As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Alvin Duke. The Oakland, CA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Alvin Duke
Hometown: Oakland, CA/Sacramento, CA
Instagram/Facebook/Tik-Tok: @reidshit/Alvin Duke Reid/@Alvin_Duke_Comedy
Years in Comedy: 4
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: @bayareacomicvidz
Comedic Influences: Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, & Martin Lawrence
Favorite Comedy Album: Martin Lawrence “Live Talkin’ Shit”
Favorite Comedy Special: Eddie Murphy “Raw”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Harlem Nights or Cheech & Chong “Up in Smoke”
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin & In Living Color
Favorite Comedic Character: Billy Ray Valentine (Trading Places)
Favorite City to Perform In: Oakland, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Current events, life experiences, & my son
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People who come to laugh and flat-out love to laugh!
Favorite Comedy Club: Laughs Unlimited & Cobbs Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I discovered my passion for comedy the very first day I tried to be a comedian four years ago. I was average at best, but I knew I could do much better, and I fell in love with it!
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
This is gonna sound weird, but the 1st time I ever did comedy, I wasn’t trying to be a comedian. It was 13 years ago, and I was at a comedy club with some co-workers, and they signed me up without me knowing I’m not a shy person at all, so I went up. I absolutely crushed my 1st set. I was only supposed to do 4 minutes, and I was doing so well that they let me do 10 minutes! 13 years later, I hit the stage for the first time with the goal of actually becoming a comedian, and I was extremely average at best. I’m usually not a nervous person, but my nerves definitely got me that night. However, I was hooked after that because I knew I could be much, much better.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Fearless is how I would describe my comedic style…. I’m extremely honest, transparent, Profane, confident, vulnerable, and even brash at times.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
My process of writing is simply to write things down that come to me immediately…. I wish I had more self-discipline to take time out of my day each day to write, but I don’t. But when I do have an idea or thought that I think is funny, I jot it down immediately and expand upon it. Even if I’m in the shower at the time, I’ll get out and put in my phone so I don’t forget it.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The comedy scene in the Sacramento area is absolutely amazing. There is so much talent in this area, and what I love the most is that we’re family. We all get along for the most part and take care of each other on and off the stage. I am very proud to be a part of the Sacramento comedy scene!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I judge success in comedy like this… if I can make a living only doing comedy, that is success to me. I would like to become a household name with movie and show credits, but if I don’t get that big, I would love just to be a national headliner one day and get paid doing what I love to do.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I have so many comedic peers that it’s ridiculous. I admire and respect so many of my peers. If I miss a name or two or three, please forgive me. Jay Rich, Mario Hodge, Ellis Rodriguez, Key Lewis, Ryan Goodcase, Mike E. Winfield, Ricco the Great, Regina Givens, Dejan Tyler, Aja Mae, Danni D., Ashley Monique, Johnny Taylor, insane Wayne, Sydney Stigerts, Kiry Shabazz, Russell Cummings and many many more. I could go on forever. They all inspire the hell outta me!
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I’ve had many memorable moments, but my favorite was at The Sacramento Punchline. I was featuring for Key Lewis and Sam Bam and I lit fire to that stage like I never have before. The set was only supposed to be 15 minutes, and they didn’t light me until a little after 20 because the crowd was simply mine. They couldn’t even look at me anymore. It was the first time I saw the crowd(many of them) with tears in their eyes. From start to finish that night, the laughs were constant and loud, and I loved it.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I’ve learned not to quit. I’ve learned to keep going simply. We all have rough nights here and there. Never let that detour you from your greatness. Always be confident, always be yourself, and continue to make people laugh. That’s what I’ve learned from my comedy failures.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People love it when you can make them laugh. They react with a sense of thankfulness and there grateful for you and your abilities. Which I absolutely love. It makes me feel so good to have the ability to make them feel good, feel happy and laugh!
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
I don’t know if I’m the right person to ask about building a career because I’m not there yet. I’ve started my career, and I’m in the process of building upon that start. My personal life has been rough, and I’ve kinda sucked as a comedian off the stage. Meaning I’m not networking correctly, not using social media correctly and not even filming my sets. So, I have a long way to go, but I will get there. Please ask this again one day.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
If I could change anything in the comedy world, it would be comics hating on other comics. I don’t like when comics are jealous of other comics. It’s a weak emotion and needs to stop. Just focus on yourself and your career and continue to grow and get better.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
The best advice I’ve received in comedy is simply to be yourself on stage, be genuine, and continue to write. Writing should never stop, so keep writing. Also, don’t tell your jokes in front of a bunch of comedians/pretend comedians. There are,, unfortunately, a lot of hacks out here these days, and it’s sad that it’s like that.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
My first comedy special is gonna be called Alvin Duke “In Ya Mouth” (Laughs) for the nasty-minded people it’s not literal. “In Ya Mouth” is my brand. I want to be so good at comedy that you’re talking about me all the time. Therefore I’m “In Ya Mouth”!
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I personally haven’t had any celebrity encounters yet… but when I get some, I’ll let you all know.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
The weirdest place I’ve performed was in a Deli that looked like an aquarium. My sets there have been Fire tho. Shout out to Gnarly Deli in Chico.
An Alvin Duke Fun Fact:
I’m an only child raised in Oakland, CA. I had two moms and a dad. All three of them struggled hard with drug use (crack and heroin), and I turned out to be a great human being. It’s something that most people don’t know and something I’m very proud of.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
My ultimate goal in comedy is to be able to make enough money in comedy to quit my day job. When someone asks me my occupation, I wanna just be able to say “Comedian.” I do want to be in a few movies, too, but we’ll see.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I tell comedians who ask me for advice to stop trying to be funny and just be funny. That’s easier said than done, but it’s my truth. I don’t try to be funny; I’m just funny.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think the future of comedy is a big question mark. I don’t know what the future of comedy is going to become. With all the censorship and cancel culture going on, I honestly can’t tell you. All I know is that I’m gonna continue to be me, and I’m Coming.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Damn, this is a tough question. (Laughs) If I could write an episode for one classic TV show, it would be The Golden Girls. I just loved them funny old white women, and I would love to have them talk a little shit to each other in my words. I would have to really try hard not to write the n-word in any of the jokes, and that might be a challenge for me.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would perform with Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, and Dave Chappelle at The Apollo Theater or The Hollywood Bowl.
What’s next for you:
What’s next for me is becoming a great comedian off the stage. Doing the little things that are really big things that can really advance your career. Things like this. Being Comedian of the day on We Own The Laughs. I’m going to get serious about filming EVERY set and getting reels, clips, and bits out to the world. I’d also like to get passed by Ron Vigh and The San Francisco punchline this year. That’s definitely my goal.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
You have to be able to laugh at life because life is hard. It’s not easy to live and be happy, but if you can laugh at the shit in everyday life and the things that life throws at you, you have a super advantage to being happy and successful. Live, Love, and Laugh. You can do it!
Follow Alvin Duke’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Alvin Duke
