In her hilarious debut comedy special A Jewish Star, Ariel Elias reminds us how to laugh in the face of conflict.
Growing up Jewish in Kentucky meant being told she was going to hell, explaining what the six-pointed star around her neck meant, and never knowing how to pronounce her own name. But Elias tackles each moment, taking uncomfortable interactions and turning them into punchlines. So it makes sense that during a performance in 2022, when an enraged heckler hurled a full can of beer at her, Elias calmly picked up the beer and chugged it, turning what could have been a disaster into a viral moment that would launch her career. She delves into the aftermath with humor and honesty, from the political argument that preceded the assault, to the genuine admiration and jealousy for a couple in love.
Throughout the special, Elias fearlessly opens up about her frustrations with how men clean, as well as her own insecurities when it comes to her body, sitting next to Hasidic men on the subway, having herpes, and whether or not to have kids.
Ariel Elias: Ariel Elias is a comedian living in New York City. Growing up, this Kentucky Jew made everyone laugh at her bat mitzvah, and the rest is history. Today, her comedy is a fun mesh of unique, personal stories mixed with witty and wry observations.
Described as “a sly young comic from Kentucky” by the New York Times, Ariel has also been featured in Rolling Stone, the Washington Post, and on Good Morning America. She was named a “New Face” at the 2021 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, as well as Paste Magazine’s Best Comedians of 2022.
After catching Jimmy Kimmel’s attention with a viral stand-up clip that displayed her cool, calm, and hilarious composure, he invited Ariel to make her late night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! which received over one million views on YouTube. In 2024, she followed it up with an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
When not performing, she’s probably petting a dog or struggling through a crossword puzzle.
800 Pound Gorilla Media: 800 Pound Gorilla Media, the largest comedy label in the world, with over 400 of the industry’s top comedians including Kevin Hart’s LOL Records.
Established in 2016, 800 Pound Gorilla Media was started by managers of comedians in need of a company that would bring a modern focus of behavioral targeting, digital marketing and fan engagement around comedy video projects and audio.
The company has released over 500 comedians’ projects and has partnered with companies like Netflix, Kevin Hart’s LOL, and All Things Comedy. The company has also produced and released over 60 stand-up comedy video specials on various platforms, including two of the most successful comedy specials ever on YouTube, Mark Normand’s Out To Lunch and Matt Rife’s Only Fans. Their legacy label, Clown Jewels, is home to the works of Lucille Ball, Robin Williams, The Smothers Brothers, Bob Newhart and other legends. After acquiring The Laugh Button, fans can now come to 800PGM.com even for their comedy industry news. Beyond stand-up, 800PGM currently has multiple original video projects in development with comedians you love.
800 Pound Gorilla is the go-to place for stand-up comedy fans, bringing you the latest and greatest specials from your favorite comedians. It’s all about giving comics a platform to premiere their new specials and connect with fans like you. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, but with team members in New York, Los Angeles, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the company is committed to delivering the best comedy to its audience, no matter where it originates. As huge comedy nerds, they think comedians are the coolest people in the world and help bring their vision to life. Striving to be the destination for comedy lovers like ourselves to discover and enjoy the funny, fantastic work of those comedians.
Driven by their love for comedy, 800pgm is here to deliver fresh, funny laughs straight to you, no matter where you are.
