A sharp, quick-witted stand-up known for her effortlessly relatable storytelling and clever observational humor. Blending personal anecdotes with a playful edge, she navigates everyday experiences, relationships, and modern life with a distinct voice that feels both fresh and familiar. Whether on stage or on screen, she brings an engaging presence keeping audiences laughing while finding humor in the details most people overlook. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Rebecca Jaffe. The Chicago, IL native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Rebecca Jaffe
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @reb_jaffe/@rebeccajaffe
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Nope
Comedic Influences: Chris Fleming, Flight of the Conchords, & Rachel Bloom
Favorite Comedy Album: Mitch Hedburg “Strategic Grill Locations”
Favorite Comedy Special: John Mulaney “New in Town”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Favorite Comedy TV Show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite Comedic Character: my best friend and roommate Hannah Magy (laughs)
Favorite City to Perform In: Springfield, IL
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Animals!!!! I love animals and sing about them a lot.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Neurodivergent people
Favorite Comedy Club: Zanies Chicago
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
During the pandemic, I took a year off from college and made a comedic short film about battling vaginismus called “My Pussy and Me”. That’s how I got hooked on comedy!
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I got so into it, I started rolling on the floor.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Colorful, musical, silly, and friendly with a hint of meanness.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Usually, an idea will just pop into my head. Sometimes it’s inspired by a conversation with a friend, sometimes it appears to me in a dream, sometimes I get inspired while dog-walking (I’m a dog-walker, which gives me a lot of time to think and reflect).
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s got so much variety. So much standup, improv, character-work, and everything in between. You can think outside the box here. Just be prepared for VERY honest feedback from the audience!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I want to make a living doing what I love. I would like to get to that point. But in the end, I think real success is making people happy. If I did that, I did my job.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Again, my best friend, Hannah Magy. We write together a lot in our sketch duo, Jaffe and Magy, and she also does a lot of amazing improv and character work on her own. Check her out! I also love Roast Battle Chicago, and I admire all the amazing comics who have done it.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
That’s so hard to choose. All the times women have come up to me after my shows to tell me their own stories with vaginismus after hearing my song about it. That’s what this is all about.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Take care of your health. Pay ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY. When your body screams for a break, honor it.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They’re a little surprised I think? I think I give off a bit of a dumb demeanor because of my auditory processing issues, so it’s a shock when I say something kinda biting.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
I started in St. Louis in the open mic scene in the summer, but then I had to go back to college. So when I was at college, I eventually immersed myself in the central IL comedy scene, where I made some wonderful friends. Then I moved to Chicago right after graduation. I would reach out to every show I could find, hoping I could get a spot somewhere. That turned into a few unpaid gigs, which turned into more unpaid gigs, which eventually turned into paid gigs!
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Less stigma around musical comedy and prop comedy. People often assume it’s “hack” until they see my act. I try to watch all forms of comedy with an open mind, and THEN form an opinion.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Practice a lot, then stop practicing 2 hours before the show.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Opening Up”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
This has nothing to do with comedy, but when I was a kid, I met a member of the Imagination Movers, and I freaked TF out.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
An outdoor sorority fundraiser. So many bees outside. And my allergies went crazy.
A Rebecca Jaffe Fun Fact:
I used to be really into tap dancing. I was a teacher’s assistant for my college’s tap class. I was a terrible assistant, though.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would like to tour internationally with my goofy songs. That would be a dream come true.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Keep your blinders on. Don’t compare yourself to others, just focus on your journey. And the most important thing is being honest with yourself.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think comedy is so important in the tough times we’re going through. So I think it will continue to thrive.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
I DONT KNOWWWWWWW but I’ve been working on my own pilot called Rabid Becky. It’s about a baby’s music teacher who somehow gets thrown into the world of roast-battling. Sound familiar? (it’s inspired by me. That’s why it would sound familiar.)
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
This is SO HARD omg. I would do Zanies and have the Blue Man Group open for me. That’s all I know so far. I’m sorry, I still need to take my ADHD meds, so I’m not in planning mode.
What’s next for you:
I’m working on another sketch comedy show with Hannah Magy. Get ready for some wild, armadillo-related comedy.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Humor is a wonderful way to bring honesty and vulnerability into the mainstream. You never know who might relate to your story.
Follow Rebecca Jaffe’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/X/Tik-Tok: Rebecca Jaffe
Youtube: Rebecca Jaffe
Personal Website: Rebecca Jaffe
