As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Rafi Gonzalez. The Caguas, PR native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Rafi Gonzalez (Rafi G)
Hometown: Caguas, PR/Westfield, MA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @RafiG213
Years in Comedy: 9
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: HBO MAX Ha Comedy Festival
Comedic Influences: Sinbad, Dave Attell, & Robert Schimmel
Favorite Comedy Album: Mitch Hedberg “Mitch All Together”
Favorite Comedy Special: Martin Lawrence “Runteldat”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Groundhog Day
Favorite Comedy TV Show: In Living Color
Favorite Comedic Character: Matt Foley
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Family
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People with their arms uncrossed.
Favorite Comedy Club: Rhode Island Comedy Connection
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Impressions. I would impersonate everyone around me.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was given 5 mins, and I was so excited that I was done in 2 mins.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Animated act-outs and engaging storytelling.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Stop everything I’m doing when an idea strikes and write it down. Try it onstage the next time.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
No massive markets like New York and LA. You become a stronger comic by performing outside of clubs at random locations.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
A room full of strangers laughing at my jokes consistently.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Jack Jr, Cisco Duran, & Drew Dunn
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Being filmed for HBO in San Antonio, TX.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I’ve lost every competition I’ve ever been in. It fuels me to get better.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They can’t wait to tell me a terrible dad joke (Laughs).
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
For me personally, I had to remove all backup plans in life. Expect to make no money for a long time. Focus on making the crowd laugh, and they won’t be able to deny you for long.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Openers get paid close to nothing at clubs. Up the rate.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Don’t tell a joke for the first five minutes of your set. Experiment with being in the moment.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Use Your Delusion”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was crossing the street and Larry David was absolutely livid that he had to stop driving his Prius to let me cross the street.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A barn
A Rafi Gonzalez Fun Fact:
Before comedy, I was the original lead singer of a heavy metal band named Within The Ruins. We toured the country in a van.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’ve had three goals since I started. 1) Travel the world with comedy. 2) Never worry about money again. 3) Pay off my parents mortgage. I’ve currently added filming a special on stage whatever the biggest comedy platform may be.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Do not for a second be anyone else but yourself. Tell your story.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It’s constantly changing with social media and reels. But we all have to adapt. The laughter is still needed. Just being delivered differently. Don’t get mad. Adapt.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Fresh Prince of Belair. Will dates a Puerto Rican lady and can’t keep up.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
At the Hollywood Improv with Jack Jr, Cisco Duran, & Drew Dunn
What’s next for you:
Make ridiculous reels to keep up with the kids. Headline comedy clubs around the country and bring laughter to the masses.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
We are only here for a little while longer. Enjoy every moment.
Follow Rafi Gonzalez’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Rafi Gonzalez
Youtube: Rafi Gonzalez
Personal Website: Rafi Gonzalez
