when he left without paying.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
I haven’t really performed anywhere super weird, but I think the worst place was in a park in Astoria when it was 30 degrees and I didn’t bring a jacket. I did my whole set doing jumping jacks to keep myself from shivering uncontrollably. It was a really fun show despite the awful weather and my horrible outfit choice.
A Morgan Anderson Fun Fact:
I am a huge nerd and I love reading and watching sci-fi. My favorite sci-fi show is Battlestar Galactica. I also love Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft. I can’t play WoW anymore because I won’t ever leave my house.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
My goals are to have comedy specials and for comedy to pay all my bills so I’m not poor anymore.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be funny, be authentic, learn from your mistakes, and get on stage as much as possible.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It seems like comedy is becoming more inclusive for women and POC and I’d like to see it continue in that direction.
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:
How To Catch a Predator, Chris Hansen catches himself.
If Morgan Anderson could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store. I don’t know three comedians I would choose because there are too many to list. But, I just did a show with Doug Stanhope and Annie Lederman and they were so great to work with and f*cking hilarious. Then, I’d also put one of my best friends, Colin Casados on the bill. No show is ever perfect, but this one would be super rad.
What’s next for Morgan Anderson:
I have tons of shows coming up all over CA, OR, and WA, including roast battles at The Comedy Store. I love to travel, so I’m really looking forward to the drives and different crowds.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because laughing is better than crying.
Follow Morgan Anderson’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @itsthemorganator @es_elmorganator @itsthemorganator
Personal Website: www.morganandersoncomedy.com
