His style balances self-deprecating humor with observational takes, making him relatable and engaging to diverse audiences. Beyond stand-up, he has appeared in clubs and festivals across the country, steadily building a reputation as a comic who can both entertain and connect on a personal level. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Anthony Bonazzo. The New Jersey native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Anthony Bonazzo
Hometown: New Jersey/Chicago, IL
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @Comediantrainer
Years in Comedy: 20
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Drybar Comedy, Videos for The Onion, LMAOF Only Fans Comedy Ep. 53, Youtube Special Northside/Southside, opened for Michael Che
Comedic Influences: Seinfeld, Bill Burr, & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Album: Do people still listen to Albums? I loved all the old Adam Sandler Comedy Albums
Favorite Comedy Special: Michael Che Matters
Favorite Comedy Movie: Old School
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Seinfeld/Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Comedic Character: Larry David
Favorite City to Perform In: Chicago, IL
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Everything!
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Someone who listens attentively and laughs audibly.
Favorite Comedy Club: Zanies, The Comedy Bar, & The Laugh Factory
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was one of 8 kids and grew up doing comedy at seven years old at the dinner table, doing impressions of family members.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I blacked out after. I did well, but I was so nervous the night before. The night I performed, I had so much adrenaline that I passed out on the car ride home. It was an Amateur Competition at the Richmond Funny Bone.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Topical, witty, one-liners, rapid fire, & set up/punchlines
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I observe a lot throughout the day and think, That’s funny or That could be a bit. Then I’ll test it on social media. If it does well there, I’ll try at an open mic. Or if I am headlining, I’ll try it in the middle of the set.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s great. A lot of venues host shows almost every night!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If I am busy, making money, doing well, and continuing to grow both on and off stage, and continually getting new opportunities, that’s when I feel like I am growing and having success.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I love Sam Morril. He’s a great joke writer, but also very good at crowd work and handling hecklers.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Opening for Michael Che. And doing a set at a Club with the Cast of SNL.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
You dust off, get to the next set, and try to keep improving by taking what you’ve learned and implementing it. You have to have a short memory when it comes to stuff like that, or you’ll end up getting depressed and being too hard on yourself. Comedy is hard!
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They are usually surprised. I am a short guy with glasses. I look like I could be your financial planner. So when I get people going, I think it’s a funny contrast to them, and they are usually surprised.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
You are the CEO, and the product. Start writing, hitting mics, go after shows, go after shows you may not be ready for, and try anyway. Promote yourself on social media. Keep going up, keep challenging yourself, don’t typecast your act. Try new things, sing, rap, and do impressions. Find your voice along the way and lean into that. So many comics put a short set together and do that set forever. That would drive me nuts. That would be like going to the gym and doing the same workout every day.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
That people would be less uptight and realize how hard this is. It’s not all TikTok, and it’s not all crowd work. I wish it would go back in some ways to where people told more jokes and worked on writing more. I don’t mind crowd work, but I think it’s getting to a point where people want good old-fashioned joke writing again. And I think that’s a good thing.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Believe you deserve things. And from the great Ted Alexandro: Be bold and envision the life you want, and then take disciplined steps towards making it a reality.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“I Just Look Jewish”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once had to help Louie Anderson out of his chair in the Green Room to say hello to a family that wanted to meet him. They were all crying because they loved him. And as I am helping him up, he’s yelling, “Watch my back, Anthony! Watch my back!” and then they all start hugging and crying, and at the same time, the MC is announcing my name to come out on stage. I had to sprint to the stage.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In a boxing ring.
A Anthony Bonazzo Fun Fact:
I am one of eight kids and also a Personal Trainer.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d love to tour more and/or write for a show for some stability, and I love writing. And do some more acting.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be yourself and write what you think is funny, not what other people will. Be authentic to yourself always.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I hope it gets to a place where it’s more respected as an art form. Social media has made it somewhat of a free-for-all of interrupting. And getting back to where people want to hear well-written jokes and not be so uptight, and realize not everything is meant to be taken literally.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
I would probably redo the series Finale of Seinfeld – that was bad.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Comedy Club on State Sam Morril, Bill Burr, & Taylor Tomlinson
What’s next for you:
I am performing in Vegas in October at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It’s what keeps us grounded. And helps us take life less seriously. We all need to lighten up a little, and in the process, we see the humor in all things.
Follow Anthony Bonazzo’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter: Anthony Bonazzo
Youtube: Anthony Bonazzo
Personal Website: Anthony Bonazzo
