Today we’d like to introduce you to Maz Jobrani.
Hi Maz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started standup comedy in Los Angeles at the Comedy Store in the late 90’s. I went on to become a regular at the Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv, and other clubs around LA. I now get to tour the world, and I owe a lot of that to the clubs in LA where I grew up as a comedian.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s challenges in every road we choose. However, if we are on the right road, doing our passion, we get over those challenges. Some of the early struggles had to do with trying to find stage time. I would get a late spot at the Comedy Store and be waiting to go up when a big star would walk in and bump me. Me and the other younger comedians would have to wait till the late late hours and go up on front of three or four remaining drunk patrons. Looking back, it was those sets at 1:45am where I learned to grow and prosper. Other challenges as an Iranian-American comedian and actor were the stereotypical parts that I would have to do in order to gain experience in the business. Now, fortunately, there are a lot of other performers from Middle Eastern backgrounds who don’t have to subject themselves to those roles.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a standup comedian and an actor. I would say some of the things I’m known for are playing the character “Moly” in the Ice Cube movie “Friday After Next,” my first standup comedy special “The Axis of Evil Comedy Special,” my Netflix special “Immigrant,” my book and comedy special “I’m Not a Terrorist, But I’ve Played One on TV,” and my recurring role as a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me.” I’m lucky to be doing what I love, and some of the things I’m most proud of include giving the commencement speech at my alma mater, UC Berkeley in front of 45K people in 2017. Also, I had the chance to perform at the White House in 2016, where I got to introduce First Lady Michelle Obama. I have also worked with non-profit organizations in Los Angeles, including the Persian American Cancer Institute, Miry’s List which helps resettle refugees in LA, and the International Medical Corp, which helps victims of catastrophes around the world.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to have hair!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mazjobrani.com/
- Instagram: @mazjobrani
- Facebook: @mazjobrani
- Twitter: @mazjobrani
- Youtube: @mazjobrani
Image Credits
Storm Santos
