An NYC-based stand-up comedian known for his sharp, relatable storytelling and quick wit. A Cuban comic described as “lovable, sassy, and a little urban,” he won the 2022 Connecticut Comedy Contest and produces a regular Brooklyn comedy show called Cuba Libre. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Paul Valdes-Rodriguez. The Norwalk, CT native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Paul Valdes-Rodriguez
Hometown: Norwalk, CT/New York, NY
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @pvrcomedy
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: My stand-up clips have gone viral a few times this year and I’m releasing my debut special on my YouTube channel this month! Make sure to like and subscribe to @pvrcomedy on YT!
Comedic Influences: Dave Chappelle, Katt Williams, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, & Dane Cook
Favorite Comedy Album: Dane Cook “Harmful If Swallowed”
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Them Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Step Brothers
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Simpsons
Favorite Comedic Character: Homer Simpson
Favorite City to Perform In: New York City
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My relationship, ethnic background, differences between men and women.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A diverse crowd of 22-35 year olds
Favorite Comedy Club: New York Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was a very shy kid and making people laugh is what broke me out of my shell. A friend showing me Dane Cook’s albums is what gave me the thought that I could do it too.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember being excited but nervous. I wasn’t used to public speaking so my hand was shaking as I held the mic. I think I told one joke.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I would say it’s a mix of observational humor where I blend incongruencies in my thoughts. For example I’ll say things that don’t exactly match up like “one time I was watching a romantic comedy with my boys.” Others have described it as “lovable, sassy, and a little urban.”
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I like to hang out with non-comics for inspiration. I think regular people are funnier than most comedians. When I get an idea I write it in my phone and then eventually I’ll write out in a real joke structure after sitting with it for a while.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
New York City is the Mecca of comedy. There’s so many opportunities that no matter how hard you’re trying, you’ll still feel like you’re not doing enough.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Popularity. People wanting to buy tickets to my shows and quoting my jokes with their friends is what leads to the more sought after accolades like Netflix specials, film/TV roles, and press.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Nobody in particular that I get excited about but I love watching whoever is hot at the moment to see how I compare.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I won a comedy contest that I lost the year before. My dad was in the audience and when they announced me as the winner, he was smiling so hard you would’ve thought HE won the contest!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. And it wouldn’t kill me to smile more.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They tend to talk to me more. Laughter is comforting and people always get interested when they find out the quiet guy at work does stand up comedy.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s difficult because you have to be funny way before you can call it a career. You have to build your skills as a writer and performer before you start thinking about entrepenuership and sales. Get really funny first, then worry about the money. Also, keep your day job for as long as possible.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I’m not sure how, but make it easier for comics to get paid. In the beginning, we’re often paying for stage time and most of the opportunities we get are pay-to-play situations.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“The stakes are low.” What this means is you can’t focus so much on what you can “get” if you do well and instead your focus should just be on delivering a great performance.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
I AM releasing a comedy special this week! “The Quiet One” is dropping on my YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe and throw me some likes!
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was out drinking with some friends in Philly when we stopped in a WaWa to get food before ending the night. In there was famous Gospel Singer Kirk Franklin. I didn’t know who he was at the time but we all got pictures together.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A storage facility for canoes.
A Paul Valdes-Rodriguez Fun Fact:
For years I practiced Wing Tsun kung fu. I even went to Hong Kong and trained for a week. I had to leave it behind when I moved to NYC for comedy. It hurts me everyday because I was actually quite good at it and I miss it deeply.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Film and TV for sure. I’ve always wanted to play a role in a comedy movie. OR a heist movie! Being the funny character in an ensemble cast would be a lot of fun.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be likable. Whatever that means to you, make sure the audience likes you because no matter how funny you are, if they don’t like you, you won’t get the laughs you deserve.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think it’s headed in a good direction. Comics are starting to make their own opportunities for themselves and there’s plenty of outlets for good comedy.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
An episode of the George Lopez show where George and the family take one of the first cruise trips to Cuba after it reopened to American tourists. Their Cuban grandpa Vic and his dynamic with his grandchildren that are half Cuban and half Mexican, would be the focus of the episode as it would be his first time back to the country after the Cuban revolution.
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 and I would choose my two friend Byron Austin and Chris Lopez. Then I would have Dave Chappelle because I think it would be a great opportunity for all of us to perform with the GOAT.
What’s next for you:
After releasing this special, I’m going use it as a way to prove to clubs on the road that I can kill for an hour or longer so I can book more shows, grow my following, and develop a larger fan base.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
The crushing weight of life will always feel lighter if you can laugh at it.
Follow Paul Valdes-Rodriguez’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: Paul Valdes-Rodriguez
Youtube: Paul Valdes-Rodriguez
