He’s a bi-coastal emerging superstar whose laughs and name are already one-of-a-kind. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Akeem Woods. The New York, NY native shares some of their favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how they always own the laughs.
Name: Akeem Woods
Hometown: New York City, NY/ Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @akeemwoods
Years in Comedy: 12
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, Stand-Up NBC, and The Late Late Show with James Corden
Comedic Influences: I’m not really sure
Favorite Comedy Album: Janelle James “Black & Mild”
Favorite Comedy Special: Patrice O’Neal “Elephant in the Room”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Coming to America
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Favorite Comedic Character: N/A
Favorite City to Perform In: Minneapolis, MN
Favorite Topics to Joke About: I don’t really have one, I enjoy interacting with the crowd alot.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Love a diverse crowd
Favorite Comedy Club: Comedy Cellar
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve always been outspoken and somewhat over the top. I guess one day I just realized I could make a career out of it.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My first time on stage was in 2010 at Austins Coffee in Winter Park, Florida, my opening joke was about that “new” movie Machete that had just been released. No one in the audience has seen the movie and the joke much like the set went horrible (Laughs).
How would you describe your comedic style:
I’d say it’s conversational/observations.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Funny things happen and I talk about them on stage until it just forms into a joke.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
NYC has the best scene in the world, it’s filled with crazy funny comics.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Respect from peers
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I don’t know if I called them peers per se because they have been in the game much longer, but some of my favorite comics to watch are Godfrey, Yamaneika Saunders, Mia Jackson, and Janelle James.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Two really big standout moments for me were getting passed at the Comedy Cellar and taping my late-night set with James Corden.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That it’s not the end of the world, there’s always going to be more gigs and more opportunities.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I guess they are happy (Laughs) I don’t know I’ve never really thought about it honestly (Laughs).
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It takes hard work and lots of emails (Laughs). Lots of driving sleepless nights and being crazy broke.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I hate tokenism the idea that there can only be one really big minority comic at a time is ridiculous I’d love if minorities would get the same opportunities as everyone else.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Have fun and the audience will too.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Out in the Woods”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I had a really random and fun conversation with Chris Rock at the comedy cellar about why I hate the movie brokeback mountain, and he liked it.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Hmmmm, outside at a park and I’ve done more than one bowling alley (Laughs).
An Akeem Woods Fun Fact:
When I’m on the road in a hotel I like to take a long steam in the bathroom before and after shows (Laughs).
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I love to have a few successful specials and build a decent following so I can sell out small theaters and keep working the road.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Honest stories are always the best.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Things are drastically changing but I think it’s for the better.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Hmmm, the club would be the Comedy Cellar, and I’d love to perform with Katt Williams, Janelle James, and Roy Wood Jr.
What’s next for you:
Who knows what’s next, I just auditioned for JFL and this Netflix festival so hopefully I can do one of them, would love to do more tv things too.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Watch Akeem Woods on The Late Late Show w/ James Corden:
Follow Akeem Woods’ comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @akeemwoods
Youtube: Akeem Woods
Personal Website: www.akeemwoods.com
