Fresh off the release of his debut comedy special, this is one whose ready to have his comedy seen worldwide. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian James Coburn. The New York, NY native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: James Coburn
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia/New York, NY
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @humantabasco
Years in Comedy: 8
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Comedic Influences: Rory Scovel, Petey DeAbreu, Ali Wong, Maria Bamford, James Acaster, Romesh Ranganathan, John Cruckshank, & Natasha Leggero
Favorite Comedy Album: Rory Scovel “Dilation”
Favorite Comedy Special: Rory Scovel “Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up For The First Time”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Hot Rod
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Comedic Character: Lisa Saperstein (Moana)
Favorite City to Perform In: New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Alcohol
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A mix of different people.
Favorite Comedy Club: QED
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Watching shows like South Park.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The support from my friends.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Self-deprecating.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Seeing, hearing or thinking something that makes me go “that’s weird hey?”, jotting it down, then fleshing it out later.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Brutal.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Being yourself.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Brittany Cardwell, Ali O’Neil, & Abe Gatling.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Doing an hour at Caveat in New York.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That there’s more to life than comedy.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Surprised, especially earlier on.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Very difficult. You have to know how to do a lot of other things, not just stand-up.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
The put down culture and edginess that still gets celebrated.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Be authentic. Second would be – play the hits.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“I’m Over This.”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once quoted Billy Zane a 45 minute wait for a table at a restaurant. When he said “…really?” I said “yeah”.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In a book store with no microphone and over zoom to an accounting team.
A James Coburn Fun Fact:
I absolutely hate that I have no hair.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d just like to live comfortably and be able to help others.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
It isn’t easy, make sure you want to do it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I feel like there’s more authenticity these days as opposed to people doing homework comedy, so I think it’s headed in a good direction. More love and kindness showing through wouldn’t go astray.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Letterkenny
“You were in AA the other day…”
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
New York Comedy Club:
John Cruckshank
Mia Faith Hammond
Greg and Rob
What’s next for you:
I really don’t know. I stress about it every day.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because the world is a very dark place.
Follow James Coburn’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: James Coburn
Youtube: James Coburn
Personal Website: James Coburn
