Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Greene.
Hi Larry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a fan of comedy all of my life. Growing up I would watch shows such as The Three Stooges, I Love Lucy, Sanford
& Son In Living Color, Martin, The Wayans Brothers, etc. The earliest stand up that I can remember watching and being intrigued with was Comic View.
The earliest funny person that I can recall in my life was my “Uncle Mike” (great uncle). He seemed to be always in character to me and saying the most off the wall things. I never saw him out of character.
While in school I often got in trouble for making others laugh. I think began to think I was on to something when I began to make my teachers laugh. I was later voted class clown and best personality in high school.
Initially my passion was art and sports. I went as far as playing basketball and track at the community college level for STLCC at Flo Valley. It wasn’t until I transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale that I did stand up for the first time. My peers began to nudge me into it after seeing other students performing at the on campus events. After picking a few comics brains for quite some time I was offered a chance to get on stage just before winter break and I did!
My first set was at Longe Branch cafe in Carbondale, IL. I told 3 jokes all of which got response of laughter and as I returned to my seat I realized that I had found my passion. I had an overwhelming feeling of confirmation in my heart and I chose to follow it. After that I returned to St. Louis and connected to the comedy scene.
13 years later I am the first black comedian to win the helium comedy competition and the first comedian to win both the helium and funny bone comedy competition in the same year 2019. Currently I produce an annual sell out comedy show title “But Baby I Love You” that is 12 years running.
Some of my accomplishments also include being selected for the what’s funny comedy festival (Chi), the Flyover Festival (STL), performing at the Comedian Union (LA), Comedy in Harlem (NY), opening for Paul Mooney, and being a finalist of the World Series of Comedy 2019.
I aspire to continue to develop my acting and writing resume. Some of my historical influences are Redd Foxx & Dick Gregory. I’m passionate about carrying the Stl comedy torch as we have added some greats to the comedy game.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some challenges along the way include remaining persistent despite challenges with work, dating, losing friends and family members, and remaining encouraged despite what’s taking place around me. One of my toughest losses was a close friend (Dre aka Drizzle Mandela was his alias) of mine who was like a big brother to me in a way who I lost tragically while I was in college. Sometimes I wonder what he was say about my current comedy career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have over a decade of experience serving others in the mental health, education, juvenile, and behavioral health setting.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
They can contact me via email at LarryGreeneComedy@gmail.com and follow me on all socials @LarryGreeneComedy. I perform, host, act, write, produce, and consult.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @LarryGreeneComedy
- Facebook: @LarryGreeneComedy
- Twitter: @LarryGreeneComedy
- Youtube: @LarryGreeneComedy
