As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Lateef Lovejoy. The London, England native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Lateef Lovejoy
Hometown: London, United Kingdom
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @lateeflovejoy
Years in Comedy: 10
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Had feature films roles in movies such as “The 100 Year Old Man Who Escaped From A Window And Vanished” Independent feature “Urban Rythum” TV appearances in sitcoms “Meet The Adebanjos” on Netflix “Genie In The House” for Nickelodeon and major commercial TV endorsements for major energy brand U Switch, The ITV Hub, and Kiss 100 to name but a few.
Comedic Influences: Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Patrice O’Neal, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, George Carlin, Bill Hicks, Dave Chapelle, Jim Carey, Bernie Mac.
Favorite Comedy Album: Richard Pryor “Live At The Comedy Store”
Favorite Comedy Special: Eddie Murphy “Raw” & Patrice O’Neal “Elephant In The Room”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Coming To America & Happy Gilmore
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Brooklyn 99, Black-ish, & The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Too many to mention…How much time do we have? (Laughs)
Favorite City to Perform In: Johannesburg, South Africa (The energy is crazy!) and Los Angeles as it’s such a great hub for comedy!
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Definitely traveling, current affairs and my anecdotal upbringing.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Culturally diverse audiences, ones that are comedy savy, open minded and ready to laugh!
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store ( LA) it’s the MECCA…Also love the IMPROV, and The Laugh Factory, Top Secret Comedy Club in London, Cape Town Comedy Club in South Africa was amazing, sadly no longer around!
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I have always had an innate ability to make people laugh from a very young age, so i quess Stand-up was the natural progression! (Laughs)
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was on auto pilot and had no fear when i done my first ever gig…It’s more challenging when people now have expectations of me.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Satire, social commentary, observational humor that is authentic and relatable to all audiences.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I always try and be very observant when i’m out and about and take mental notes of things that could translate to material, as well as watching a lot of TV and paying close attention to social media as there is always room to create potential comedic anecdotes.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The comedy scene in the London is very competitive and diverse with a high level of performers from around the world with varied cultural backgrounds like LA / US it’s a great melting pot of comedy.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I would say getting to a level where your Stand-up is good enough to be performed around the world, that you are happy doing it and always remain hungry and inspired…Everything else is a blessing.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
A comedian called Mickey Flanagan from the UK, I love his story, he has been doing comedy for a lifetime and is now getting the exposure and success he deserves due to all the years of hard work and determination he has put into his craft.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Doing my first international gig in Holland…Didn’t know what to expect prior and had an amazing experience on stage and the audience really enjoy my performance..That was really the benchmark for me to perform comedy more internationally and since have performed in 18 countries around the world and counting.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That you’re only as good as your last gig…The key is to always be prepared and focused in Stand-up it makes all the difference!
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Very positively I love to see other people happy it’s an honor that I have the ability to do that.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Hard work, focus, determination, being humble, and ambitious.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
The Politics! (Laughs)
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“Keep on doing what you’re doing” (Laughs)
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Revelations” that’s the working title of my new hour that I’m currently working on, as it’s based on me traveling doing Stand-up internationally and the various situations that I have encountered.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Most of the celebrities I have met take themselves too seriously, so nothing funny yet. (Laughs)
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
At a 40th birthday party to a group of women. I wanted to tell jokes, but they wanted me to strip (Laughs)…It was weird! (Laughs)
A Lateef Lovejoy Fun Fact:
The first time I appeared on TV as a child at the recording studio my dad started crying tears of joy. It was unforgettable.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
My dream is to be a great comedy brand, writing, producing, and creating fantastic comedy in Film and TV…Additionally to also demonstrate my talent in other creative genres and fashion.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be confident and believe in your abilities.
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:
I would write an episode of the classic sitcom “A Different World,” and they all do an exchange program where they go to study at an elite African college in Zamunda!
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
It will be at The Comedy Store Original Room in LA with me opening for Patrice O’Neal and Bernie Mac…It will be the stuff of LEGEND! R.I.P to both those comedy greats!
What’s next for you:
I think it needs even more exposure and overall opportunity for a wider range of talented performers; not enough to get the chance, unfortunately.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because there is always someone worse off than you…Be thankful for what you already have.
Follow Lateef Lovejoy’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Lateef Lovejoy
Youtube: Lateef Lovejoy
Personal Website: Lateef Lovejoy
