Brooklyn’s 50 Funniest People: John Early
John Early
John Early is everywhere. He’s been on 30 Rock, had his own episode of the Netflix character showcase/SNL audition reel The Characters, appeared on basically every short-lived standup special that exists, and has starred in movies like the super Brooklyn-centric Fort Tilden. It’s kind of no wonder that all of this is true: he’s a great actor, hilarious, able to be serious and emotional when it’s called for (as in the touching/insane short Santa Monica, which he made with frequent collaborator Kate Berlant), and completely gorgeous. In the picture that comes up when you Google him, he’s wearing a beige turtleneck in front of a beige background, leaning forward with a hand coyishly stroking his chin, with his blond hair perfectly parted—devastating.
Oh! Another thing about him is that he’s a self-obsessed monster. Not in real life, I’m sure, but that’s basically the main character he does. Whether he’s a gay best friend, a put-upon dad, a nervous celebrity interviewer, or just doing standup, his standard mode is to be into himself (and not that into you!). Because, you know! Look at you.
When was the first time you remember making someone laugh? What happened?
When I asked a girl out in 4th grade.
What is the toughest part about being on the comedy scene in Brooklyn today? What is the best?
Hitting my head on Edison bulbs during sets; being on a show with Ana Fabrega.
Who do you find funny?
Tituss Burgess
What was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
Tituss Burgess
What are your goals for your comedy career?
Tituss Burgess
And finally: What is your favorite knock-knock (or otherwise goofy) joke?
eSmdh…
To see 49 more of Brooklyn’s 50 Funniest People, click here.
Photo by Nicolas Maloof.
