She has built a loyal following through her fearless humor, vibrant personality, and unapologetic storytelling. Blending sharp observations about relationships, culture, everyday struggles, and social media life, she brings an energetic and relatable voice to the stage and screen. With a growing presence in stand-up comedy and digital entertainment, TortaBarbie continues connecting with audiences through authentic laughs and bold comedic charisma. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Stephanie Mateo. The Anaheim, CA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Stephanie Mateo (Tortarbie)
Hometown: Anaheim, CA
Instagram//Tik-Tok: @Tortarbie
Years in Comedy: 3 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Social Media
Comedic Influences: Martin Lawrence & Jim Carey
Favorite Comedy Special: Anything from Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, & Kat Williams
Favorite Comedy Movie: Ace Ventura, Dumb & Dumber, & Step Brothers
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin, In Living Color, & Chapelle Show
Favorite Comedic Character: Sheneneh (Martin)
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My life
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: N/A
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I discovered this as a child because I enjoyed making my older brother laugh, but didn’t do anything about it until I was an adult.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember being extremely nervous, and I had to take a shit right before going on stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Self-deprecating and life experience
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Usually listening to some music while smoking a joint.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Since I’m close to Los Angeles, it’s very busy and competitive.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I judge success by how often a comedian is performing, especially in well-known venues and tours.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I absolutely enjoy watching well-established comedians (long lost to name) and seeing their stage presence in person, and what they speak of to determine if this is something I will attain.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I have several, but being able to open up for some comedy legends, performing in other states, and selling out shows.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I’ve learned that you can’t trust everyone and that my beliefs in God are very important to keep me focused and grounded.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People are very positive after a show, and tell me I was the funniest one on the lineup. They follow me on social media and or purchase one of my shirts.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
First, you need to be funny and able to speak in front of people. Establish good jokes and start performing at venues and record every set. Learn to create short videos and upload them on all social media platforms. Create a brand that people will remember you by and network.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would change the envy comics have towards one another. There’s room for everyone to grow.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Tiffany Haddish told me to pretend I’m hosting a party and just talking to my friends, and Martin Lawrence told me that he’s bombed before, but he kept going, and look where he is now.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“The Life of Tortarbie”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met a very established UFC fighter who is also very attractive, and I was so drunk that I asked him if he could spank me. He laughed and said what? I told him I want him to spank me. He did, and it hurt so bad, and I welled up quickly, and I said, ” Man, you hit like a bitch.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
The weirdest place was at a Barbershop
A Stephanie Mateo Fun Fact:
I’m addicted to sugar like a crackhead is to crack.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
The ultimate goal is a Netflix special and documentary about my life.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I would tell them to be genuine on stage because the audience can tell when it’s fake.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
If the cancel culture continues, it will destroy comedy.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
It would be for Martin, and it would be a reenactment of my dating life where I had an allergic reaction on a date cuz he owned a cat and a dog.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store with Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and Kat Williams
What’s next for you:
Performing in San Diego on 5/14 and 5/15, many other shows are lined up this month. Celebrate 3 years in comedy 6/13 at The StandUp Comedy Club. Brea Improv in July to celebrate 5 years sober from alcohol. Shooting more sketches to continue to grow my followers.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
A person should always laugh because it burns calories without having to work out and it’s a natural drug.
Follow Stephanie Mateo’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Tik-Tok: Stephanie Mateo
Youtube: Stephanie Mateo
Personal Website: Stephanie Mateo
