As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Matt O’Brien. The Toronto, CN native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Matt O’Brien
Hometown: Toronto, CN/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter: @mattobrien @matt_obrien
Years in Comedy: 15
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: JFL, Conan, Comedy Central, & Fox Sports
Comedic Influences: I grew up loving Robin Williams, Dan Aykroyd on SNL, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, also Mr. Bean
Favorite Comedy Album: Paul F Tompkins “Freak Wharf”
Favorite Comedy Special: Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up for the First Time
Favorite Comedy Movie: Tommy Boy
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Mr. Bean
Favorite City to Perform In: Toronto
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Oh god I have no idea…stupid…stuff?
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: One that laughs at me and gives me money afterwards.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Bar (Toronto, CN)/The Comedy Store (Los Angeles, CA)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I remember getting a laugh in grade 5 from the entire class once and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember thinking I killed and looking back I was absolutely terrible.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Loose and fun?
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Slow and sloppy.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I live in the suburbs of LA now so there is’nt really a scene. One time I put a dress on my Chihuahua and walked her around the block and the neighbors really got a kick out of it- a mail man even waved at me.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If you’re happy and can pay your bills, I think that’s just fine.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I love watching Fahim Anwar, Julia Hladkowicz, Rory Scovel, Brent Weinbach, Debra Digiovanni.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Getting to act in sketches on Conan is always something I can’t believe I actually did.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That they will keep happening no matter what you just gotta keep going and not dwell on them.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Most don’t believe it’s a real career.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
An enormous amount of sacrifice and work. So much that when you think you’ve done enough you have to do 2 to 3 times more at least.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Comedians/writers/comedy actors should all be paid WAY more.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Enjoy the process.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“LIVE AT COSTCO!”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Gary Busey heckled me in the front row of a show in Santa Monica once. then he came to the green room and shook my hand and told me I was “his favorite comedian of the night” and then he went to the comic next to me and said the exact same thing.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Linkedin headquarters in San Francisco at 9am on a Tuesday.
A Matt O’Brien Fun Fact:
I’m in a Fast and Furious Musical Parody which is starting back up at Dynasty Typewriter this summer.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Own a house and have 10-12 Chihuahuas.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Laughs are not to be owned they are to be spread and shared with the general population.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I hope people start laughing at my new joke about how we should be able to piss in cars by now.
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:
Cheers. Sam Malone is sick and can’t make it into work so I bartend and get to hang out with everyone all day and there’s no issues it’s just the best.
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 Room) with me and 3 Chihuahuas
What’s next for you:
Touring parts of the US and Canada, also doing a Fast and Furious Musical at Dynasty Typewriter coming up this summer until this end of the year.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because it’s dumb as hell and makes no sense.
Follow Matt O’Brien’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Matt O’Brien
Youtube: Matt O’Brien
Personal Website: Matt O’Brien
