He’s an Emmy Award-winning host, comedian, writer, and producer who loves to give away prizes, as well as laughter to the masses. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Paul Costabile. The Hillsdale, NJ native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Paul Costabile
Hometown: Hillsdale, NJ/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @PaulCostabile
Years in Comedy: 4
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Host of NBC’s Beat the Clock Game show, and seen daily on NBC’s New York Live and California Live
Comedic Influences: Conan O’Brien, Steve Allen, Dean Martin, Jim Gaffigan, David Letterman, Sebastian Maniscalco, & Mark Normand
Favorite Comedy Album: An Evening with Mike Nichols & Elaine May
Favorite Comedy Special: Dean Martin Celebrity Roast
Favorite Comedy Movie: Meet the Parents
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Seinfeld
Favorite City to Perform In: New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Fatherhood, relationships, & upbringing
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Everyone
Favorite Comedy Club: Carolines on Broadway and The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
As a kid I made silly videos and loved Conan O’Brien and realized I wanted to have a job like his one day. I have been in and around comedy my whole career. Started stand-up for a month in college then went on to do improv, then host interviews with improv backbone then found my way back to stand-up in the last few years.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The silence!
How would you describe your comedic style:
Fun loving
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Get it to a place in my head or paper then bring it to stage to get it right.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
LA is booming with great shows and comics!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
The jokes. The most original material wins.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My buddy Greg Baldwin inspires me with his work ethic and insight on stand-up. Along with pals and working comics Miguel Rojas, Chris Kidder, Jimmy Shin who hustle their material and craft all the time plus some comedy legends I’ve been grateful to chat with and to learn from like Guy Torry, Jay Leno, Darrell Hammond and Jim Gaffigan.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The first headlining show and the first applause break.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Everyone has to fail before getting great.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Hopefully, they laugh too.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Working on the material and getting on stage as much as I can!
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More comedy clubs.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Take your time on stage.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Dad Jokes
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Champagne and hours with Mariah Carey for a video interview.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A biker bar in New Jersey.
A Paul Costabile Fun Fact:
I speak Italian and make pizza from scratch.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Comedy specials and podcast listeners!
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Make it true to you.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Excited for this new era of creator-forward.
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:
Seinfeld goes to Italy. Jerry has a date with a beautiful barista but she smokes too much and has bad teeth, George is pissed about all the lines for tours and can’t see anything he wants, Kramer is mistaken for an Italian prince and Elaine accidentally becomes a nun.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store Main Stage, Sebastian Maniscalco, Bert Kreischer & Mark Normand.
What’s next for you:
Shows in LA, NYC and the road!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life is short!
Follow Paul Costabile’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Paul Costabile
Youtube: Paul Costabile
Personal Website: Paul Costabile
