As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Mac Lawson. The Virginia Beach, VA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Mac Lawson
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA/Miami, FL
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @bigmaclawson @maclawson @bigmaclawsonn
Years in Comedy: 3 years! I started early fall 2019 right before COVID.
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I have created a lot of viral content. Pranks, sketches, & funny interviews, etc.
Comedic Influences: Chelsea Handler, Ali Wong, Demetri Martin, In Living Color, Who’s Line Is It Anyway?, & Lil Dicky
Favorite Comedy Album: My Music!
Favorite Comedy Special: Any Demetri Martin album
Favorite Comedy Movie: Kung Pow: Enter The Fist
Favorite Comedy TV Show: In Living Color & Crank Yankers
Favorite Comedic Character: Anything Jim Carey did.
Favorite City to Perform In: Dallas, Texas. They laugh at everything and are so kind!
Favorite Topics to Joke About: I love Taboo subjects!!! Politics is my favorite.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Ones who came to laugh aka I prefer preforming at comedy venues vs bars. When performing at bars, lots of times the audience doesn’t really want to be there.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store of course! I love Roast Battle.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Through a traumatic brain injury. Part of my healing involved laughing instead of crying. That is how I got into comedy.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Being surprised that I enjoyed it. I also remember immediately having more respect for comedians afterwards.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Honest, Self-Deprecating, Sarcastic, & Engaging.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I have a notes folder in my phone anytime I think about some ridiculous / funny thought about life. Usually my best work has come from traumatic situations. When it’s time to write I take all of the notes I’ve gathered and write every funny thought I have around each “subject” I pick out my favorites and tie them together into one whole bit. I do this until I’m satisfied with the bit and then I figure out how to tie it in with the rest of my set. Sometimes my best bits come from me randomly ranting on my Instagram stories.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It can be very political where I am. I don’t enjoy the politics of comedy. I keep to myself.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Steady income & a few noteworthy accolades means success in my book!
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I would love to be a blend of Lil Dicky & Chelsea Handler. Ali Wong is also incredible.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My first year in comedy Steve Trevino let me open for him all weekend at a decent sized venue. I felt confident and I had great sets. It made me feel capable and happy. I go back to sets like that whenever I have a rough show.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That ego is your enemy and criticism often comes from people who have no business criticizing you. There are no shortcuts… just rip the bandaid off.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
It’s been amazing the amount of respect I receive from others when they find out I’m a stand up comedian. Comedy is hard…so I believe it’s warranted.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Unconventional. You’re essentially an entrepreneur who wears many different “hats”.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Failed comics shouldn’t be allowed to be bookers.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Everyone bombs- even famous comics… you have to embrace it. The sooner you embrace the fact that you’re bombing, the sooner you can try to win the audience back.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Return of The Mac”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Shemar Moore wanting me to come naked “tan“ with him at his pool after meeting me once at a bar. Can you believe I declined the offer? (Laughs)
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
On a sidewalk in Los Angeles, near homeless people…Yeah.
A Mac Lawson Fun Fact:
I was a level 10 gymnast, and I play violin, drums, guitar and piano. Also… my family history is really fascinating… I have a lot to live up to.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Since I was a kid, I have always wanted a late night talk show/sketch comedy show. Think a mix of Chelsea Lately with In Living Color. I also want to release more music and I would also like to write/direct films.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be prepared to leave your ego and feelings at home. They aren’t welcomed in this industry… unless of course you’re using them to write a bit.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think we will go back to being able to laugh at things again without fear of cancellation. But it’s going to take time. I hope lip syncing other people’s jokes on social media disappears forever. I refuse to do it. EVER.
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:
Ah! I would want to help write an episode of The Office. I think I’d make a characters make an Onlyfans. The whole episode would be about Onlyfans.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Any comedy club with Joe Rogan, Ali Wong, & Whitney Cummings
What’s next for you:
A goal for me this year is to balance my work/personal life. The good thing about loving what you do is you always want to work… but I have issues letting myself be human sometimes. As far as my professional goals… I like to let my actions speak for themselves.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because life is too dark otherwise.
Follow Mac Lawson comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Mac Lawson
Youtube: Mac Lawson
Personal Website: Mac Lawson
[…] After Dark is a weekly podcast hosted by model/comedian Mac Lawson as she’s joined by various comedians, friends, and entertainment figures to discuss topics […]
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