A rising comedian bringing a sharp, relatable perspective and a unique voice to the stand-up comedy scene. With a style that blends clever observations, personal experiences, and energetic storytelling, He knows how to connect with audiences while keeping them laughing from start to finish. Whether performing in clubs, theaters, or on the road, he continues to build momentum as a comedian worth watching. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Eugene Torres. The Orlando, FL native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Eugene Torres
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @EugeneTorresComedy
Years in Comedy: 13
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Fox & Hulu
Comedic Influences: Pete Holmes, Ali Siddiq, Greg Giraldo, Patrice O’Neal, & Chris Rock
Favorite Comedy Album: Greg Giraldo “Good Day to Cross a River”
Favorite Comedy Special: Patrice O’Neal’s “Elephant in the Room”
Favorite Comedy Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Favorite Comedy TV Show: What We Do In The Shadows
Favorite Comedic Character: Nandor the Relentless
Favorite City to Perform In: I don’t really have a favorite. The spot is open for the taking.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My life and experiences
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Diversity across the board: race, ethnicity, age, political ideologies, religious ideologies, etc. Just people who are different in certain aspects of their lives, but have decided to come together as one and enjoy a show.
Favorite Comedy Club: I had a really good time at LOL in San Antonio.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve been trying to make people laugh for as long as I can remember. My dad is one of the funniest people I know. As kids, my brother and I would always try to make him laugh. One day when I was like 6 or 7 years old, my mother saw me making weird faces in the reflection of a window. I was trying to practice my Ace Ventura impression. She said, “You’re going to grow up to be a comedian.” She was right.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember everything about it. I was in the middle of a Mixed Martial Arts career. I was teaching a guy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He told me that he was a comedian. I said, “How do you do that? The entertainment business doesn’t really exist here in Springfield, IL.” It turns out, he was an open mic comic. He told me to write 5 minutes of jokes, and then he took me to the next open mic. I signed up, and I actually had the best set of the night. I knew I was giving up my fight career after that night. I’ve been focused on stand-up comedy ever since.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I’m a storyteller. There are some short jokes here and there, but I love stories. Most of what I talk about on stage is autobiographical. My goal while performing is to come off as your friend who just happens to be the funniest person in the room so he’s holding court.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
My writing process has changed over the years. Nowadays, I kind of just think about different things that I’m going through or have happened to me in the past and I go up and talk about it. I trust my comedic instincts to make it funny. After riffing on the idea a couple times on stage, I’ll listen to a recorded version and write down what worked. Then, it’s just getting to those points while continuously adding to the bit until I feel like it’s finished.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Orlando is a very underrated scene. We have a lot of talented comedians. It feels like every time someone from Orlando moves on to a bigger scene, they rise quickly and go on to do great things. There’s plenty of stage time. Even if you’re not yet a working comedian, you can still get on stage most nights.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I have plenty of goals that I’m working towards achieving, but honestly, I would already say that I’m successful. Sure, I’m an unknown comedian, but I pay my bills doing what I love.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Pete Holmes has probably been my biggest influence. Not just in comedy, but in life. We have very similar ways of viewing the world. I consider myself a great storyteller, however, Ali Siddiq is the GOAT. In my opinion, he’s the greatest storytelling comedian of all-time, and his work ethic is unmatched. In my own scene, there are a lot of comedians that nobody knows who I enjoy watching. When I see young comics doing honest material and being vulnerable on stage I make a mental note to try to get them some opening spots for me when I have the opportunity.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I’m not going to name drop, but I had a lot of comedians who I looked up to when I was kid that now view me as a peer and respect my work. That’s still surreal to me.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
The realer you are the more you’ll be remembered.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I’ve always been the funny one in my circle, so nothing really changed. They react the same as they always have, but now I’m professionally funny.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
I always tell younger comedians, stand-up is a lifestyle. You have to live it. It’s like being a bodybuilder. They still go to the gym even when they don’t have a competition scheduled.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I don’t like the “clip farming culture” of stand-up comedy. As a long-form storyteller, it’s the opposite of what I like to do.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Regardless of whether the bit kills, if you don’t like the joke, don’t do it.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
I’ve been in talks to shoot one. The title will either be “Small Town Latino” or “Small Town Dreams.”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I rap battled Trevor Pennick (the black dude from O-Town) in a packed out club in Miami. I also rap battled MC Serch. My favorite celebrity moment was finding out slam dunk champion Dee Brown was a fan. I’m a diehard Boston Celtics fan. Finding out that a player I idolized as a kid is now a fan of mine is crazy.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A halloween store in an abandoned mall.
A Eugene Torres Fun Fact:
I’m the only comedian who was also a professional alligator wrestler.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Honestly, I just want to keep evolving and improving on the craft. I’d love to play all of the legendary venues. Outside of stand-up, I’d enjoy starring in and writing my own television show. I already have the pilot done.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be honest and be in the moment.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Honestly, I don’t think about it like that. I’m a comedian. Regardless if the future is bright or dim, it will still be the path that I’m traveling down. Comedy is an art. Like all other artforms, there will always be quality work if you look in the right places.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
The only sitcoms I’m familiar with are Fresh Prince, Martin, Wayans Bros, and The Jamie Foxx show. In my mid-20’s I got into The Office and What We Do In The Shadows. If it counts as a classic, I’d choose What We Do In The Shadows and the premise of the episode would be a retelling of “Dracula” but with Nandor as Dracula and Guillermo as Renfield.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I’ve yet to play it, but I’ve always wanted to perform at The Comedy Store. Selecting 3 comedians is tough, and I’d actually just like to be on the lineup with whoever the heavy hitters were that night.
What’s next for you:
I’m not sure when this will come out. I’m currently on tour in New England. Hopefully, I get the special that I mentioned earlier.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because our perspective is one of the few things we can control.
Follow Eugene Torres’ comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Tik-Tok: Eugene Torres
Youtube: Eugene Torres
Personal Website: Eugene Torres
