| Ty Barnett |
| THE SEARCH FOR THE FUNNIEST PERSON IN AMERICA |
| 4 |
 |
| CHRIS PORTER APRIL MACIE JOEY GAY ROZ JOSH BLUE GABRIEL IGLESIAS BIL DWYER MICHELE BALAN STELLA STOLPER TY BARNETT KRISTIN KEY REBECCA CORRY |
 |
| Age: 33
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Day Job: Comedian A funny, thought-provoking and edgy comic, Ty Barnett says he realized for the first time that being black was going to be an issue when the doctor slapped him - twice - and made him cut his own umbilical cord! The Chicago native, who has been performing since his high school days on the city's south side, describes his comedy as "comfortably social with funny political views that aren't forced on the audience." He began touring - and earning rave reviews - in California, Oregon and Canada before being voted "Up-and-coming Comedian of the Year" in 2002 at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. He first gained the attention of Hollywood after being named "Outstanding Performer" at Montreal's "Just for Laughs Festival." Since then, Barnett has appeared on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" as well as "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and is a regular on the "Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson." Additional television credits include "Comedy Central Presents," "Premium Blend" and numerous television commercials, and he appeared in the feature film "Stand-up." He has been the opening act for Donna Summer, and has also performed with Chris Rock, Al Green and Robert Schimmel. On the comedy club circuit, Barnett has performed at the Improv, Caroline's, The Comic Strip, Caesar's Palace, Zanie's and The Ice House, and is one of the most requested comedians at colleges across the country. Interview Why will YOU be the Last Comic Standing? I don't know if I will be the "Last Comic Standing" but I should be because I don't just tell jokes. I like to make people feel like we're just "hanging out." When I'm on stage, it's me, the mic and the audience. I'm more comfortable on stage than off. I love performing and would probably do it for free (hoping not to) but I eat, sleep and breathe comedy. The love I have for what I do is why I should be the "Last Comic Standing." In order to keep the crowd's attention, you should make them feel comfortable. That's what I try to do. Funny is... Funny. Meaning, laughter brings people together, that and hot wings. Regardless of where you're from or what you are, a good laugh can make your day better. If you had a comedian at the world summit, there would be peace on earth (and hot wings). What comedians do you admire and why? Richard Pryor, because he told stories and used everything in his life to make people laugh. He always took you on a journey and made it personal and funny. Chris Rock: his subject matter is the stuff people really want to talk about. He also commands the stage. Who do you see as your biggest competition? I don't think anyone is my biggest competition because comedy is so subjective. You can have the best set and some guy in Idaho may say he doesn't like it. You can have a bad set and tons of people can say you're the greatest. So I don't go into this as a competition. If anything, I'm my biggest competition because I have to put on the best show possible. And I will always hold myself to a higher standard than anyone else. What's the worst job you've ever had? The worst job I ever had was sweeping up hair at a barbershop when I was 15. If you want a reason to succeed, try sweeping up dirty hair. It's like being scared straight. |