As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Whisper Washington. The Washington D.C. native shares some of their favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how they always own the laughs.
Name: Whisper Washington
Hometown: Washington D.C./North Hollywood, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @_whisperw
Years in Comedy: 4
Comedic Influences: Martin Lawrence and Patrice O’Neal
Favorite Comedy Album: Richard Pryor “Is it Something I Said,” it was the first comedy album I ever heard and the most profanity I ever heard. I was a sheltered church kid growing up, that album was my first experience with raw comedy.
Favorite Comedy Special: Patrice O’ Neal “Elephant In The Room”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Coming to America, This movie in my opinion is classic and wasn’t really trying to be funny, it has timeless jokes.
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin
Favorite Comedic Character: Otis is a character from Martin.
Favorite City to Perform In: Washington D.C.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Myself/Family
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A diverse group usually ages 21-30.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
A friend took me to an open mic that she was doing and put me on the list without me knowing. I went up and did great I was hooked after that.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember being very relaxed and comfortable, I loved every minute of it. I of course remember the laughs and the great reaction from the other comics.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Observational comedy.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I don’t really have a specific process, I like to observe people and just find the funny in whatever it is I have observed. I do try to write at least one joke a day.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The comedy scene in my area is very diverse, people from all walks of life, of different ages and ethnicities. There are comedy shows almost every night.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Every level has a different way to gauge success, being able to go into a club and make a majority of the room is a successful night. I will feel successful when I am on a lineup with my comedy idols. Of course, having your own comedy special on Netflix or HBO is definitely a sign of success.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Brandon Black, Teddy Ray, and Daphnique Springs
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My most memorable moment in comedy has been performing in DC in front of my family. It was great to make them laugh and perform in my hometown.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
You can always come back from a bad set because there’s always another show.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Honestly, I get mixed reactions, Women usually react great they ask lots of questions and are excited. Men sometimes seem intimidated or think it’s weird that I tell jokes.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It has been a great experience building a career in stand-up, I’ve enjoyed every part of it. Most comics are willing to give advice and help you with jokes. There is a lot of networking and meeting different comics. It is a steady grind constantly going out and doing shows or being at shows. I have had a lot of great shows and learned from my mistakes. It is important to network with everyone, not just the comics you think Can open doors for you.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Female comics get more praise and opportunities.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Get on any and every stage you can, go up in front of all different types of audiences and pay attention to what works for which audience.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Got it out the Garden” instead of got it out the mud. I come from a very loving and encouraging family.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Sherry Shepherd at the mall years ago she was very nice but what was funny is she had come from the gym and her wig was on top of her bandana. I couldn’t stop staring at it
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A laundromat, no one was evening paying attention to me, it was loud and awkward.
A Whisper Washington Fun Fact:
I wanted to be a rapper when I was in high school and I had a band.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would like to have my own comedy show one day and do a comedy tour every 2 years.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Practice as much as possible, get on every stage you can but most of all listen to your audience, know what is landing and what is not.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I believe comedy is growing every day, some people are becoming more sensitive to certain things but comedy will continue to grow.
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:
Martin, Otis is my favorite character so maybe we have a day in his life.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Laugh Factory, Eddie Murphy, Amanda Seales, and Chris Rock. That would bring out a diverse group of people.
What’s next for you:
I am focusing on writing and creating more sketches, I have a few short films that will be going to film festivals next year.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
A person should never take things too seriously, try to find the funny in things, and laugh at them. Laughter is medicine and contagious, your laughter could help another person.
Watch Whisper Washington’s BLK Girl Interrupted Podcast:
Follow Whisper Washington’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @_whisperw
Youtube: BLK Girl Interrupted
