He’s brand of comedy is more than just a joke, it’s an entire movement. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Ato Walker. The Pasadena, CA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always own the laughs.
Name: Ato Walker
Hometown: Pasadena/San Jose, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @mratowalker
Years in Comedy: Est. 2008
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Nike “Just Do It” Commercial in 1989
Comedic Influences: My Mother, Richard Pryor, & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Kill’em Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Coming to America
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Rick & Morty
Favorite Comedic Character: Pootie Tang
Favorite City to Perform In: San Jose, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Myself
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Any
Favorite Comedy Club: San Jose Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Being depressed.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Bombing at the San Jose Improv.
How would you describe your comedic style:
In all honesty.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Trying really hard to remember my jokes.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Low Key Loving.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Who walks away happy!
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Sammy Obied, Frankie Marcos, Shannon Murphy, Chelsea Bearse, FACO, Mighy Mike McGee, & Chris Riggins
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Meeting Dave Chapelle.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
To keep going / not letting a bad set derail your life.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They want to laugh more.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
The biggest Lego set with infinite pieces and you can only use 20 a day.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Less old white dudes.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Listen to your set.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Never ask for it.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I have met Jesse Jackson on 3 different occasions.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Circus of Sin.
An Ato Walker Fun Fact:
I don’t like mayo or any white colored foods.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
2 movies written and directed.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Listen to the audience and silence is ok.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
More Diverse Line Ups and killer shows.
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:
Family Matters, Steve Urkel – Laura, I am sick and tired of you playing me, everyday I am showing you that I am down for you and all you do is play me.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Dave Chappelle, Bobby Lee, & Eleanor Kerrigan at the San Jose Improv.
What’s next for you:
Staying out of trouble
Why should a person always laugh at life:
We don’t have much time enjoy it.
Follow Ato Walker’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @atowalker
Youtube: Ato Walker
