Geoff Kole

Today I am interviewing Geoff Kole, a comedian born in Plainview, NY who has been doing comedy for ten years. To find out more about Geoff, please visit his website.

Why did you start doing stand-up comedy?

I stumbled into it. Always enjoyed cartoons, making fun of my mother, being a mimic. Stand-up comedy chose me, not the other way around.

How did performing stand-up comedy change you?

I changed, and comedy helped that along. I’ve become more aware of the good, as well as the evil that others do. I am still amazed at how people can ask for so much, yet not offer the sweat off their balls in return. The liars and lowlifes I’ve come across who are continually rewarded by weak minded and or desperate individuals used to bother me. However I am now OK with all events and choices in my life. I enjoy dealing with each situation, and don’t blame managers and owners for not knowing what do do with me. I know as much or more than most in our business, I’m fair, direct and helpful. So, how has it changed me? It hasn’t. I’ve simply become more aware and sensitive to others' neediness. More helpful and selfless. Less tolerant of others who contribute nothing of value.

Do you have any stories from the time you have been performing comedy?

Sure, plenty - here is one. A while back, a mentally ill (nut) ran a show near one of mine. We were friendly, and they went to my Monday show, and handed out flyers for her event, a few blocks away. I called this person later on, and after about 2 hours on the phone I realized I was not dealing with a normal person. A few days later, 3 huge dudes came looking for me, claiming I placed stickers of one of them near their club; accusing one of them of being a pedophile. My club didn’t stand behind me, just warned me about these guys. So I called, found out what they are upset about. I had no idea nor did I know the guys name, let along place stickers outside his club, where the comedy event was to take place.

So, he and his buddies kept looking for me, each about 6’5” and 300lbs. After the third visit, I confronted the biggest guy, and asked him to back off. He refused, so I threatened to sue him then call the cops as I walked away from him. 12 years of jujitsu taught me to shut people down energetically, so that is what I did. I feel bad for people like that, accusing others without having any facts. That’s how wars get started. A few people have childhood issues they refuse to work out, they blame others, and destroy innocent lives to satisfy their own egos. So, god bless that girl who created the problem, the guys who tried to hurt me, and my club who didn’t stand behind me. Not my problem. My job is to protect myself and those I love, pay homage to god, make money, and become famous. Everything else is bullshit.