A sharp, self-aware comedian whose clever storytelling and dry wit have made her a standout voice on stage. Blending candid observations with unfiltered takes on modern life, relationships, and personal growth, she delivers material that is both relatable and incisive. She has the ability to find humor in everyday experiences, paired with her confident stage presence, which allows her to connect effortlessly with audiences while leaving a lasting impression. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Monica Gross. The Toronto, CN native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Monica Gross
Hometown: Toronto, CN
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: Instagram: @monicagross_ Tiktok: @monicagross__
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: SeriusXM Radio, The Washington Post, Just For Laughs Toronto, CBC Radio, your mom’s bedroom??
Comedic Influences: Jessica Kirson, John Mulaney, Iliza Shlesinger, & Mitch Hedberg
Favorite Comedy Album: Norm Macdonald “Me Doing Standup”
Favorite Comedy Special: Maria Bamford “Ask Me About My New God”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Mean Girls
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Jersey Shore
Favorite Comedic Character: Snookie
Favorite City to Perform In: Toronto
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Myself
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: The audiences that like me
Favorite Comedy Club: The Corner Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was working as an accountant and was depressed, and my friend said I was funny and asked me to participate in a storytelling fundraiser. I ended up performing in front of 300 people, and it went really well, so everyone told me to try standup. I then went to a comedy club in Toronto and bombed. Four years later, I decided to try again and haven’t stopped since.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I thought I was the funniest person on earth, the next Jerry Seinfeld, and ready to quit my job and get my Netflix special. My second performance humbled me back to earth.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Self-deprecating, dry, experience-based. I also love a good dumb joke.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I think about the same things and situations a lot, and usually, one of the ways in which I’ll think of something will be funny. When it is, I pull out my notes app and write it down. Usually, there are just thoughts/ideas/jokes circulating in my head until I get on stage at an open mic and try them out. I’ll write a few lines in my notes app and figure out the joke structure in my head, then write the rest on stage as I see how it goes.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Toronto has a diverse comedy scene, with an independent circuit and national club chains. This allows many different shows and comics to perform. It’s the biggest scene in Canada, which attracts a lot of comedians to the city as well. I’ve only been in Los Angeles for a couple of months, but there are the best of the best here, at the most world-renowned clubs. It’s very inspiring and motivating. Please book me if you are reading this.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Internally. At every level, you can feel fulfilled or feel like it’s not enough. I have goals, but I try my best to be happy with the journey and what I’ve accomplished.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Hannah Veldhoen, Sam Burns, and Tamara Shevon. These are all Canadian comics whom I love watching on stage, but I also love what they create off stage, whether it be social media skits, teaching comedy, writing shows, touring, the list can go on, but the point is I love watching them create both on and off stage.
I am also inspired by Robby Hoffman and Steph Tolev, neither of whom is my peer or knows who I am, but I have seen their rise to success, and it’s very inspiring as a fellow Canadian.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The friends I’ve made along the way. Jk, probs getting featured in The Washington Post.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
It doesn’t really matter because I’m never going to stop doing this. I love comedy. As long as there’s an open mic willing to put me on, I’ll be okay. Things also tend to work out as they should based on my experience, even if it’s not in the exact way or timeline I planned.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Sometimes they are surprised because I’m generally quiet, but my good friends know my sense of humor. Men are usually shocked.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
My journey was writing a tight 5 and bringing it to the open mics. Eventually I got booked on shows as producers will hang out and perform at the mics, then as time went on I built more time and got on more shows. I also did my own thing. I independently produced shows, posted on social media, and toured. Everyone’s career is different; there’s no one path.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
You don’t have to take anyone’s advice.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Hehe Bitch”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Trying to be chill around David Spade, even though I was obsessed with 8 Simple Rules.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Nudist Colony
A Monica Gross Fun Fact:
I am 5’1″, the same height as Kim Kardashian.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want to connect with people on a large scale. Comedy has helped me connect with people in a way that I think I was missing for a long time. After the show, people will come up to me as they know me, which is true since I reveal a lot about myself through my stand-up. Sometimes it’s overwhelming, but connecting with others and laughing over shared experiences is so beautiful. I would love to do it on a larger scale. TLDR: I want a Netflix Special.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I can sell them at a discount. Horrible joke, sorry, umm, I would say just stay true to yourself. Remember why you started, enjoy yourself, there are no rules in this industry, which is terrifying, exciting, and unsafe.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I like the decentralization of opportunity through social media and independent production. I think there are a lot of gatekeepers and politics being abolished by the ability to connect with people directly on phones. It’s also nice to see as a Canadian. There are opportunities without having to move to LA or New York.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Curb Your Enthusiasm. Picture this: Larry’s at a stoplight that he knows takes so long to change unless someone presses the crosswalk button. He sees someone standing there, and he’s like, “I should just tell them to press the crosswalk,” and Susie’s like, “Larry, are you insane? Just wait for the light to change.” They wait there for another 37 seconds. Larry acts up again. I can’t believe this guy’s not pressing it! I’ll just roll down the window and ask! Susie’s losing it. Larry finally does. The guy waiting at the light looks at him like, wtf, is your problem? Larry KNOWS that just pressing the button will let them all move faster. As they all start fighting, and this guy is freaked out that Larry asked him to press the button, the countdown begins on the streetlight crossing.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Comedy Store Main Room. Me. All my best friends (they count as one person). David Spade is doing every scene he was in in 8 Simple Rules as the headlining act. End.
What’s next for you:
Gonna go watch Love Is Blind now. I have some more shows in LA, then I go back to Toronto at the end of the month. I want to produce a few shows to give myself longer set times and prepare for my first album. Then, Netflix, World Domination, and 1M engaged Instagram followers who also follow me on tour. I am also bringing back my podcast, Menty Breaky with Hannah Veldhoen (mentioned earlier) at some point. I don’t know when, as we both have full lives and schedules, but it’ll be back one day. Is it even a podcast if it never had a hiatus? No.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It makes it all better, even if just by a bit.
Follow Monica Gross’ comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter: Monica Gross
Youtube: Monica Gross
