Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Holtzman.
Brian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my standup career in the Bay Area of Northern California; the year was 1988. By 1989 I left the Bay Area for the Comedy Store in Hollywood, California. It took me five years to become a paid regular. The year was 1994, and I have been there ever since. I was personally picked by the one and only Mitzi Shore. Today I am a late-night act going up last and closing out the Main Room on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. My comedy has been described as a cross between Sam Kinison, Lenny Bruce and Woody Allen. To be honest my comedy perhaps is not for everyone, but certainly for the people who are not easily offended and like to use the part of their brain that requires thinking. Because of the outstanding treatment and availability to the standup comedy stage I have never found it necessary to leave my day job. After leaving my day job for reasons I will not go into here, I immediately ran out and got another one. If you have ever seen my show, it will be quite obvious for this modus operandi.
I was a guest star on “My Wife and Kids” in the early 2000s. This was a TV show starring Damon Wayans, work which I found extremely interesting and rewarding. It was always my goal to be on TV and still have a day job. If you can do both, why not do both. Steak sandwiches are always better than bologna. I prefer steak sandwiches over bologna sandwiches any day. Being a broke comic in middle to late age is very unattractive socially and personally repulsive to me. In closing, the Comedy Store has spoiled me terribly. I do not go on the road. Why should I go on the road and be rejected when I can be rejected by audience in my own town and sleep in my own bed every night? As Jack Nicolson said in the movie “A Few Good Men,” some people are unwilling or cannot handle the truth.
My hobbies include bareback horse jumping, professional wrestling, bonsai trees, long walks on the beach. Bingo, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on toast.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest struggle along the way was the limited space in the small parking lot. The last thing I want is to get onstage and have to wait around to free my car from and overcrowded lot. I find it necessary to park my car at a satellite location; usually Joe’s Pizza or behind Pink Dot.
What else should our readers know?
What sets me apart from others is my complete absence of structure, professional stage technique and obvious disregard for common norms pertaining to entertainment presentation.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success cannot be defined by shiny objects or size of bank accounts per se. Sure these trappings of success are attractive and fun, but I never felt the need to impress people I do not know. For me, the biggest part of success is the respect that other comics have for me and what I try to present on stage. Success to me is integrity, honesty, thoughtfulness and genuine friendships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brianholtzman.com/
- Phone: (310) 200 4442
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianholtzman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.holtzman.12
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HoltzmanBrian
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OPCm0ObCmu4B7-wfHRrzA
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