Brooklyn’s 50 Funniest People: Greg Johnson
Greg Johnson
When we reached out to Greg Johnson for this list, he was excited to participate, but had a few questions. “I just . . . I mean, I’m very conscious of sounding like it’s an email, you know?” he said. “Plus, it’s gonna say I’m like supposed to be funny, you know. I don’t want to sound like a douchebag. Am I overthinking it?”
He definitely was, but that’s basically Johnson’s charm. On stage, Johnson is relaxed and intelligent, and introduces a bit about ee cummings by yelling, “ANY ee HEADS OUT THERE!” There were not, for the record.
A standup since 1999, Johnson hosted a popular and long-running show at Rififi, has appeared on FOX News’ late night show Red Eye (which you may remember as an early ‘00s clubhouse for Gawker writers), and currently hosts a few shows on BRIC TV, including the very aptly named standup showcase Stand Up Brooklyn with Greg Johnson.
When was the first time you remember making someone laugh? What happened?
My Mom says I was born laughing and everyone in the room laughed. That sounds completely psychotic but I remember it very well. That was the 1st time I knew I wanted to do stand up comedy.
What is the toughest part about being on the comedy scene in Brooklyn today? What is the best?
Toughest is probably that the number of comedians and shows seems to have increased tenfold over the past decade. It’s an overcrowded field. And the culture of people going out to see live shows may have diminished. But the best is the fact that the best comedians in the world live here and for many reasons, this is the best city to be in if you want to be a comedian. Hands down.
Who do you find funny?
Jodie Foster as Nell. American Idol rejects. Rich celebrities who crowd fund their projects. People who fall off hoverboards. Some babies.
What was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
Hard to say—I try to cry laughing at least twice a day. (Just kidding if it’s not clear.)
What are your goals for your comedy career?
I have many. One of them is to be in Brooklyn Magazine so thank you very much for making my dreams come true.
What is your favorite knock-knock (or otherwise goofy) joke?
I don’t have a favorite knock knock joke and I’d love to take this print to thank the kind person at your wonderful publication who thought I should be all up in this piece.
To see 49 more of Brooklyn’s funniest people, click here.
Photo by Nicolas Maloof.
