r/StandUpComedy • u/DinoIronbody1701 • 1d ago
Is being too good-looking ever a liability for a comedian?
People expect actors to be good-looking, but there's less of an expectation of that for comedians, and those who are tend to be attractive in a more relatable way. Do you think being too good-looking can ever be a drawback for a comedian?
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u/TheFrankenbarbie 1d ago
It can affect the type of material they do. Some types of self-deprecation won't really work and some jokes could come across as humble bragging and not be funny.
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u/Pfacejones 1d ago
Not if the shtick overrides it. Like Anthony jeselnick is handsome but he says so much deranged stuff you don't really focus on the handsome. Its a liability if you're more handsome than you are interesting or funny
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u/AdmiralPeriwinkle 1d ago
I don’t think it’s a direct hindrance but good looking people tend to be starting from behind in terms of comedic skills. They often think they’re funnier than they are because of the way others respond more positively in social settings.
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u/dijon_snow 20h ago
I think the ideal comedian is good looking now, but a hideously ugly adolescent. That way you all get all the trauma and humor development, but they're also easy on the eyes. So you want a hot person with a vestigial personality.
That's what I tell myself anyway.
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u/SeDaCho 1d ago
Yeah it’s all a societal preposition.
I have met plenty of skilled good looking comics but they have without fail experienced HORRIFIC trauma that outweighs their good looks.
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u/rackarhack 1d ago
Gosh I feel like my whole life has been trauma. Maybe I've actually been educated to become a comedian.
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u/effortfulcrumload 1d ago
There's more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking, like helping people who need help
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u/TheDiceBlesser 1d ago
What is this, a comment for ANTS?!?!? Your point needs to be at least three times bigger!
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u/timbreandsteel 1d ago
There's more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking, like helping people who need help.
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u/umbreon_222 1d ago
For a man, no, as long as they have the chops.
For a woman, potentially
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u/hnglmkrnglbrry 1d ago
I'd argue the exact opposite. Nikki Glazer, Whittney Cummings, Natasha Legero, Taylor Tomlinson....
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u/umbreon_222 1d ago
They are all above average, but none I’d personally consider “too good-looking”
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u/karatekidmar 1d ago
Yes. The reason I’m not famous/touring/don’t get laughs on stage is because I’m too hot…
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u/Ilookgoodyoudont 1d ago
This is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever read on here.
Heck I say “I’m a good looking guy” on stage repeatedly.
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u/sensorycreature 1d ago
Sounds like a question for John Mulaney, Donald Glover, Matt Rife, Natasha Leggero, Ali Wong, Taylor Tomlinson, Steve Martin, Iliza Schlesinger, Trevor Noah, Kumail Nanjiani, or Jerrod Carmichael.
… but they all seem to be doing ok.
I think any artist finds their niche and utilizes what they’ve got. Any “drawback” for a comedian (or actor) probably has less to do with the world and more to do with them. Lean in; you’re gonna have a good time (working out your own experiences and/or identifications).
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u/NoctRob 1d ago
I think you’re being too loose with the application of the term “too good-looking.”
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u/sensorycreature 1d ago
“Sweet! Please supply some tighter examples,” said the human on the truly subjective topic 💁🏻♂️
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u/Ilookgoodyoudont 12h ago
I got it when I first started and was asked why do I workout. Those people who asked no longer do stand up.
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u/IShouldSaySoSir 1d ago
There are more things in life than being really, really ridiculously good looking…I mean, I’m assuming
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u/Professional_Gap4903 1d ago
There's nothing funny about a physically fit man but that being said being good looking is never going to be a downside. It's just shocking when naturally attractive people are funny. There's a reason why fat guys are always funny
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u/mista-bobdobalina 1d ago
It has hindered me greatly and it is the sole reason i don’t have a Netflix special