As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Chase O’Donnell. The Los Angeles, CA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always own the laughs.
Name: Chase O’Donnell
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @Chase_Odonnell Tik-Tok: @Chase-Elaine
Years in Comedy: 8
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Dr. Drew After Dark, Where My Mom’s At, Josh Potter Show
Comedic Influences: John Mulaney, Mike Birbiglia, Nate Bargatze, & Christina P.
Favorite Comedy Album: Tig Notaro “Live”
Favorite Comedy Special: Mom Genes
Favorite Comedy Movie: Miss Congeniality
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Nathan For You
Favorite Comedic Character: Phoebe from “Friends”
Favorite City to Perform In: New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Dating
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Millennials tend to get my sense of humor
Favorite Comedy Club: Comedy Works in Salt Lake City
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I grew up dancing and going to dance competitions. My favorite numbers to perform were the ones where I could use funny expressions and make people laugh.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Not much. I took 5 shots before I went on stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I tell stories that have happened in my life. Making them funny isn’t that hard. I get myself in a lot of funny predicaments.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Ideas come to me when I go on walks. So I usually walk and record my thoughts in a voice note.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
LA always has an opportunity to perform every night of the week.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Having the opportunity to get on stage and tell jokes.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Josh Potter and Sarah Shenk I’ve looked up to since starting my comedy journey in LA.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The Wilbur Theater in Boston. It was my first theatre. I had to stop my set for a minute and take in the applause. It was insane.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Bombing can be so painful that I’ve wanted to quit many times. But I never have. So I guess I’ve learned that I love comedy too much to quit.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
A lot of people tell me that they’re funny and can make people laugh too.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Probably the hardest career choice ever in the sense that there is absolutely no certainty. It takes a lot of mental strength to keep going when you don’t believe in yourself and are comparing yourself to others.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More women!!!
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
I open for Christina P. and she gives me the best advice always. Her advice to me before I go on stage is to have fun. I’m not performing brain surgery. The stakes seem very high, but in actuality they’re not.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
I am releasing a comedy special in January. It’s called People Pleaser.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was in the green room at the Comedy Store hanging out with Christina P. There was a masseuse begging Anthony Jesselnick and all the A list comedians to get a massage. I’m a people pleaser and the lady convinced me to let her give me a massage. I was laying on a massage table getting a massage in the green room surrounded by idols of mine. And they were like who’s this girl… getting a massage in our green room. It was the most uncomfortable massage I’ve ever had.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Retirement homes aren’t the best place for comedy.
A Chase O’Donnell Fun Fact:
Fun fact, I am waaaayyy more comfortable going on stage performing a ballet number. I have 10,000 hours in dance training.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I just filmed an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm and it was a dream. I’d love to continue playing funny roles on TV.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I’d say get up and perform as much as you can.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think comedy will never go out of style.
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:
The Rehearsal with Nathan Fielder… I don’t know what I’d write, I would just want to be in the room and a fly on the wall in the entire process.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Bourbon Room in LA with Josh Waldron and Brittany Schmidt. This was my comedy taping in August and it went incredible. It was my dream show.
What’s next for you:
I just filmed a Don’t Tell Comedy Set, my comedy special and an Episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. It’s all coming out in 2023 so I’m excited to see what opportunities come from all of it!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
A person should ALWAYS laugh at life because it feels so much better to be happy than sad.
Follow Chase O’Donnell ‘s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Chase O’Donnell
Youtube: Chase O’Donnell
