She the perfect example of hustle, professionalism, and respect amongst her peers throughout the comedy scene, and she doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Anna Valenzuela. The Los Angeles, CA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Anna Valenzuela
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @annavisfunny
Years in Comedy: 8
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Comedy Central’s Roast Battle Season 2
Comedic Influences: Maria Bamford, Wanda Sykes, & Patton Oswalt
Favorite Comedy Album: Maria Bamford “Ask Me About My New God”
Favorite Comedy Special: John Mulaney “New in Town”
Favorite Comedy Movie: A Fish Called Wanda
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Cheers
Favorite Comedic Character: Bill Hader’s Stefon from SNL
Favorite City to Perform In: I don’t want to make the other cities jealous.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: I talk about my crazy life mostly.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Working Class
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I always loved stand-up. I got that from my mom. I started going to a lot of shows in 2013 and a comedy store comic accused me of being a comedian. People kept asking me If I was a stand-up after that. Finally, my boss sent me an open mic listing and told me to get it out of my system.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I bombed, but I still loved it.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Auto biographical and dark
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I generally build out a premise over time. I play with words and delivery until it’s the most natural joke it can be.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I live in LA so it’s a weird mix of the best comics from all over the world and the most unhinged gremlin open-micer’s the history of stand up kind.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I had my first TV appearance 2 years in. Which was INSANE. I’ve had to think about this a lot. Some folks think a TV spot is the thing that will change your career. I’ve found that it’s kind of the wild west. For me, success is making a living at stand-up to a cultivated audience. I really try to stay out of comparing myself to others.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Brandie Posey is a delight and also does the business part of comedy very well. I love to watch Jackie Kaishain and Laurie Kilmartin because they are masters.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I was doing a one-nighter just outside of Los Vegas and I went to the bathroom right after my set. A woman was weeping in the restroom. I asked her if she was ok. She said “Oh! You are the comedian! I needed to laugh! Thank you!” and went back to crying. I asked her what was up and she told me her husband had left her with 3 kids out of the blue the day before. We chatted for a bit but she always sticks with me. When I have a bad set or tough gig, I remember her. Comedy shouldn’t be a selfish act.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Oh man, so much! To stay out of my head. Write as much as I can. Sometimes it’s just not your night. Cash checks as soon as you get them. A small turnout doesn’t automatically mean a show will be bad.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Most folks love it! Guys on dating apps think it’s a bit much!
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
This is a huge question. I went to mics every day and I wrote daily. Then I worked on getting booked. I did the kind of shows that scared me. I asked questions and stayed teachable.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
We’d all get paid for gigs, bookers would book women, and the rapists would all have to eat a bag of bees.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Have a lawyer look at it.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Murder Puss”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Jennifer Lopez and shouted, “You’re an inspiration!” My bestie was there and makes fun of me for it to this day.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A Lechon Restaurant in a bad part of Manila.
An Anna Valenzuela Fun Fact:
I have a 3rd Degree black belt in Uechi Ryu Okinawan Karate.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
TAKING OVER THE WORLD!….Kidding. I want to release albums and perform. I’d also like to write professionally and make a comedy.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
DIY as much as you can and you’ll control more of your money and fan base.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I have concerns. I think we’re shifting in a conservative direction in response to the world changing. We also just survived a pandemic and I want comedy to be fun a silly again.
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:
Cheeers lost EP “For the Wives”- Sam attends an Alanon meeting to appease Diane and when he arrives every woman there is an ex.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I’d be at Comedy Works (Denver, CO), with Maria Bamford and Kat Williams. We all crush but the crowds’ vibes are extremely mixed. It’s chaos and a blending of worlds. We’re all carried out on the shoulders of Denver’s worst white folks.
What’s next for you:
Preparing and recording an album.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Both my parents passed away young. I had a lot of joyless jobs in the past and had to support myself pretty young. I try to remember that this is a gift. I have the best job in the world!
Follow Anna Valenzuela’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Anna Valenzuela
Youtube: Anna Valenzuela
Personal Website: Anna Valenzuela
