As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Ralph Guerra. The Los Angeles, CA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always own the laughs.
Name: Ralph Guerra
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @saveralphguerra
Years in Comedy: 13
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Comedy Central, Twitch, & MTV
Comedic Influences: Pablo Francisco, Martin Lawrence, Mike Birbiglia, Freddy Soto, & Dane Cook
Favorite Comedy Album: Weird Al’s “Bad Hair Day”
Favorite Comedy Special: Pablo Francisco “Bits and Pieces”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Favorite Comedy TV Show: I Think You Should Leave
Favorite Comedic Character: Charlie from Always Sunny
Favorite City to Perform In: Madison, WI
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Life Experiences
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Anyone with a pulse
Favorite Comedy Club: Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, CA
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
When I was in Kindergarten I had a knack for making fart noises and cracking up my little friends.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
It was very supportive since it was a graduation showcase. I was quickly introduced to ACTUAL audiences after that.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Very natural, I try to be as much myself on stage as possible. I only care about the audience that’s in front of me, not the comics in the back.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I go through life as normal and mundane as possible until something happens and the switch comes on. From there I try to take that experience and put it through my funny filter.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s L.A. so it’s the All-Star game. The best of the best from around the world all vying for a sliver of playing time. It makes the good ones great and the bad ones nervous.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Being able to bring my friends on the road with me.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Samuel J Comroe, I started with him and I’ve never witnessed a comic go through the rough patches he has and come out the other side stronger and funnier each time.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Being in “The booth” at the old L.A. Comedy Club. Some of the most electric shows I’ve ever witnessed.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That everyone fails, and that it’s all part of the journey. Plus failures make life more interesting.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They usually praise you for being so “fearless” but the truth is I’m just as scared as anybody.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
People don’t talk about networking enough. Especially in L.A, the biggest breaks Iv’e ever had came from serendipity and not “grinding.”
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Death to nepotism.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Every relationship that I’ll ever have will suffer because of this path so I better love it more than any person.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Off White”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once yelled out “It’s the guy from Kazaam” when I saw Shaq at a Hilton.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A strip club where nobody knew there was a comedy show going on.
A Ralph Guerra Fun Fact:
I don’t know how to ride a bike.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
If comedy took me to Europe I think that would be pretty special.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Don’t try to write jokes that you think other people will think is funny. Write what you think is funny and sell the audience on it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
These Tik Tokers better learn how to put together a tight 45.
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:
I Love Lucy! Lucy and Ethel have to hide a dead body.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Myself, JC Currais, James Frey and Samuel J Comroe perform at the old L.A. Comedy Club at The Stratosphere.
What’s next for you:
Who knows? And that’s the fun part.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
You should laugh just as much as you cry. It’s what makes us alive.
Follow Ralph Guerra’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Ralph Guerra
Youtube: Ralph Guerra
