Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillie Reil.
Hi Jillie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in rural Minnesota and moved to the West Coast in my thirties to pursue a law degree and quickly returned to my childhood dreams in arts and entertainment. After to moving to Hollywood, I used any avenue I could to gain experience and exposure, including scene study, workshops, commercials, short films, TV, films, reality, modeling, plays, radio, podcasts, and standup. I still have a love for it all, but I participate in standup the most as it gives me the most creative freedom and frequency.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to standup is never the same for any one person. It is full of ups and downs and crazy venues. I can’t believe some of the places I have done standup, from a giant outdoor French festival, a packed country bar’s cougar night, a harbor cruise, to strip clubs and lifestyle clubs. The biggest struggle is that I have moved around quite a bit since the pandemic and you really need to network and cut your teeth in every new market despite what you may have achieved elsewhere. There’s also a level of sensitivity that you have to work with now, but some comedians have masterfully worked that into their acts, which I very much admire.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I trademarked my comedy name, THE Cougar of Comedy® in 2013 and I have been producing shows almost as long as I have been doing standup, which has been about 15 years. I love creating opportunities for others! My first production was at an event venue/bar called Azul in Palm Springs (known for its drag shows) where we brought in monthly acts from Los Angeles and since then I have produced shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Minnesota. Today, now that I have made Lake Las Vegas my home, I am happy to say that I have brought that same level of production to The Pub in The Village each month. There’s so much amazing talent in Las Vegas and the comedy community has been so welcoming, so I’m so happy to be able to bring these acts out to our enclave.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have been blessed with so many great mentors in entertainment over time, and I have been one as well. Be kind and open to conversation. You never know who you’re going to meet, who has noticed you, or who will remember you in the future. Listen to those with experience that are kind enough to share opportunities and dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecougarofcomedy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecougarofcomedy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCougarofComedy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecougarofcomedy/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JillieReil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thecougarofcomedy
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2976716
