Today we’d like to introduce you to GAY-Z.
Hi GAY-Z, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started performing comedy professionally nine years ago on November 5, 2014 at the Cleveland Improv. I have opened for several comedians who were seen on Def Comedy Jam and Comicview in the 90s. Some of the comedians that I have opened for were Rodney Perry, Damon Williams, Just Nesh, Kelly Kellz, Bernita Ward, Rob Allen, Alex Thomas, and Gary Owen. The late great David A. Arnold was my comedy mentor; RIP David I will cherish my time with you forever! I am now transitioning to the writing aspect of the entertainment industry as I am pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree for Film and Television from The Los Angeles Film School. David encouraged me to pursue my career in writing right before he passed; he even was going to give me a job writing with him on one of his shows he was producing.
I have also been looking into the acting aspect of the television and film industry as I am managed by an agency. I let my comedy career take me wherever God/the Universe takes me. I have changed my direction many times in these past nine years, and I will continue to reinvent myself as I see fit. Unrelated to entertainment, I just obtained my license to sell health insurance. I am a jack of all trades and a master of none. I am currently writing a biopic on Rick James, a short film based on a young adult book series, a sketch comedy show, a sci-fi thriller loosely based on my life, and a 30-minute rom-com. I have so many projects that I want to showcase to the masses, and I am looking for someone to help me showcase my talents. Upon graduation, I hope to see if Mr. Tyler Perry has any openings for writers, as I would love to work alongside of him. I am blessed to be able to work in an industry that will take chances on the underdogs!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely NOT! The biggest struggle that I have faced along this path to stardom is the hatred I get from individuals that I started comedy with. I have always been talented, and many people don’t have the ambition and drive that I have so they look at my career in entertainment and get jealous of what I have accomplished. A friend of mine once told me that “my light irritates people’s demons!” I believe this is so true as I have had to sue several comedians that I formally worked with because they were spreading lies and rumors about me trying to defame my character. I have watched my own family turn against me based on my success. I have been through the wringer when it comes to working with other individuals, as many people turn against me in the end. I root for EVERYONE to win, but often times that is not reciprocated. I am never looking for another person to root for me, but it would be nice to have a group of people behind me that want to see me WIN! I am going to be building a team next year that is after one goal…healing this world and bringing world peace. I truly believe that is why God sent me here!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a comedian! I love to make people laugh. I have been making people laugh since I was a child. I first realized my gift of comedy in church as I had a Christmas speech where I had to dress up as a Christmas tree. I wore all green and wrapped colorful lights around me, and my opening lines were “I am a Christmas tree!” I was eight years old, and I made the whole congregation of at least 80 people burst out laughing. That feeling that I got from making so many people laugh was the drug I needed to keep being silly. I was the class clown at every school I attended in the Cleveland Heights School District. I truly believe that laughter can bring people together no matter how culturally divided we are. I have been known to make even the most racist individuals feel comfortable around me, and I can even get a smile from them.
My biggest comedy triumph was opening for the wonderful Gary Owen in October 2021. I am now working towards writing for film and television; I have entered my 30-minute rom-com into a few competitions that I am hoping to hear back from at the end of November 2023 if I am a finalist. The one thing that sets me apart from other comedians is my drive and determination to win at all costs. I have not had an easy road to the top, and I face many obstacles along this journey to success in the entertainment industry. I never give up. I keep pushing no matter what. I won’t let anyone or anything stop me. This is my eleventh magazine feature in four years, and I am honored that people recognize my talents and efforts to bring joy to this world.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Please support my YouTube page, Comedian GAY-Z, I am trying to build my views. One of the other things that sets me apart from other comedians is that I don’t repeat jokes. You may hear a few jokes that I repeat, but if you come to a comedy show two nights in a row most likely, you will not hear the same material from the night before. I want people to watch my YouTube videos because I have been posting my videos since 2014, and I want people to see how I have grown as a comedian over the years. I appreciate anyone who supports me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gayz_got_shows?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comedian.gayz
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@COMEDIANGAY-Z
- Other: https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-gay-z-comedian-civil-rights-activist/
Image Credits
Marla O’ Neal Celena Elise Ajoni Moore
