Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasaun Wilson.
Hi Kasaun, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Honestly, I still consider myself just a kid from Jersey City, NJ, living the dream. That dream started back at my alma mater, Howard University, in Washington, DC, where I was studying theater, and my professor, the late great Al Freeman Jr. (Spike Lee’s Malcolm X), suggested I try stand-up comedy and I went that evening and been doing it ever since. Taking that small suggestion started this dream that’s led to me doing standup in amazing cities like San Diego and being on shows like NBC’s Last Comic Standing, TRUtv’s Laff Tracks, and currently a staff writer on The Problem with Jon Stewart on AppleTV+.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anybody’s road is smooth. I would assume anybody reading this has experienced some ups and downs, especially in the entertainment industry. Being a creative can feel like a trust fund full of nos at times, but we all do this because we love it. I’ve spent a lot of days not having sacrifice from nothing, but you walk into a room like the La Jolla Comedy Store and make hundreds of people laugh, and it suddenly all becomes worth it. I have no complaints.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sure. I’ll speak about what I’m doing now. I’m currently working on a wonderful show entitled “The Problem with Jon Stewart” on AppleTV+. I’m blessed to be a staff writer on this show, and it’s been amazing to be a part of an experience that is as comedic as it is grounded in what’s on in the world today. As a standup comedian, I consider myself to be a gumbo of an artist. I’m the quintessential grew-up-in-church kid; I’m Black, married, I care about the world, but I’m really silly. All of that! I’m as passionate about what’s going on in the news as I am about arguing my favorite snacks! I have as many jokes about Black Lives Matter as I do defending black licorice (if you feel differently about black licorice, willing to argue @thelifeofkay). And that’s me in a nutshell. When people come and see me live, there’s something for everybody and really, really fun. Coming to see is like going to your favorite house party!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Does being an artist count? Because the 3rd show I ever did, I got paid in garlic fries (which, it turns out, leasing offices do not accept as payment). I’m not a casual risk-taker. I don’t do rollercoasters or being out in nature where I can’t see the parking lot, but I’ve completely resolved my life to a rollercoaster of a career. My philosophy is I’m always going to bet on myself. I believe in me. I once paid to fly to Orlando with my last $200 for a comedy contest where I only got to do 5 minutes, and the prize money was the funds I needed to get back home. I came in 2nd. Story for another day…
Contact Info:
- Website: thelifeofkay.com
- Instagram: thelifeofkay
Image Credits
Van Green
