A reality show star who not only uses her hilarious personality to entertain the stars of Hollywood on a nightly basis but also uses her unique platform to inspire millions to blaze their own trail while being comfortable in their own skin. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Billie Lee. The West Terre Haute, IN native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Billie Lee
Hometown: West Terre Haute, Indiana/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @itsmebillielee TikTok: @billieleecomedy
Years in Comedy: 2
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Vanderpump Rules
Comedic Influences: Amy Schumer & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Album: Kathy Griffin “My Life on the D List”
Favorite Comedy Special: Leanne Morgan “I’m Every Woman”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Pineapple Express
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Insecure, but my new favorite is Rap Sh!t
Favorite Comedic Character: Rose (Golden Girls)
Favorite City to Perform In: West Hollywood
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My vagina from Thailand
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Tipsy and people willing to laugh.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
By accidentally selling a pilot to ABC/Disney and then my team convincing me to take stand-up comedy classes.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My nerves. I could barely breathe. But also, how many people showed up to support me.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Sharing my experience in a funny topical way that’s relatable and stems from who I am as a person, both as a trans woman and as Billie.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Great comedy is based on truth. So a lot of my ideas come from being out with my girlfriends. And then I write those ideas down and work with them with my comedy coach.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s LA, it’s always poppin’. I really love the comedy scene here. It’s so fun.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Making people laugh. Getting an entire room to laugh. It’s being of service and really helping people feel better than before they came in.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Professionally: Amy Schumer, Leanne Morgan, & Dave Chappelle Personally: Sammy Weiser, Pauly Shore, Bobbie Lee, & Wendy Lieberman
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Sharing a stage with such legends, including women who’ve paved the way in the comedy world that allowed me to perform as a trans woman.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Every failure is such an opportunity for growth. Especially in the stand-up comedy world. Every time I had a difficult show, it has led me to grow. An example of this is when after one show where I didn’t do my best led me to one of my favorite jokes.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People think I’m brave.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
A lot of showing up, supporting other shows, networking, and dedication to your writing and your craft.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Better pay for women and more women on lineups.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Don’t take failure personally. Every failure is an opportunity to grow.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“I’m That Girl”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I kissed Pauly Shore.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A hotel lobby on Valentine’s Day
A Billie Lee Fun Fact:
I’m a really good dog sitter.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want to tour all over the United States and would love to have a special and a scripted series.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Their comedy should be based in truth, in their point of view, and with good timing.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
A lot of the comics before me have paved the way for more expression and diversity. I hope the future of comedy is all different types of point of views that not only make people laugh, but educate and inspire.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, what show would it be?
It would be Golden Girls, and I would write an episode about a diverse character who moves in and interrupts them in a very comedic way. Fish out of water type of vibe.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would pick the Laugh Factory and my lineup would include Sammy Weiser, Adam Ray, and Bobby Lee.
What’s next for you:
A spring and summer comedy tour, multiple TV and film projects, and my book “Why Are You So Sensitive” published by Simon & Schuster coming out this year.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because life is short. Life is precious.
Follow Billie Lee’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Billie Lee
Youtube: Billie Lee
Personal Website: Billie Lee
