Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylin White.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jaylin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began doing standup comedy in 2017 being that it was a part of my acting program at Theatre of Arts Hollywood. December 8th of that year, I performed for the first time at The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, CA. After being a hit that night, the phone began ringing, and I started to perform everywhere from the House of Blues to the Icehouse. Having people around me who understand my vision and funny has gotten me where I am today.
Great, 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?
As an openly gay black man I find that some promoters are hesitant to book me in fear that their show will become a “gay show”. Sometimes I’m the only comedian that is both black and gay in the room. Most times it works to my advantage but can also be discouraging not having peers around that I can relate to but we are kept divided. Aside from that. As an artist, I constantly have to reinvent my confidence. Working in entertainment, we face a lot of rejection and I’ve learned that I can either allow that to break me down or let it make me better.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am known for my loud in your face dry style of comedy. I talk about everything from my upbringing, home life, dating experiences, popular culture, to politics. I say what everyone is thinking but too afraid to say. I am most proud of the fact that my comedy has led me into spaces to meet other great comedians such as Haha Herby, Flame Monroe, and Hope Flood. What sets me apart from others is that I come from literally nothing but I don’t allow my past to define who I am. I use it as a means to dig deeper and find the funny, even in the pain. I’m hoping that my comedy and future success will inspire a generation of at risk young queer people by teaching them that they have options and much like myself that they too can create a life that has quality.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is my grandfather taking all of his grandkids to the Sizzler every weekend when we were young and although he’d pay for the salad bar buffet he would get upset if we treated it like it was a buffet. We only got to eat ONE plate a piece and then it was time to go. In his words, “I’m not raising y’all to be greedy”. I never understood that because it was a buffet!
Contact Info:
- Phone: (626)689-8592
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @JaylinWhiteLA
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