As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Jaylin White. The Pasadena, CA native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Jaylin White
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @JaylinWhiteLA
Years in Comedy: 3 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I did a show called BLOCKED on Revolt TV.
Comedic Influences: I’ve been inspired by so many WOMEN in the game: Luenell, Monique, Sommore, Laura Hayes, Adele Givens, and Melanie Camacho just to name a few. There are a few guys too: The GOAT Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Bernie Mac, Lavell Crawford, and Deon Cole.
Favorite Comedy Album: Redd Foxx “Uncensored”
Favorite Comedy Special: Lavell Crawford “Can A Brother Get Some Love?”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Silver Streak
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Sister Sister…don’t judge me!
Favorite Comedic Character: Pearl Shay from 227 played by Helen Martin.
Favorite City to Perform In: Hollywood, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Sex, being black, gay culture, and my childhood.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I love when the audience is drunk! Drunk people are more engaged and ready to laugh.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I fell into it because stand-up comedy was a part of the acting program I was in and I didn’t completely suck so it stuck to me.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The adrenaline rush that I felt after performing. Knowing I entertained the crowd made me feel a level of accomplishment that I never felt before in my life.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Bold and honest! I love telling the truth about my life and experiences.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
So y’all want my secrets! (Laughs) Honestly, I sit there with a pen and notepad and try to dig deep into what matters most to me. I generate concepts then I work to find the funny in them.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
In Pasadena, the comedy scene is beginning to bloom especially since we’ve been in this pandemic and popular spaces like The Ice House have shut down, The Pasadena Comedy has been a saving grace and a hub for comedians who are not only supportive but truly love this craft.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Of course, every comedian wants to sell out arenas, I want that too, I define success in this world as an up-and-coming comedian by having an undeniable level of universal funny, and gaining the respect of my peers.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My comedy mother, Sally Mullins inspires me because she slays the stage every time she hits it by baring her authenticity. Her talent drives me to dig deeper into my own point of view.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
That one time I bombed in Silver Lake, I knew I was funny, but I definitely scared those white people.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That you win some and you lose some. Some shows are better than others. It’s not always personal, it’s comedy.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People expect me to be ON all the time, which can be exhausting, but it keeps the phone ringing.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s a grind but it’s rewarding. I’ve learned that you have to be willing to endure discrimination amongst promoters and venues because it’s a part of the game.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
It would be nice if we could strip unfunny people of their egos, just because someone is booked everywhere doesn’t mean they have what it takes, they just know how to bring out a crowd.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
I asked Flame Monroe about how can I deal with my own performance anxiety and she said that every time I hit the stage it should be for ME. Of course, I should be funny but everything I say should be said in necessity. I’m sharing my point of view because I need to, I have to.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
White People Invented COVID!
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I’ve had an awkward stare down in the men’s bathroom with Bobby Lee at The Comedy Store one time, I’m almost sure he doesn’t remember it, I just wanted to know if he was going to wash his hands honestly.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Silver Lake at the Lyric Hyperion! It in itself wasn’t weird, but I bombed that night so we are going to say it was!
A Jaylin White Fun Fact:
I’m the guy that will warm up fish in the staff break room but I always join in with the outage of “Who would do that?!” after I sneak and finish my lunch in the car.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want to travel the world, film specials, do tv. I want to sell out arenas and one day become a household name.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be yourself because people value authenticity, and always tell the truth, or at least your version of it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think the industry is going to continue to expand if we somehow escape this cancel/censorship culture.
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:
I would write a new episode of The Jeffersons, and make them move down into the basement rather than the penthouse because black people don’t move up so easily.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would go to the main room at The Comedy Store and feature Katt Williams, Monique, and Luenell.
What’s next for you:
I am launching a podcast called DICKPRESSION and I’m just going to continue performing until I’m discovered.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life sucks to make it plainly and it’s always better to be in on the joke than to be the butt of it.
Follow Jaylin White’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @JaylinWhiteLA
