TueNight 10: Joanna Briley

Age: 50

Quick bio: Joanna is a New York City-based actor, stand-up comedian and writer. She has appeared on Lifetime TV’s “Fempire” ad campaign, “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, and several appearances on Wendy Williams “Street Talk” segment.

Beyond the bio: “In 2018, I created the “Black Women in Comedy Festival,” which was an amazing call to action for black women comedians who are hilariously talented yet routinely overlooked by the industry. With over 20 years in the comedy business, I felt compelled to create this festival to highlight the wide range of comedy, storytelling, improv, and sketch from the perspectives of black women in a supportive and safe environment. I am proud to say that the festival empowered so many funny black women who just needed someone cheering for them and rooting for their success. We look forward to opening more doors in the coming years.”

1. On the nightstandLust for Life by Sylvester McNutt III, Keto Clarity by Jimmy Moore with Eric C. Westman, MD, She’s So Funny by Judy Brown and Essence Magazine.

2. Can’t stop/won’t stop: Laughing. It makes me feel so good. I made people laugh at my Mom’s recent funeral service. It was rewarding.

3. Jam of the minute: This song “Joanna” by Afro B. It’s me — not in a vainglorious way. The song talks about how busy I am and why am I being so elusive to his desires. Yup. It’s me to a tee. I haven’t been on a date in a long while. But I love this song. Feels good.

4. Things I miss: Deep sea fishing & sex

5. 80s Crush: Cheech and Chong

6. Current crush: Beyoncé

7. Will whine about: Unkindness

8. Will wine about: Casamigos Tequila Blanco with fresh lime & seltzer. Yum yum.

9. Best thing that happened recently: Two of the performers that attended the Black Women In Comedy festival were offered auditions for the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival which is the creme de la creme of industry heavy comedy festivals.

10. Looking forward to: Retiring from my day job as a token booth clerk with the MTA-NYCTA. I have worked for 28 years as a “token booth clerk,” a.k.a Station Agent, and I am so blessed to be able to work in a place that allows me to write joke after joke after joke. However, once I retire I will probably bring back my one woman show “Swipe This! My Life In Transit!” and continue to share the ups and downs of riding the best transit system in the world.

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One Response

  1. chandrakant kulkarni

    Working non-stop as a Station Agent for t w e n t y e i g h t years! Simply great!

    Reply

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