As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Liz Zagone. The Chicago, IL native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Liz Zagone
Hometown: Chicago, IL/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @lizzagone
Years in Comedy: 5-ish-if we’re counting pandemic time
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: You probably saw me winning a refrigerator on the Price is Right.
Comedic Influences: Whitney Cummings doesn’t influence my comedy, but I admire her success and the work she does with animals.
Favorite Comedy Album: I’ll be honest, I don’t consume a ton of comedy because I’m worried I’ll subconsciously steal someone’s jokes.
Favorite Comedy Special: Ali Wong’s special where she talks about how male comedians can date supermodels but female comedians get magicians. “Don Wong” I think? OR Eddie Murphy “Delirious” because I would watch it with my dad, and he would look at me to make sure I was laughing.
Favorite Comedy Movie: The Other Guys
Favorite Comedy TV Show: What We Do In The Shadows, Portlandia, Broad City, Burning Love- I can’t choose one.
Favorite Comedic Character: Ken Marino in “Burning Love”
Favorite City to Perform In: Chicago
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My family
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A full one! With people who are ready to laugh.
Favorite Comedy Club: Zanies Old Town
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
When I was young, I would dress up and do all these weird characters that would make my mom laugh. I didn’t rediscover my love for making people laugh until I was in my late 20s.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Not much. I took a class at Second City (people have strong opinions about classes) it was great because I needed something to push me out of my comfort zone. The atmosphere was super supportive and it went well enough that I continued exploring stand up. I always give my little brother credit because I was in a miserable place in life and he texted me asking if I ever thought about doing stand up-and that’s what sparked my interest.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Stories and things from my life.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Lots of nonsense in my Notes App. And notebooks full of ideas, half jokes, and stories I eventually take to open mics to work on. And sometimes voice notes to comedy friends where I say it outloud and go, “does this make sense?”
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It makes me miss Chicago. LA comedy is weird and there’s not a lot of stage time. I don’t know what it is about LA but the bad comedy is extra bad.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
When comedy finally pays the bills.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Kristen Toomey is so fun to watch. Also Mateen Stewart.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My grandma came to a show and I told a joke about her. Then everyone else on the lineup addressed her and after the show she was “disappointed” she didn’t get more attention. I guess that’s where I get it.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Everybody bombs. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own path.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They want to hear a joke. Or they say, “When can I come see you?!” and then don’t come see me.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
I’m still working on it. Get on stage as much as you can, network (ew), grow your social media (double Ew)
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Social media.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
If you don’t believe your joke or your feelings about your joke, nobody else will either.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Celibate”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Jeremy Allen White works out at my gym and I convinced myself he was flirting with me but he absolutely was not and then I told him I loved him in The Bear because I’m from Chicago.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Fort Wayne, Indiana
A Liz Zagone Fun Fact:
I feel like I talk about all my “fun facts” in my stand-up but my family makes Halloween masks and I haven’t figured out how to make that funny yet. Oh and I have a very specific phobia of taxidermy.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Oh gosh! Anywhere and Everywhere!
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Fake it til you make it, Baby!
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I don’t know but I’m sick of seeing crowd work clips in my instagram feed.
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:
Sex and the City…is that a sitcom? I would kill off BIG in season 3.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
What’s next for you:
Your guess is as good as mine!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because we’re not here for very long!
Follow Liz Zagone’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Liz Zagone
Youtube: Liz Zagone
Personal Website: Liz Zagone
