As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Reem Edan. A rare renaissance woman for the 21st century, Edan is a comedian, writer, actress, and digital content creator known for her unique brand of “Muslim-ennial” humor. The Fort Collins, CO native shares some of their favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how they always own the laughs.
Name: Reem Edan
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Tik-Tok: @ReemEdan & Facebook.com/ReemEdanComedy
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Soon to be on “Stand-up Sketch Show” on Shahid VIP (Arabic streaming platform) WhoHaha (filmed a sketch with Elizabeth Banks for Pitch Perfect 3), and Smile Squad “What It’s Like to Have an Arab Girlfriend”
Comedic Influences: Dave Chappelle, Jo Koy, Russell Peters, Ali Wong, & Tom Segura
Favorite Comedy Movie: The Hangover, Superbad, & Pineapple Express
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office, What We Do in the Shadows, South Park, & Norsemen
Favorite Comedic Character: Michael Scott
Favorite City to Perform In: New York, New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My family
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Club crowds
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was a fat kid, so had to develop a personality at a young age. It was an offense/defense strategy. I was always putting on skits or being silly, doing voices, etc. I grew up and became “the funny girl” at work… until I decided to try an open mic one day, and the rest is history.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
It was exhilarating and scary and everything I hoped it would be. I like public speaking and making jokes, so I didn’t think I would be as nervous as I was. But I did well, and other comics came up to me after congratulating me and encouraging me to keep pursuing it, so I’m grateful for them.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Smart, witty, identity-based, quick, character-driven.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I’m all over the place, and it’s continuously evolving. Sometimes I convert tweets into jokes. But usually, wait until something funny pops up naturally in conversation and try to break it into a premise/act-out. I often think about funny stories I have from my past and find a way to bring them back to life on stage.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I’m in LA, so there’s plenty of shows. But I travel a lot, so I don’t necessarily feel like I have a home base.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
It’s different for everyone and based on their goals. To me, being funny is the most significant factor. And they are continually improving and reaching new limits (both onstage and off).
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I have a million. I’ve loved watching my fellow Arab/Muslim comics grow and achieve a lot these past few years.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Jay Leno shook my hand and told me I was funny…Twice.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Don’t make jokes about stereotypes you’re trying to correct or position them in a way that “Westerns will get it.” Be authentic.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
“Tell me a joke.”
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s all about the waves — ride the high ones but expect the low ones. It’s about persistence and growth. It was much more challenging at first, proving to people that I should be on this path, especially those who cared about me and didn’t want to see me fail. So it was a balancing act of continuing to do this regardless of the criticism, knowing in my heart that it would work one day. And I’m grateful that “day” has finally come, but I realize now that it wasn’t just one day/gig/title. It’s all about the little successes.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
People who act from a “lack” mentality.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Write five new minutes a month. In a year, you’ll have a new hour.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Got Reemed.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I accidentally ran into Paris Hilton once in Vegas. I RAN INTO HER!
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Back of a Chinese restaurant.
A Reem Edan Fun Fact:
I got kicked out of the Vatican once.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d like to have my own sketch show and my own production company to churn out content.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Quality > Quantity. It’s better to have five amazing minutes than 15 mediocre ones. Don’t worry about writing new jokes; worry about perfecting the ones you have.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Social media takeover.
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 will save that for a spec script.
If you could choose one comedy club and three comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I produce my own show, so I get to do that all the time 🙂
What’s next for you:
I have a mini special in Arabic coming out soon. I hope to sell a tv show and act more.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Why not?
Watch Reem Edan’s Comedy Reel:
Follow Reem Edan’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @ReemEdan Reem Edan Comedy
Youtube: Reem Edan
Personal Website: www.reemedan.com
