Daily Inspiration: Meet Carli Robe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carli Robe.

Hi Carli, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
The first time I told a joke in front of a large crowd was when I was eight years old. I had a Christmas speech where I had to dress up as a Christmas tree. I wore all green and wrapped myself in Christmas lights; my opening line was, “I am a Christmas tree!” The response that I received from the crowd of 80-plus church members was electric. The crowd roared with laughter and from that point on I knew I wanted to be a comedian. I started my professional comedy career on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at the Cleveland Improv. I signed up for the comedy classes a few weeks prior to my performance. I invited everyone from my job, as well as several family members and friends. Over 150 people showed up in support of me. I was a nervous wreck. I got on stage and told jokes about my job as a healthcare worker. The crowd loved it, and the rest is history. I’ve gone on to open for some of the biggest names in comedy; Gary Owen is one of my proudest accomplishments to this day. I’m so blessed to be able to bring joy to people’s hearts through laughter. I honestly believe God put me on earth to be a comedian. I want to share the good news of what God has done in my life with anyone who would like to hear it. I truly believe that we can change the world one laugh at a time! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! I feel the hardest challenge to overcome in the entertainment industry is your colleagues being jealous of your progression. I’ve had people I previously worked with feel I’m competing with them because of my drive and ambition. I knew a long time ago that God wanted me to put smiles on people’s faces with the stories I tell on stage. My ambition is not a knock to other entertainers but an ode to The Most High’s favor over my life! I am merely showing God that I appreciate Him for bringing me so far in life. I must work hard to prove to God that He made the right choice for picking me to deliver His message through comedy. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an entertainer; however, I got my start in entertainment through comedy. My stage name is GAY-Z, shout-out to Jay-Z, who is one of my greatest influences. My material on stage is diverse because I’ve lived in every area of Cleveland, Ohio. From the nicest suburbs to the not so nice places of the city. I graduated from The Ohio State University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in African American and African Studies. I also earned an Associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology from Cuyahoga Community College. My different experiences in society have led me to be able to have endless material in most matters of life. I’m most proud of being able to perform alongside most of the comedians that I grew up watching on television shows like Def Comedy Jam, In Living Color, and BET’s Comicview. The thing that sets me apart from other comedians is that I’m a transgender woman who is transitioning back to being a heterosexual man who still identifies as a lesbian. Confusing much? Lol well, it’s even more confusing living this life, which is why I have so many hilarious stories. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I want to give a huge shout-out to the late great comedian David A. Arnold. David and his mother, Mrs. Barbara, took me under their wings and mentored to me at a time when I felt the whole world was against me. David fed into me in a way that no other comedian had at the time. David helped me to get off drugs and alcohol. He showed me that being from Cleveland, Ohio, is not the final destination. David made me see that you can make it in Hollywood with hard work and determination. I miss him every day, and I thank him and his family for sharing him with me, even if it was for a brief moment in time. R.I.H David, I love you always, big bro! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carli_robe_comedy?igsh=MThjYWI5anF5a3Vlbw==
• Twitter: https://x.com/Carli_Robe_Comd?t=vFhu5gouBWO2kxJaelfsfQ&s=09
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gay-z?si=zt338XcBZxKiGuzU    https://youtube.com/@richcomedicrockstarproductions?si=uWlGoIJPfsD2Scmk
• Other: https://youtu.be/9Nd7UpXW5rc?si=R5D92AaD8omAp_6t

Image Credits
Marla O’Neal