As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Darren Capozzi. The Franklin Lakes NJ native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Darren Capozzi
Hometown: Franklin Lakes NJ/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @darrencapozzi
Years in Comedy: 12
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: S.W.A.T, Erin & Aaron, Just Roll With It, Happy Together, About A Boy, New Girl, Make It Or Break It, Dollhouse, Monk, Numb3rs, Prison Break…Proof of Innocence, All My Children, America’s Got Talent, The Masked Singer, and Funny You Should Ask (350 Episodes)
Comedic Influences: Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, & Bill Cosby
Favorite Comedy Album: Eddie Murphy “Delirious” and Bill Cosby “Himself”
Favorite Comedy Special: Robin Williams “Live at The Met”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Uncle Buck
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Cheers
Favorite Comedic Character: Sam Malone (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective)
Favorite City to Perform In: Nashville, TN
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Life Experiences
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: That is there for comedy.
Favorite Comedy Club: Comedy Cellar, NY
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I found my love for comedy when I was very young. I was always a smart ass and loved making people laugh. Whether imitating characters or doing impressions on my family members, I always found a way to make people chuckle. Then, as I got older, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in comedy and make people laugh for a living.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember my first time performing stand-up comedy vividly. It was god awful. My jokes were terrible, and I was way too fast. I dressed in tight clothes, hoping it would make me look funnier. But it didn’t. I got one laugh, maybe. After that, I was so scared and embarrassed that I didn’t do it again for another 7 years. It’s funny how things come full circle, though. Now, I can look back and laugh at how terrible I was and appreciate how much I’ve grown as a comedian since then.
How would you describe your comedic style:
MY style is improvisational and interactive, focusing on crowd work and adapting to the audience’s reactions and responses. I’m not afraid to take risks and explore uncharted territories in your performance, making you an unpredictable and exciting comedian, which has also gotten me into many deep holes to get out of.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
My process for comedic writing is varied and dynamic. Sometimes, I start with a joke and put it on the shelf until a life experience happens, and I can integrate it into my set. Other times, I workshop and improve my jokes on stage, believing the magic happens there. I also take inspiration from real-life experiences and observe situations where humor can be found, allowing the material to write itself. Finally, I write everything down, regardless of whether or not it’s funny at first, as I understand that sometimes great jokes can be found in unexpected places. This approach to comedic writing combines structure and spontaneity and has served me well in creating engaging and entertaining sets.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Historically, LA has been considered the center of the comedy universe, with countless comedy clubs and venues featuring stand-up, improv, sketch, and alternative comedy. The city offers diverse audiences and performance spaces, from small, intimate clubs to large, iconic theaters. The comedy scene in LA is highly competitive, with many aspiring comedians flocking to the city to make their mark. As a result, the talent level is high, and audiences have come to expect a high standard of comedy. Overall, the comedy scene in LA is dynamic, exciting, and constantly evolving, making it an excellent place for comedians to hone their craft and entertain audiences.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
As a comedian, judging success in the comedy world can be a loaded question, but it’s a great one nonetheless. To me, anyone who dares to step on stage and attempt this unique art form, where you are constantly being judged from beginning to end, is already successful. Being a comedian requires a great deal of vulnerability. Regardless of the outcome, anyone who can navigate that vulnerability and connect with an audience is successful in their own right. Ultimately, success in comedy is subjective, and it can mean different things to different people. Still, the most important thing is to keep going and improving, no matter what.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Growing up in the 80s, comedy wasn’t as mainstream as today. However, there were some great comedians from that era that I still enjoy watching and have inspired me personally and professionally. George Carlin is one of them, with his insightful and thought-provoking humor. And who can forget Eddie Murphy’s iconic Delirious album, which I could still quote word for word today? As for contemporary comedians, I really enjoy the work of Bill Burr, Iliza Schlesinger, Billy Gardell, Jeff Ross, Jodi Miller, and many more.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My most memorable moment in comedy has to be my first terrible set at Caroline’s in NYC. It was so bad that I quit for seven years. It was a humbling experience, but I’m glad I got back on stage and continued. Another memorable moment would be opening for Iliza Schlesinger’s Netflix special “Elder Millennial” and warming up the audience for “America’s Got Talent.” I feel fortunate to have these opportunities and cherish the memories.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Through my failures in comedy, I have learned that this art form is incredibly humbling. When I have a bad set, I dust it off and focus on at least one positive from experience. It’s important to remember that everyone has both fantastic and terrible sets, and it’s all part of the journey. I have realized that success in comedy is not about being perfect but rather about learning from your mistakes and continuing to improve. Like how the best baseball players often strike out, it’s all about persevering and working hard.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
For me, it’s always interesting to see how people react when they know I can make them laugh. Some people instantly gravitate toward me and find my humor enjoyable, while others may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by my outgoing nature. It’s a matter of finding your tribe and connecting with those who appreciate your style of comedy. Some may find it too loud or over the top, but that’s okay. It’s all about being true to yourself and finding your audience.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
As a comedian, building a stand-up comedy is no easy feat. It requires dedication, hard work, and persistence. The first step is facing the fear of getting on stage and delivering your material in front of an audience. It takes a lot of courage to stand up there and be vulnerable.
Next, it’s about getting up on stage as often as possible, constantly honing your craft, and perfecting your set. There’s no shortcut or substitute for stage time, and it’s often said that a comedian needs to perform at least 10,000 times before finding their voice and developing their own unique style.
But beyond that, building a career in stand-up comedy requires a passion for the art form and a love of making people laugh. It’s essential to find joy in the process and to focus on the art in you, not just you in the art. A stand-up comedy career can be gratifying and fulfilling with time, hard work, and a lot of luck.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
If I could change one thing in the world of comedy, it would be the prevalence of unkindness and negativity among some comedians. While there are many talented and kind individuals in the comedy world and helpful, many are not. One of my mentors in life always said, “Help Somebody Today.” I try my best to do that in all aspects of my life.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
If you think you’re going slow, go slower.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Darren Capozzi’s “GO TO YOUR ROOM.”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
One of the most comical encounters I had with a star was when I met Demi Moore, a big fan of, and asked to take her picture. I said, “Demi, do you mind if we take a picture?” She stopped me and got angry, saying, “It’s pronounced Demeee.” I was taken aback and couldn’t help but respond, “Omg, you’re the only person that calls yourself that.” Unfortunately, I didn’t get that picture.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
The most bizarre place I’ve ever performed any form of comedy was at a grand opening of a new grocery store. I had to perform on a stage next to the produce section while people shopped. It was challenging to make people laugh when someone interrupted my punchline by asking where the avocados were. Nonetheless, it was an unforgettable experience that taught me how to improvise and adapt to unexpected situations.
A Darren Capozzi Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me that people may not know is that I’m a skilled skier and have been playing ice hockey since I was 5 years old. But one of my more unique accomplishments is holding a Guinness World Record for the most jokes told in a minute! Although unsure if that record still stands, it was a fun and memorable experience.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
The ultimate goal in my comedy career is to have a platform that allows me to bring my friends along with me on the road and share our humor with a broader audience. Additionally, when I become a parent, I want to create a household full of laughter and fun so my kids can grow up without fear and embrace the joy of humor. As for my career, I stay humble and keep working hard to achieve my goals wherever my laughs may take me.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
If a potential comedian asked me how they can hold the laughs, I would tell them to focus on being themselves and finding their unique voice. It’s important not to try to imitate other comedians but to find their own style and perspective. Additionally, they should be willing to take risks, fail, and learn from those failures. Finally, they should constantly write and test new material on stage and be bold in incorporating feedback from other comedians and audience members. Hard work, dedication, and authenticity will help them own the laughs.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
The comedy will likely continue evolving with new forms of media and technology, such as podcasts and streaming services. As society changes and becomes more diverse, there will also be a greater demand for comedy that reflects this diversity and challenges societal norms. Additionally, with the rise of social media, comedians have more opportunities to build their own audiences and connect with fans directly.
However, it’s impossible to predict with certainty what the future of comedy will look like, as the industry is constantly changing and adapting to new trends and cultural shifts. What is certain is that comedy will continue to play an essential role in our lives, bringing people together and offering a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life.
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:
As someone who grew up watching the TV show Cheers, I always found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the characters at the iconic Boston bar. If given the opportunity, I would love to write an episode where I am transported into the world of Cheers in my 20s and go on a wild adventure with Sam, learning from the King the art of picking up women in his signature smooth-talking style.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
This is a tough one. If I could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on my perfect comedy show, it would have to be Madison Square Garden, with Sam Kinison, Bernie Mac, Eddie Murphy/Robin Williams. I have so much respect for these legends of comedy and their unique styles, but I also know that following any of them would be daunting.
What’s next for you:
I’m always looking to push myself to the next level, so I plan to keep honing my craft and taking every opportunity that comes my way. I plan to tour more, perform crowd warmup for TV shows, and continue growing my acting career. But above all, my main priority is being the best father I can be to my future kids. So, I’ll keep plugging away and see where the universe takes me next.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Growing up in a household where laughter wasn’t emphasized, I have come to appreciate the importance of laughter. Laughing, as cliché as it may sound, truly is the best medicine. Life can be tricky and challenging, but finding humor in situations can help alleviate stress and bring joy and happiness. In addition, laughter is contagious and can bring people together, creating a positive and fun atmosphere. So, we should always try to find something to laugh about and enjoy the moment, no matter what life throws at us.
*Checkout Darren as the warm-up comedian for “Funny You Should Ask” and the upcoming Nickelodeon show “Erin & AARon” this July. Capozzi will be opening for Jodi Miller’s new special this July, which will be airing on Apple TV.
Follow Darren Capozzi’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Darren Capozzi
Youtube: Darren Capozzi
Personal Website: Darren Capozzi
