Comedian of the Day (8/15/22): Dave Merheje

He’s a star on a Primetime Emmy-nominated comedy series on Hulu and has made multiple featured appearances at the famous Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Dave Merheje. The Windsor, Canada, native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.

Name: Dave Merheje
Hometown: Windsor, Canada/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @davemerheje
Years in Comedy: 20
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: RAMY on Hulu, Netflix’s Comedians of the World, Crave I Love You Habibi Comedy Special
Comedic Influences: Richard Pryor, Mike Epps, Bill Burr, & Kevin Hart.
Favorite Comedy Album: Nathan Macintosh “To the Point”
Favorite Comedy Special: Richard Pryor Live
Favorite Comedy Movie: Elf
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Atlanta
Favorite Comedic Character: Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Favorite City to Perform In: Toronto, CN
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My Life
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show:
Favorite Comedy Club: The Corner (Toronto, CN)

How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I wanted always to be a performer since I was a kid. Then at 14 told my best friend at the time I wanted to do stand-up. I saw a Richard Pryor bit, the wino and herein guy bit. I was like, I want to do whatever that was.

What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I talked too fast. I had all these stickers on my jersey I was wearing because an alternative rock station was one of the sponsors of the show and gave them out.

How would you describe your comedic style:
Storytelling, ranting, and stream of consciousness.

Describe your process for comedic writing:
I will jot things down in my notepad on my phone and then take it to the stage and work it out there.

Describe the comedy scene in your area:
LA? I don’t know. I am not here much to give a good description of it.

How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If your making a living at what you do and love it.

Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Ramy Youssef, Mo Amer, Nathan Macintosh, Paul Elia, Arthur Simeon, Amir K, Dino Archie, Marito Lopez, Sara Hennessy, Patrick Hakeem, & Jessica Kirson.

What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Winning a competition called Homegrown at Just For Laughs. Also winning a Juno award and my dad was there to hang out with me and see it.

What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Patience

How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I feel they are impressed and intrigued.

Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
A lot of work and sacrifices.

If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Less jealousy.

Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
The stage will teach you.

If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Dave Merheje “My Dear Anxiety”

Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was working with Mahershala Ali on season 2 of Ramy. I went to the bathroom to do a number 2 while filming. I heard from the bathroom the radio go off. I thought I had to go back to film. So I am rushing back. I turn the corner and see Mahershala and I am walking funny because I didn’t finish what I had to do. When I get to him he goes “You alright” I start to go well I was taking…It was too late to stop so I tell him “I did a number 2 but thought I had to back to filming so I didn’t really finish. He goes “Is there any I can do to help” and then we both start laughing. Kind individual.

Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Laundry mat

A Dave Merehje Fun Fact:
I can’t swim.

Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To work steadily in movies.

What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be present and do what makes you laugh.

What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I feel great thoughts.

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:
Martin! Not sure I feel it would be something like Martin and Tommy. Like he goes to his actual job. Because the joke was that all his friends didn’t think he actually had a job. I can’t fully remember.

If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
New York Comedy Club w/ Sheng Wang, Ramy Youssef, & Nathan Macintosh

What’s next for you:
Doing 2 shows one Oct 7th in Windsor, my hometown at the Chrysler Theatre & October 8th in Toronto at the Paradise Theatre. Tickets on my IG page.

Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because it’s fun and a good time to do so.

Follow Dave Merheje’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @davemerheje
Youtube: Dave Merheje
Personal Website: Dave Merheje