Day 14:

As a comedian, I run into some really funny people. Every so often I meet a comedian that I enjoy so much that I want the world to know. So during this blog-filled October (Blogtober), I’ll be highlighting a wonderful comic each Friday in a feature called TGIF: (This Guy/Gal Is Funny). These won’t be long essays or anything, just a little recommendation on some people to go to when you want to laugh. This week, I want to draw your attention to Laurie Kilmartin.

You might recognize Laurie from Last Comic Standing. She was one of the top 7 finalists. We actually auditioned together…well, not “together.” She wasn’t holding my hand and saying, “You can do it. Don’t be scared.” But we had our audition on the same night. Sadly I did not move on, so I did not get to watch her tear it up week after week. I have, however, had the privilege of working with her…and it’s always a fun time!

My favorite time working with Laurie was up in the bay area where she had a group of “friends” come out to see her show. Why is friends in quotes? Well, you see, one of these friends heckled everybody all night long (yes, even yours truly). Now, that’s not unheard of. If you are there to see one particular comic, and you’re drunker than the people who decided to make $#!% My Dad Says into a TV show, then you might be douchey enough to heckle the other comedians who aren’t your friend. But this guy also heckled Laurie! WTF?! Why come out at all? But Laurie handled it like a pro. It was one of the funniest nights of comedy I’ve been to. (I found out later that the dude was not really even Laurie’s friend…more of an old acquaintance) Laurie is fantastic when things are going right, but there is something magical about a comic who can use comedy-kung-fu to make it hilarious when things go wrong. Fortunately, she has a clip of an even wackier circumstance on her YouTube page for me to share with you:

If you want to hear more of Laurie’s comedy without even leaving your house, you’re in luck. She’s a writer for Conan. I’d also recommend her Twitter feed, @anylaurie16. She posts a lot of fun jokes on there. But I recommend you check in with her website, www.kilmartin.com and find out when she’ll be playing near you. But don’t heckle her or throw rolls! Just shut up and enjoy the comedy!

Bottom line…Laurie Kilmartin: This Gal Is Funny!!!