While others want to be noticed by one of their idols, this man is currently leaving a comedic legacy that will rival the greats when it’s all said and done. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Papp Johnson. The Oakland, CA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Papp Johnson
Hometown: Deep East Oakland, CA / Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @pappmfjohnson
Years in Comedy: 13
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: That Damn Michael Che Show, Dave, Winning Time, Wu-Tang
Comedic Influences: Dick Gregory, Jamie Foxx, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, & Lucille Ball
Favorite Comedy Album: Chris Rock “Bigger & Blacker”
Favorite Comedy Special: Jamie Foxx “I Might Need Security”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Baby Boy
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Jamie Foxx Show
Favorite Comedic Character: Marlon Williams (The Wayans Bros.)
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Sex
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A packed show
Favorite Comedy Club: Hollywood Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I love to laugh, I’ve always enjoyed roasting people and manically laughing. Slapstick is my favorite, just because it’s so silly how could it not be funny. A pie in the face never gets old.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember getting that first laugh and how exciting it felt to have made people laugh with intention. Then one of the punches was not working and I started feeling hot. I was able to get some more laughs and got the light, so I just got off stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Thoughtful Stupidity
Describe your process for comedic writing:
If my lady gives me a big laugh I’ll write it down and work on it.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Buzzing with talent.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Do you sell tickets? If the answer is yes, congratulations you’ve made it.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Greer Barnes, Derek Gaines, Martin Morrow, Charles Kelly, Katrina Davis, & J Snow.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Doing a 500-seat theatre in San Francisco with the #HellaFunny crew.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
No one cares about them, they are only a deterrent in your mind.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They start thinking I’m running bits on them or they try to fuck me.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
A fun journey of exploration
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More pay.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Respect the craft.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Timeless” it’s on Youtube right now, go watch.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Sarah Jessica Parker told me, my look was too distracting on set because of my height,….I think I had a chance with Carrie.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
At a 70 yr olds house for their birthday.
A Papp Johnson Fun Fact:
I love singing ballad R&B. Mariah is the best.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To the big screen. I’ve always wanted to be in movies.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
The stage is the only place to find out what’s funny or not.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Comedy is comedy. Whether it’s comedic actors like Chris Hemsworth to social media people like Druski or pure stand up like Sam Jay. People will support who they enjoy.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Cellar w/ Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, & Paris Shay
What’s next for you:
The “Timeless” comedy album drops soon and I would love to tour the country so book me.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because the way the unexpected happens in life it has to be a joke.
Follow Papp Johnson’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Papp Johnson
Youtube: Papp Johnson
Personal Website: Papp Johnson
