While many comedians are terrified to take their brand of comedy to parts unknown, allow him to welcome you to the dark side. He’s a man that is not afraid to share with you his trials and tribulations because unlike most, he has a way of bringing a very funny side to it. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Nicholas Ceppaglia. The Fresno, CA native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and why he owns the laughs.
Name: Nicholas Ceppaglia
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @nickfitzwell
Years in Comedy: 7
Comedic Influences: Steven Wright, Anthony Jeselnik, & Mitch Headberg
Favorite Comedy Album: Tom Segura “Thrilled”
Favorite Comedy Special: Zach Galifianakis “Live at The Purple Onion”
Favorite Comedy Movie: The Other Guys
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Futurama
Favorite Comedic Character: Will Ferrell
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Anything dark
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Humans
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
When I was in middle school. I always enjoyed making my friends laugh.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I just remember the high I got when the audience laughed.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Dark & Silly
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I just write down jokes as they pop into my mind.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Minimal
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Being able to live and pay bills makes people laugh.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Matt Amos, Tony Le, Chris Cruz, Trevor Richardson, Kevin Tienken, David Glass, & Rene Vaca.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Performing in both The Bellyroom and The Original Room at The World Famous Comedy Store.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
The only time you fail in comedy is when you give up. Every rough set and every bomb makes you stronger because you learn from your previous experience.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People are usually impressed or ask you to tell them a joke.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Doing standup has been a lot of fun. It’s been a long road, but I have definitely enjoyed the journey.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would like for PC culture to die and let comedians get back to telling jokes.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Practice timing and sometimes less is more.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Bad jokes told well.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A Catholic school fundraiser
A Nicholas Ceppaglia Fun Fact:
I intentionally sing poorly to songs in the car.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I just want to be a respected comedian that people enjoy seeing perform.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be yourself and put in the work. The rest will follow.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I just hope we get back to normal and the clubs open up again.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I have always wanted to perform at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. I would like to perform with Tom Segura, Andrew Santino, and Ian Edwards.
What’s next for you:
Hopefully, get back to performing in clubs and making a show with all my friends.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because life is a joke.
Watch Nicholas Ceppaglia at The HaHa Comedy Club in North Hollywood, CA:
Follow Nicholas Ceppaglia comedy journey on all forms of social media at @nickfitzwell
*Photos courtesy of Joel Brandano & Joey Ceppaglia
