A Bay Area comedian who is quickly turning into a headlining star all across California due in large part to his “Ground & Pound” form of comedy. Poised to have guests holding their stomachs from laughter once they leave his show, this is one comic who gives it everything he has every time he steps on stage. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs while getting to know comedian Arturo Raygoza Jr. The Golden State native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and why he owns the laughs.
Name: Arturo Raygoza Jr.
Hometown: Bay Area, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @arturoraygozajr
Years in Comedy: 10 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: No TV credits. Soon, but not yet.
Comedic Influences: There are so many, but I have to go with Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr.
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Them Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Scary Movie 1 & 2.
Favorite Comedy TV Show: In Living Color
Favorite Comedic Character: Jim Carrey’s Fire Marshall Bill.
Favorite City to Perform In: New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Everyday life things people don’t really think about.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Cellar in NY
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I used to watch all the Comedy Central specials and roast shows.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember my first joke landing and I didn’t know what to do.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Observational & energetic.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write the premise of the joke and then work it out on stage. The more I do it the more it develops.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Very fun and competitive. There are independent shows being produced everywhere.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Getting to a point where I earn my living entertaining people and that I am a comic that is known for bringing it on stage.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Cody Woods, Sammy Obied, Kabir Singh & many others. I am a huge fan of comedy.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The first time I had a killer set the feeling I had on stage was amazing.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Just keep pushing and being honest with yourself. Helps me grow the most.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They normally try to tell me jokes which is cool…. sometimes.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s a grind that you have to do all on your own. Make your own goals and make it happen.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
People being easily offended.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Keep writing and getting up on stage.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Cartoon & Video Games
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any forms of comedy:
At a private hang out for off-duty cops and government officials… paid REALLY well.
An Arturo Raygoza Jr. Fun Fact:
I knocked out Joe Montana’s son when I used to play football.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To a place where I can be a successful touring comic, amazing specials, and I can write and create movies.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Make jokes that are funny to you. There is a crowd out there for you.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I’m worried that people will not be able to make mistakes and learn how to make an edgy bit work.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would be:
In Living Color
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, & Patrice O’Neil
What”s next for you:
Keep booking headlining work where I can, creating my own opportunities, and auditioning for big projects.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because it means you can enjoy your life and not take it too seriously.
Watch Arturo Raygoza Jr. in the short film Beer Wars
Follow Arturo Raygoza Jr. on all forms of social media:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @arturoraygozajr
