A southern boy who’s best known for his personal storytelling method that is sure to keep you laughing hysterically. Currently, he’s touring the country amongst the hottest comedians in the game, but it’s only a matter of time before he’s the star of his own show. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Justin Elliott. The Miami, FL native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Justin Elliott
Hometown: Miami, FL/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @justinuncut
Years in Comedy: 10 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: At the family BBQs
Comedic Influences: Katt Williams & Kevin Hart
Favorite Comedy Album: Kevin Hart “Seriously Funny”
Favorite Comedy Special: Kevin Hart “Seriously Funny”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Harlem Nights
Favorite Comedy TV Show: First 48
Favorite Comedic Character: Bernie Mac
Favorite City to Perform In: San Antonio, TX
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Personal Lifestyle
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Mixed Audiences
Favorite Comedy Club: Miami Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
In high school, I was a class clown, so the passion just stuck.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I performed at my HS graduation and lit up the room, so I kept performing. I bombed for a month straight after that.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Personal life stories.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Whatever interests me and is topical
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Cliquish, but what scene isn’t?
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Getting a comedy special and Respect from your comedy peers.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Shapel Lacey & David Lucas
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Doing a sold out 1400 seater for New Years with Bryan Callen.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That you might fail but can always get back up.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Always want me to “tell them a joke”…I get paid for my time now. This ain’t high school.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Tough, but the journey is one of a kind.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
How comedy clubs evaluate talent for their shows.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Just be yourself and keep writing.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Think Before You Speak
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Dave Chappelle at the Hollywood Improv one night. He was so cool. He went around and gave every comic with me handshakes. But by the time he got to me, I had a handful of roasted peanuts in my hand. I couldn’t shake Dave Chappelle’s hand with salty hands, so I gave him a chest bump instead. Total Loss. (Laughs)
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any forms of comedy:
I performed outside at a festival. I wouldn’t recommend it.
A Justin Elliott Fun Fact:
I am allergic to everything. Especially weird vibe people.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To the movie screen.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Just keep doing you and learn the business of stand-up. It’s called “Show Business” for a reason.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think it is trending positively. With social media involved, now there’s a different dynamic to reach a worldwide audience.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
Black-ish. It would be an episode on the difference between light skin and dark skin dudes.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The club would be Miami Improv with Shapel Lacey, David Lucas & OG Mike Epps. That show would be epic.
What’s next for you:
Booking these shows and going on tour.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
.Because life is too hard to be mad. Live & Laugh for today so tomorrow can be a better day.
Watch Justin Elliott on the Think Before You Speak podcast:
Follow Justin Elliott’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @justinuncut
Youtube: Justin Elliott
