Fresh off the release of her debut comedy special, not only does she treat this like a full-time dream job, but she also enjoys this lifestyle better than her wildest dreams. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Anna Simeri. The Elkhart IN native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Anna Simeri
Hometown: Elkhart IN/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @annasimeri/@Anna-simeri
Years in Comedy: 9
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: You can watch my special “9.5” now on YouTube.
Comedic Influences: Sarah Silverman, Mike Birbiglia, Issa Rae, & Tina Fey
Favorite Comedy Album: Mitch Hedberg “Mitch All Together”
Favorite Comedy Special: Mike Birbiglia “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Parks and Rec
Favorite Comedic Character: Selina Meyer
Favorite City to Perform In: Portland, OR
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Men. It’s an endless well.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A warm one
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store (The Belly Room)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
My dad’s passion for comedy transferred to all his children. He would DVR-specific bits (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Arnez J. joke about his brother Rodney) and listen to comedy albums in the car, and we grew up almost exclusively watching In Living Color and SNL.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
It felt right. A lightbulb moment really when I realized that this is what I should be doing with my life.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I asked my husband to answer this one for me, and he said, “Sharp.” Most of my comedy is my opinions on things or trying to get the audience to understand my point of view. Some of my peers have complimented my ability to make an audience really listen. And a lot of straight women have come up to me after shows to thank me for saying the things they wanted their boyfriend/husband to hear.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I observe/read/experience something, form an opinion, then write, write, write. My jokes read like essays. If anyone saw my joke book, they would think it was a diary.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
My husband is an incredible producer and runs some of the best shows in the city, so I get spoiled when it comes to the “scene”. I love the comedy scene I’m in because we’re usually the ones curating it.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Having great people think you’re great. If you get the respect from your talented peers, that’s success in my book.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
The list is honestly too long.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Shooting my first special.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
This business is very hard and unpredictable, so be sure to celebrate the wins as they come.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
HA! I’m sure every comic who’s done this questionnaire has answered the same way, but that’s only because it’s the truth. People will always and without a doubt say, “tell me a joke”.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
I’m still trying to figure that one out…
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
The importance of social media.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
No one is at home thinking about you. If you want to get on a show, ask to be on that show. Sell yourself because no one is going to do it for you. (It wasn’t as harsh as it reads).
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
I did! It’s called 9.5, and you can find it on YouTube now!
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Running into Kevin Nealon and Brad Garrett on a hike. What could have been a 2-minute encounter turned into a day of laughs and my friend helping Kevin film some scenes for his web series. I think when he found out she was a PA (physician’s assistant) he assumed she was the other kind of PA.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
My husband produces a show at the Heal the Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica. They have tanks where you can pet baby sharks before the show. That’s pretty weird!
An Anna Simeri Fun Fact:
Damn. Struggling with this question makes me feel like I might not be that fun…
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’m writing my own show. In fact, in case any producers are reading this…I have the pilot ready to send. I’m just saying.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
If you think it’s funny, it probably is. If you have a premise you’re excited about, but it doesn’t seem to be working, don’t throw it away. Keep working it out. The moment it finally comes together on stage is priceless.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
More women, please. Keep giving women the mic. We’re super funny.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
With all these reboots, you think I’m giving an idea away for free?!
What’s next for you:
An agent is going to read this article, watch the special, sell my script, get me in a movie, and then my husband and I will buy a home big enough to house four cats and three dogs. (Is this how you manifest?)
Why should a person always laugh at life:
The alternative seems a lot less fun.
Follow Anna Simeri’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Anna Simeri
Youtube: Anna Simeri
Personal Website: Anna Simeri
