Comedians
Now a massive star in Ireland, native New Yorker, Des moved from Queens to Ireland in his mid-teens in 1990. He first came to prominence with his extraordinary TV series The Des Bishop Work Experience (2004), where he lived on minimum wage in a series of different jobs in Ireland. Mixing this documentary footage with stand-up, the series became one of the most talked-about of the year, and propelled Des into national stardom. In 2006, he embarked on his second critically acclaimed TV series, Joy In The Hood, where he taught stand-up comedy in disadvantaged areas in four major Irish cities. Another hugely successful live tour followed including invitations to the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and the Melbourne Comedy Festival in Australia.
Des’s most recent project took him to Beijing, China in 2013 to learn Mandarin and he has been living there for the past 18 months. He is now fluent and the show, Breaking China was another major hit for broadcaster RTE in 2014 and he also made a half hour radio documentary about the rise of Stand Up in China for the BBC World Service called “Stand up for China”. His live show again opened at the Edinburgh Festival where he played to over 5,000 people and included an invitation to perform at the Soho Theatre in London and a return to Barrow Street in New York.
Comedy veteran Steve Byrne has seemingly done it all and continues to push himself to accomplish even more. Starting over 20 years ago and cutting his teeth in all the major clubs in NYC, including the Comedy Cellar, he then ventured off to Los Angeles, began working at the Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv, and his career really took off. After becoming a regular on the late-night talk show circuit and even doing "The Tonight Show" ten times, Steve racked up multiple hour specials on Comedy Central, Netflix, and Showtime. In 2012, he starred in, produced and wrote the TBS hit show "Sullivan & Son", which ran for 3 seasons. Through the show, he cultivated a deep appreciation for storytelling, and in 2019 released his first film, "Always Amazing", a documentary about comic/magician the Amazing Johnathan. In 2020, Steve wrote and directed the indie feature "The Opening Act", his love letter to stand-up comedy, that garnered critic and audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes at 82 and 83% Fresh. In 2022, he released his fifth hour special, "The Last Late Night", on Amazon Prime, his most innovative work to date and rated 5/5 stars – an hour special disguised as a late-night talk show. Steve continues to tour relentlessly, work on material, and is currently casting his next film that he wrote and will direct towards the end of this year.
Beau McDowell is a stand-up comedian and former co-host of the "Losers with a Dream" podcast alongside comedy legend Lisa Lampanelli. Beau performs regularly on the East Coast, and is known for his big personality, big stature, and even bigger sense of humor about his former struggles with substance abuse, family codependency, and his search for self-acceptance. Beau’s ability to approach serious, and sometimes heartbreaking, experiences with levity and warmth differentiate him as a comedian on the rise with something new to say. Find him on Instagram @beaumcdowellcomedy!
Judy has had stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. She was a part of Netflix's Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. She is the author of Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, a critically acclaimed book about free speech and cancel culture which debuted as the number one comedy release on Amazon and was featured in the New York Times Book Review. Judy is also host of the hit podcast, Kill Me Now with Judy Gold.
Judy TV acting credits include, City On A Hill (Cassndra Kassell), FX’s Better Things (Chaya). Showtime's The First Lady (Elizabeth Read). Judy also guest stars as Sophie in the much-anticipated Apple TV+ drama series Extrapolations. Other guest stars include Hulu’s Life and Beth, and Season 2 of Peacock’s Girls 5 Eva. She has had recurring roles on Comedy Central's Awkwafina, Netflix’s Friends from College and TBS’ Search Party. Her recent film credits include Love Reconsidered and the upcoming She Came To Me, and Eternal Buzz.
Judy is one of the main subjects in the Hulu documentary Hysterical. She has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Tonight Show. From 1999-2010, Judy was the host of HBO’s At the Multiplex with Judy Gold. Judy also won two Emmy awards for writing and producing The Rosie O’Donnell Show. She was also a writer on the final season of Better Things.
Judy has written and starred in two critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway hit shows: The Judy Show – My Life as a Sitcom (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother (GLAAD Media Award – Outstanding NY Theater, Drama Desk Nomination – Actor). Judy received rave reviews as Gremio in The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park all-female production of The Taming of The Shrew. She also co-starred in Off-Broadway’s Clinton! The Musical, and Disaster! The Musical.
Judy has made numerous appearances on The View, The Today Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and on MSNBC, CNN and NewsNation as free-speech advocate. She often pops up on The Food Network, but please do not mention Chopped All Stars or Rachel vs. Guy to her.
Judy’s three albums, Conduct Unbecoming, Kill Me Now and Judith’s Roommate Had a Baby are available wherever you get your music. You can also check out her website, JudyGold.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram or Tik Tok - @jewdygold
Tyler is an actor, stand-up comedian and viral content creator based in NYC. He has performed stand-up on America’s Got Talent, been a guest star on NBC’s Chicago Med, TV Land’s YOUNGER and STARTUP on Netflix. Tyler is known for his viral content with over 200 million views on his online videos. He was named “The Best New Impressionist” by the New York Times and “NY’s Funniest Comedian” at the NY Comedy Festival. He has been on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and co-starred alongside Gina Carano in the movie Terror on the Prairie on The Daily Wire. Tyler is a regular at the Comedy Cellar and is currently touring his stand-up comedy around the country!
Taylor Williamson is a comedian best known for being runner up on America’s Got Talent. He started performing standup while he was a senior in high school in Del Mar, California. Soon after, he moved to LA and became the youngest comic to perform on "The Late Late Show." He’s also appeared on shows like "AGT: All Stars," Comedy Central’s "Live at Gotham," "Last Call With Carson Daly," "The Nick Cannon Show," and he was a semi finalist on "Last Comic Standing."
Taylor’s been interviewed on podcasts like “WTF with Marc Maron” and “Bad Friends with Bobby Lee & Andrew Santino.”
His comedy can be heard in his debut album titled “Laughter? I Hardly Know Her!” His brand new special, “Live At The Comedy Store”, is now streaming free on YouTube.
Taylor is most proud of performing on two USO tours for our troops around the world.
Jessica Levin is an NYC comedian. The daughter of a sanitation worker, with longshoreman genes, she has a blue collar mentality with white color taste. When she's not in the clubs, she attempts to go to the gym but mostly ends up co-producing her shows "Tough Love Comedy" , "Fowl Mouth Comedy", and performing all around the city.
Elle is a Chicago native, but started her comedy career in NYC. She is passed at New York Comedy Club, The Stand, BKLYN Comedy club, The Tiny Cupboard, and Broadway Comedy Club, but can be seen performing at other clubs and indie shows all over the city. Elle has made an appearance on The Bonfire on Sirius XM with Dan Soder and Big Jay Oakerson and have featured for comedians such as Rich Voss, Jared Freid, Greg Stone, and Michael Yo. Elle was recently named a 2023 “Creator to Watch” By New York Comedy Festival. Check out her weekly podcast Elle Diablo.
Aric Grooms is cofounder and CEO of "Very Good Comedy Show"! He regularly headlines with the show across the country, and has appeared in the NY Comedy Festival. When the 2020 pandemic shut down stand-up stages, Aric shifted focus to creating and starring in festival-winning films "MidLife" and "God's Will", which are currently available on streaming platforms.
While he now calls New York City home, Aric will always be a Southern Ohio Boy (S.O.B.) at heart! This shines through on stage as he weaves tales of his simple beginnings into his commentary on the day-to-day rat race that is NYC
Trained as an Evangelical minister and married to a Jewish clergywoman, Aric has lots to say about religion and family! His years of ups and downs with relationships and congregations – not to mention raising four energetic, independent children – provides an endless supply of entertaining tales!
Eric D’Alessandro, a charismatic New Yorker with an unfiltered sense of humor, a camera, and a knack for storytelling, has etched his name into the hearts of comedy lovers across the nation. His unique comedic style, infused with his Italian-American heritage, spins raw, relatable narratives that resonate with the everyday American.
From his early beginnings on YouTube, Eric has steadily crafted a diverse portfolio of work that includes engaging sketches, spot-on celebrity impressions, and comedic covers of popular songs. His authentic characters, notably "Maria Marie," have garnered widespread acclaim, demonstrating Eric's ability to create content that both entertains and connects.
A viral sensation, Eric's video "where it was" has amassed over 45 million views across platforms, further cementing his status as a digital force. His social media process extends beyond viral videos, with a loyal fanbase that follows his every move. Forbes acknowledged his ability to engage audiences online and onstage, a testament to Eric's multifaceted talent.
Eric's onscreen charisma led him to star in the VH1 movie, "Fuhgeddabout Christmas."
His versatility also shone through in the 2016 drama/mystery film, "Nerve," alongside Emma Roberts and Dave Franco. Directors, intrigued by his viral videos, included him in the script, underscoring the impact of his online presence.
His talent extends to animation as well. Eric is the creator of the popular YouTube animated show "MariaMogi," further showcasing his creative versatility. In the realm of podcasts, Eric has shared his wit and humor on various platforms, making waves on Barstool Sports' KFC Radio, Growing Up Italian, Jeff FM and the Dr. Drew podcast.
His engaging presence and relatable anecdotes have also landed him
features in PBS and PIX11 TV Interviews. Eric is a dynamic performer on stage. His raw energy and impeccable comedic timing have made him a headline act at top comedy clubs, theaters, and casinos across the United States and Canada. Notable venues include The Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ, New Jersey’s Count Basie Theatre, NYCs Town Hall, the 1,900-seat St. George Theater in Staten Island, NY, and The Paramount in Huntington, NY.
Looking forward, Eric shows no signs of slowing down. His first comedy special, which premiered with 800lb Gorilla on December 5, 2023, has been met with enthusiastic responses and is now available for streaming on Hulu. As he continues to break barriers and redefine comedy, Eric D’Alessandro remains an unmissable act, whose journey is as exciting as his performances
Skye Grayson began working in fashion and film in New York City as a teenager. She attended Columbia University, and started producing and performing stand-up comedy a year after college. She has performed at venues including Stand Up New York and Greenwich Village Comedy Club.
Mark Gagnon is an internationally touring comedian opening for Andrew Schulz's "Infamous Tour".
He is the Co-Creator of the Netflix Series "Schulz Saves America" and a co-host on the "Flagrant 2" Podcast."
Born and raised in New York, Kevin Herrera is known for his comedic wit. Kevin has always
been the “clown” with not only with his friends, but also within his large Hispanic family. Kevin’s
unfiltered, raw comedy is inspired by his triumphed life experiences. Life experiences that to
most would likely break an individual, Kevin was able to take his humor and flourish. He has
always had a love for comedy as it has been his solace and plays an imperative role in the
person that he is today.
Kevin soon took a more creative approach with his organic comedic trait and animated persona,
by expanding his comedy and producing relatable skits on social media for the everyday
married couple and parent. Currently at 1.5 million followers on TikTok and 340k on Instagram,
Only Raising Kings continues to grow beyond what he could ever imagine. Kevin is also the
creator of The Lunchroom, a podcast that gives the uncensored perspectives of how the
everyday man thinks in real life situations.
Now as a social media influencer, Kevin wanted more, he knew he was ready to not only share
his humor but his life story.
Lucas Zelnick is a stand-up comedian born, raised, and based in New York City who challenges his cushy upbringing through punch-heavy material. Lucas has appeared in SF Sketchfest and the New York Comedy Festival. He’s been featured in the New York Times, appeared as a guest on Amazon Prime Video’s Sports Talk, and is a tour opener for Ashley Gavin. In 2022, Lucas began headlining comedy clubs nationally, including the Helium and Zanies in Chicago, where he sold out 8 shows. For no particular reason, he also earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Lucas’ stand-up clips have also exploded online recently and he has received over 100M views and 400K+ followers on Instagram and TikTok combined.
Michael Rapaport is an American actor and comedian. He has appeared in over sixty films since the early 1990s, and starred on the sitcom The War at Home. He also appeared in Boston Public, Friends, Prison Break, Justified, and Atypical. Some of his notable film roles include True Romance (1993), Higher Learning (1995), Metro (1997), Cop Land (1997), Deep Blue Sea (1999), The 6th Day (2000), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), Big Fan (2009), and The Heat (2013). He also directed the award winning documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest (2011).”
He’s also the host of the world wide phenomenon “I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast”
You’ve seen him performing on stages from NBC’s Last Comic Standing to Broadway but there’s more to this Jersey kid. Kasaun Wilson began his comedy career during his time at Howard University with the urging of his professor, the legendary Al Freeman Jr. Since that time, he has been featured on platforms as recent as TruTV’s Laff Tracks, TVOne’s NewsOneNow with Roland Martin, and too many more to name! He’s performing in colleges, churches, theaters, and arenas around the country including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, THE Ohio State University, Gotham Comedy Club in New York, and the Kennedy Center, and back where he started comedy, the DC Improv. He’s opened up for acts like Donnell Rawlings (Chappelle’s Show), Michael Blackson (Friday After Next), and Griff (Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell). He’s currently co-hosting “YouthFul Praise with JJ Hairston” on Rejoice Musical Soul Food Network and creator of the Generational Curse Breaker brand. At his core, he’s just Tiffany’s husband and still that sheltered church kid from Jersey City, NJ! Book him now!
Described by LA Weekly as “a comic who’s got big ideas and big plans to go big places,” Byron Bowers is a stand-up comedian and actor that has toured nationally with Dave Chappelle, Hannibal Buress, John Caparulo, and The Eric Andre Show Live. Byron won the Big Sky International Comedy Competition and was named by LA Weekly as a “Comedy Act to Watch”. He was also featured as a New Face at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. Byron performed on the main stage at the Oddball Comedy Festival, sharing the spotlight with Louis CK, Jim Gaffigan, Sarah Silverman and others.
Byron’s appeared on The Eric Andre Show on Adult Swim, Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party, on the reboot of BET’s Comic View and he made his late night debut on The Pete Holmes Show and followed that with an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He was also featured in the last season of MTV’s Guy Code.
In 2016 alone he performed at the Famous Hollywood Bowl to 12,000 people with Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and George Clinton. He is in the film THE 4TH written and directed by Andre Hyland and also appears in KUSO which recently got into Sundance this year. His TV credits include season 3 of The Meltdown on Comedy Central, Funny as Hell in Montreal for Canada HBO, and Vice Land TV. He has also performed at many festivals this year including Montreal Comedy Festival, SXSW, Life is Beautiful, Austin City Limits, RIOT, SF Sketchfest and Blue Whale Comedy Festival.
Byron appears regularly at The Comedy Store, The Comedy and Magic Club, The Hollywood Improv, The Nerdist Theater, and various Colleges and Clubs throughout the nation.
Jeff Leach is a true Renaissance man. An award-winning actor, comedian, writer and host he has enjoyed global success on stage, film, television and within the gaming community. A multi-faceted performer with an ‘no holds barred’ mentality, his television shows have broken boundaries whilst his live performance questions the very fabric of modern society and all of humanity’s foibles.
This young man has become a favourite on the global comedy scene, in just six years on stage he has performed national tours throughout the UK & Europe, three critically acclaimed one hour solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and signed a DVD deal with BBC Worldwide’s 2Entertain. In August 2015 he relocated to the US joining the regulars at the world famous Comedy Cellar in NYC alongside his comedy heroes and is now booked on both coasts at venues including The Stand, Hollywood Improv, Laugh Factory, Comedy Store, Stand Up NY and New York Comedy Club to name but a few.
Also an immensely talented actor, Jeff can be seen in features films ‘London Town’ in which he plays warm-hearted punk rocker Ronnie alongside Jonathan Rhys-Meyers’ portrayal of The Clash frontman Joe Strummer. Other films include ‘The Smoke’ and ‘The Dog Wedding’ and tv roles on shows such as ‘Hollyoaks’, ‘Whipped’ and ‘Gutpunch’.
When he’s not walking around looking like fisherman Sean can be found headlining clubs and festivals all over the country. He has appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman", "Conan", "Colbert", "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" and NBC’s "Last Comic Standing".
Sean hosts the podcast "Brand New Jerks", and he released his debut comedy album “Manual Labor Face” in 2015 on Comedy Central Records. Sean has been featured on the truTV series "World’s Dumbest", "Comedy KO", and "Almost Genius" as well as "Adam Devine’s House Party", "@midnight", "The Half Hour", "Broad City", "The Equalizer" and "Inside Amy Schumer" on Comedy Central, Amazon’s "Alpha House", GSN’s "Lie Detectors", and "Limitless" on CBS.
Dan St. Germain has appeared on Conan, Fallon, and Comedy Central.
Giulio Gallarotti is a New York City-based stand-up comedian, actor, host and podcaster. He made his Netflix stand-up comedy special debut on "Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends" in June 2022. His podcast, "Oops," is regularly listed on the iTunes top charts. He has appeared on TV shows such as Peacock’s "Bupkis", Hulu's "Ramy", "AXS Gotham Comedy Live" and MTV's "Totally Clueless/Girl Code", as well as Comedy Central and SiriusXM radio. Giulio is an avid traveler which he has documented in several projects including "Places You Can Go", filmed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and "Standup in Rwanda: It's Not So Different". In Afghanistan, he started a school system in a rural area that now employs seven faculty members and teaches over 400 boys and girls. Giulio performs regularly at comedy clubs in NYC and across the country.
Jade Catta-Preta is a Brazilian-born queer comic and actress working in Los Angeles, New York and Brazil. Prior to the pandemic, Jade hosted iconic E! Network show "The Soup" and is now the host of Hulu's brand new hit dating show, Hottie.
As a stand-up, Jade performs all over the country both in English and Portuguese and can be seen regularly at comedy clubs in LA and New York for the past 16 years. She was a series regular on "Manhattan Love Story" (ABC) and has recurred on "American Housewife" (ABC), "Future Man" (Hulu), "Those Who Can't" (TruTv), "The Joey Mac Project" (PopTV) and "Californication" (Showtime).
She has guest starred in numerous television shows, including "Life in Pieces" (CBS), "Modern Family" (NBC) and "2 Broke Girls" (CBS). On the reality front, Jade was a series regular on "Girl Code" (MTV), "Punk'd" (MTV), "Ladylike" (MTV), "Flashback Friday" (VH1), "Greatest Ever" (TruTV), and competed on "Comedy Knockout" (TruTV) and "The Funny Dance Show" (E!). She has appeared on "@Midnight" (Comedy Central), "Daily Pop" (E!) and has guest judged on "Cooking with Cannabis" (Netflix). Jade has also been in over 40 national commercials, has appeared in numerous podcasts and has over 50 million views on her comedy clips.
LIZ BARRETT’s one-liners come fast and furious and she is often called a female Steven Wright and a thinking man’s Roseanne. Liz grew up all over the world with her military family and now lives in New York City, where she’s just "Gettin' By."
Liz headlined Carolines as part of its Breakout Artist Series. She was also a semi-finalist in Carolines Comedy Madness and a finalist at Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in 2016.
Liz made her television premiere on Gotham Comedy Live and regularly appears on Laughs on Fox. She’s opened for Judy Gold and Gilbert Gottfried, and also appeared at the Women in Comedy Festival, Boston Comedy Festival, She Devil Comedy Festival, and Ladies of Laughter.
Aminah Imani is a stand-up comedian, host, and actor who lives in New York city. You can see her perform regularly at reputable comedy venues.
She is known for her recent appearance of Showtime's Flatbush Misdemeanors Season 2 and her featured appearance on Comedy Central Short Sets as well as Hulu’s late night television show, Up Early Tonight. She has contributed online content with Scarry Mommy, Viceland, and Buzzfeed. She has performed at the world’s famous Apollo Theatre, the 208 Comedy festival, the DC Comedy Festival, and the Stand Up comedy special, Aint Ya Mama Heat Wave featured in the Environmental Film Festival.
Rachel Feinstein is a nationally touring comedian and actress. AV Club says “Feinstein’s acute observations create silly, sympathetic characters keeping her subtly, exquisitely attuned to her audience. She has appeared on LIFE & BETH for Hulu. Rachel also recurred on the Steven Soderbergh Amazon series RED OAKS and on Judd Apatow’s HBO comedy CRASHING. Her past credits include TRAINWRECK, TOP FIVE, THE NIGHTLY SHOW WITH LARRY WILMORE, HBO’s LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER, co-hosting THE VIEW on multiple occasions, and several appearances on INSIDE AMY SCHUMER for which she won a WGA award. You may also remember Rachel co-hosting alongside Shaq on UPLOAD WITH SHAQUILLE ONEAL. Feinstein has also lent her voice to Adult Swim’s VENTURE BROTHERS and the phenomenally successful GRAND THEFT AUTO video game franchise.
Kevin, originally from Philadelphia – now in New York City, is a stand up comic who is on stage every night telling jokes. He is quickly becoming an audience favorite with his easy going yet straight forward point of view. His jokes topics include everything from daily interactions with strangers to how his self esteem is so low that he is no longer in his own dreams. In 2015 Kevin made his television debut on ‘Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS TV and was also selected to participate in the Boston Comedy Festival.