Meet Tony Sam of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Sam

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In a nutshell, I’m an Emmy-winning producer, writer, and stand-up comedian from Chicago, Illinois.

Before television and comedy, I studied Molecular and Marine Biology at Flordia Atlantic University. I found myself working with marine life all around South Florida and the Carribean. I ran a 15,000 gallon aquarium in Grand Cayman at a mini-mall called Aqua World for a year and scuba diving as much as I could and later acquired my Divemaster SCUBA certification when I moved to California.

But after 9/11, I returned to Illinois to follow my passion of comedy while working as a scientist at Children’s Memorial Hospital. There, I co-authered a paper in the prestigious medical journal, Nature Medicine.

Growing up my best friend an I always were looking for a joke, and while working in the lab I realized my passions lie elsewhere. I began my comedy journey at ImprovOlympic (now IO Chicago) and on the Second City’s stages,as a graduate of the Conservatory Program. I also co-founded the critically acclaimed alt-stand-up showcase, Chicago Underground Comedy, which received rave write-ups in almost every single Chicago newspaper publication.

Deciding to take a chance I moved to Los Angeles in November of 2007 and worked part-time at a restaurant while I tried to do as many stand-up shows as I could. A few years later I was hired to write for a shortlived web project built around Jamie Kennedy called HAHAJK.com, which featured spoof articles and headlines, akin to the Onion.

Through comedy I was hired to work on Ridiculousness, and one job eventually led to another.

Over the past decade, I’ve written and produced for popular shows like Josh Gates Tonight, Expedition Unknown, Food: Fact or Fiction? (hosted by the legendary Michael McKean), MTV’s Ridiculousness, Super Fan Builds, Joe Millionaire, Jay Leno’s Garage, and the Emmy-winning feel-good home renovation hit, Instant Dream Home on Netflix. (hosted by Danielle Brooks).

I’ve also appeared on the other side of the camera appearing in multiple sketches on CONAN, Those Who Can’t, Hack My Life, Josh Gates Tonight, and Food: Fact or Fiction? You may have also caught me in many national TV commercials for big-name brands such as Breathe Right, Kwikset, Honda, IHOP, DoorDash, Amazon and Instacart.

As a stand-up comic, I’ve performed at comedy festivals like JUST FOR LAUGHS, RIOT LA, BRIDGETOWN, Bumbershoot, and the NY Fringe, to name just a few.

My comedy album “Scaredy Cat,” has garnered glowing praise from both the Huffington Post and LA WEEKLY, who hailed me as a “Comic to Watch.”

When I’m not making television, or telling jokes I have published three poetry books including, “Wasteland: Poems for LA, about many of the neighborhoods in the city.

I also am a certified FAA PART 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and love filming in and around Los Angeles.

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?
I’m not gonna lie. Los Angeles is a tough town to live in. Everyone believes their idea is the best one, and you have to fight to have your voice heard. as a stand-0up I’ve performed at every venue in the city, from the Comedy Store, to the Improv, and the Laugh Factory to the Dynasty Typewriter and every little one and done show I can think of.

As I’ve learned, the only person who can make things happen for you is you. No one else is gonna fight as hard to make your dreams come true as you.

I have had my share of bad shows, I’ve been let go from projects, and had to rebound and regroup but I always get back up on my feet.

I wholeheartedly believe it’s okay to fail, as long as you try. If you don’t screw up, you’ll never learn anything. (just don’t keep screwing up, then it’s a problem)

Honestly, the biggest obstacle to creativity and success is yourself. Don’t stand in your own way and let the noise of naysayers and negativity weigh you down. Put your blinders on, and keep your eye on the prize. that’s how I’ve tried to stay focused.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been privileged to work on over 200 episodes of television and hope to keep making many many more. (many I named above)

Comedy album: Scaredy Cat.

Drone Filming: Bestdronefilming.com

Poetry Books: Wasteland: Poems For LA, Toil, The Perpetual Plummet of Imperfection

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My father took his own life when I was 25 and ever since then, I have sought out positive male influences in my life. two guys who stand out to me are Jeff Bumgartner – A VP of Programming at Original Productions, and Jeff Conroy, the former President of Original Productions, and current television producer extraordinaire. Both guys have shown me the ropes and given me opportunities to grow and learn and utilize my talents in the television industry. I owe them everything. They are not only amazing creators, they are also amazing men and fathers.

I also feel indebted to MeganParlen Isser and David Isser, who allowed me to spread my wings creatively, write sketches I believed in and gave me the opportunity to work with one of my longtime idols, Michael Mckean.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bestdronefilming.com, https://tonysamcomedy.tumblr.com
• Instagram: @toekneesam
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonySamComedy
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6152940/