Owen Smith
Gig Seeker Pro

Owen Smith

Los Angeles, California, United States

Los Angeles, California, United States
Band Comedy Spoken Word

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Smith Won't Remain 'Anonymous' For Long"

REVIEW

ANDREW S. HUGHES
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Part concert, part DVD taping, Owen Smith's second performance Thursday night at Century Center started late, but the comedian made up for it with the content and delivery of his material.

A 1995 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Smith returned to South Bend on Thursday to film two performances of his stand-up routine for "Owen Smith: Anonymous", a DVD project he hopes to interest Comedy Central in airing.

He stands a good chance of doing so.

Although much of Smith's rouine would get bleeped on broadcast television and can't be reprinted in a newspaper, it is funny, he has a magnetic stage prescence, the ability to tell a story, an adeptness with quick one-liners and long setups, and an often insightful take on his topics, including ones that might otherwise seem taboo. At other times, the act simply had a silly, produce-a-laugh purpose.

Smith also has a good sense of pacing; his one-hour routine didn't seem as ling as the 30-minute delay that preceeded it.

Four years ago, Smith billed himself as a "clean" comic when he performed at Notre Dame's Washington Hall with fellow alumni Jim Brogan and John Garrett. That label no longer applies, but that certainly didn't faze Thursday's late audience.

The 500 or so people there, most of them in their 20s and black, responded enthusiastically to Smith's act, particularly his routines about being black, one about the cruelty of giving homeless people canned food and some of his sexual material.

Smith, who has appeared several times on "Everybody Hates Chris" and has done work for BET and Comedy Central and been on "Crossing Jordan," "Gilmore Girls" and "Monk,' opened with a routine about being an alumnus of Notre Dame: "That's why I'm still here, because I'm still paying for it. I should have known the school was going to be expensive because all of the statues have one hand out..."

When Smith walked onstage, he said "Thank you. Goodnight. I just wanted to see if I could pull this (thing) off."

He did.
- Tribune


"Funny Man Owen Smith on The Greenlight Project"

The Greenlight Project is so excited to have funny man and comedian Owen Smith on the show tomorrow June 11th at 11am EST. If you watch television, odds are you've seen this face. Maybe from his numerous appearances on the Chris Rock hit, "Everybody Hates Chris"; or from...[click link to continue...] - TWS


"Owen Smith Owes Audience No Laughs"

‘Everybody Hates Chris’ writer, actor performs in Chesapeakes
By Tyler Waldman

Comedian Owen Smith worked fast in his one-hour performance Wednesday night in the Chesapeake Rooms in the University Union. More than 500 people attended the show, which was sponsored by the Campus Activities Board.

The comedian lampooned racial and social stereotypes, and the awkwardness of the college experience.

Smith is actually a local.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, he moved to Prince George’s County when he was an infant.

He first realized he wanted to be a comedian at age nine, after seeing Eddie Murphy’s HBO special, “Delirious.”

“At that moment, I was like ‘That’s what I’m going to be doing the rest of my life, just not in that outfit,’” he said.

He got his start in Washington-area clubs when he was 19.

“I was home one summer working at the Department of Energy, just making people laugh on the lunch break, and this one guy said, ‘You’re funny. I’m going to take you to a comedy club,’” Smith said. “I didn’t argue with him.”

He described his style as conversational.

“I have a horrible memory, so I try to talk about some stuff that happens to me in some way, shape or form. I used to tell jokes, but I would forget them,” he said.

He worked his way through the comedy scene, and worked as a writer and occasional actor on the television series “Everybody Hates Chris.” He said that doing the show and working with Chris Rock was “like I was in class.”

“I really took that job to learn how TV is made,” he said. “It was like getting a PhD in television. Do you know how hard it is to get a joke on the air? It’s amazing all the people you have to explain [jokes to]. ‘This’ll be funny to these people because of this. This will not offend these people because of this.’”

Two years ago, he did more than 100 college shows to raise money for his DVD, “Anonymous.” Today, he said he doesn’t have much time for performances.

He recently landed a writing gig as the head comedy writer with “The Brian McKnight Show.”

Good fortune, he said, brought him to Towson for the Wednesday show.

He talked race, sex, politics and college life.

On President Barack Obama, he joked, “It makes it cool to be black and smart again.”

But, he lamented, “You can’t blame white people like we used to.”

On Kanye West’s now-infamous incident at the Video Music Awards, he expressed his amusement.

“The only person who could be happy when that went down was Chris Brown,” he said.

Jarrett Myers, a freshman business major, said Smith “connected” with the crowd.

“He had the whole crowd cracking up the whole time,” he said.

Freshman nursing major Alicia Paterno said she was surprised by Smith’s more risque jokes about sex and college, including talking the awkward questions from parents.

“You don’t just hear that. He really caught me off guard, and he was really funny,” she said.

Sophomore pre-dental major Devon Herbert said it was his first time seeing Smith live.

“He was real fresh, real original with all his jokes and stuff. I had never heard any of his material before, and he was really funny,” he said. - The TowerLight


"Owen Smith Reveals the Comedic Condition"

Owen Smith Reveals the Comedic Condition
by Ramon Shiloh

For most comedians, the ability to perform in large venues and to have access to any club they wish only comes with being a celebrity. As Owen Smith has found out, it’s hard to break through in the competitive comedic industry. Smith points out comedians such as Larry the Cable Guy spent the entire 1990s working all the markets in order to build the following they have today.

Smith acknowledges that if he wants to achieve the same level of success, it’s about patience and knowing what you’re searching for. “I’ve been told to pursue the industry credits in order to further my career,” Smith explains. “One of the main reasons for my move to Los Angeles was to be a national headliner in the hottest markets.”

And, the move has certainly paid off. In recent years, Smith has landed endorsement deals for General Mills, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Blockbuster and the Illinois Lottery. He has made guest appearances on “Crossing Jordan”, “Monk” and “Gilmore Girls”. He has delivered some of his funniest jokes on “Latino Laugh Festival: The Show”, “HBO Comedy Minutes”, “The Orlando Jones Show”, “National Lampoon’s Funny Money” and BET’s “Comic View”.

Video: Owen Smith appears in Fiber One commercial.


Smith has even tried his hand at scriptwriting and voiceovers, playing several characters in the highly-anticipated Orlando Jones animated sketch comedy “BUFU” on BET. In November 2007, he taped his first comedy special, “Anonymous?”, which is slated for release on April 10, and since 2005, he has appeared in multiple roles on Chris Rock’s hit sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris”, including Afro-Centric Man, Moving Man and Radio Announcer.

“Working on [Chris Rock's] show these past few years, I’ve learned many things,” Smith says in a shout-out to the comic on his website. “But, the one lesson I’ll treasure most is: Through hard work, ANYTHING is possible. Chris went from washing dishes at Red Lobster to being called ‘The Funniest Man in America.’ Enough said.”


Video: Trailer for Owen Smith’s first DVD release Anonymous



Finding a Voice
According to Smith, there has been a shift in the industry that expects comedians to fill seats rather than nurturing up and coming talent. Smith says that while his Hollywood adventures have been fun, he believes it is time to “stop chasing and concentrate on what I want to do and say, in order to find my own audience. My goal is to be able to work all the Top 20 markets.”

That’s one reason he decided to join the Brain Noise Tour with Orny Adams. On March 13 and14, the two comics found themselves in Bellevue, Washington, captivating a young audience at Parlor Live. Smith says Seattle is a great place to tap into a new fan base because it brings an opportunity to develop naturally and to be heard in a diverse, unfamiliar environment.

“There’s a bunch of comedians who love Seattle and I’m a fan of David Cross and he loves Seattle. The beauty behind Seattle is how intelligent people are and I feel it’s one of the last places where a nerd can get laid for being a nerd,” Smith jokes. “What I enjoyed about Seattle was the possibility to give it my all. I find my act in the last two years has gotten a bit more personal, which has helped me accumulate real fans.”

Critics have noted that watching Smith on stage is like watching a conductor command an orchestra. Smith captivates his audiences with unapologetic humor, drawing cleverly upon many of the issues we face today, crossing lines most other comedians don’t dare. Smith recognizes that observations of the comedic art form are educative on two diametrically opposed philosophies - a classy style of humor delivered from a place of love and honor versus the “mean for no reason” school of comedy.

“I pride myself on putting thought behind my observations. I want to provoke my audiences with intelligence, yet hit them hard enough with humor to get them laughing at serious issues,” Smith explains. “I was taught to know more than, or as much as, your audience about the topics you talk about. Whoever is in front of me, I want to relate to them. Richard Pryor did it from a personal space, Bill Cosby did it from a storytelling mindset, George Carlin did it from a language perspective. Back in the day, jokes weren’t segregated like today. Back then, clever social issues were the heart and norm in society.”

Smith says he also draws inspiration from his family. “Hands down, my Aunt Kita is the funniest person I know,” he writes on his website. “She is the first person I ever saw ‘work a room.’ At every family get-together, she’ll have you cracking up.”

But, it was his encounter with an African American funny man that rocked his world enough to open his eyes to see his future path. “When I was nine years old, I saw Eddie Murphy’s Delirious on HBO. I remember yelling at the TV, ‘That’s what I do and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life!’ While I was wa - Colors NW - The Premier Diversity Resource


"Owen Smith Reveals the Comedic Condition"

Owen Smith Reveals the Comedic Condition
by Ramon Shiloh

For most comedians, the ability to perform in large venues and to have access to any club they wish only comes with being a celebrity. As Owen Smith has found out, it’s hard to break through in the competitive comedic industry. Smith points out comedians such as Larry the Cable Guy spent the entire 1990s working all the markets in order to build the following they have today.

Smith acknowledges that if he wants to achieve the same level of success, it’s about patience and knowing what you’re searching for. “I’ve been told to pursue the industry credits in order to further my career,” Smith explains. “One of the main reasons for my move to Los Angeles was to be a national headliner in the hottest markets.”

And, the move has certainly paid off. In recent years, Smith has landed endorsement deals for General Mills, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Blockbuster and the Illinois Lottery. He has made guest appearances on “Crossing Jordan”, “Monk” and “Gilmore Girls”. He has delivered some of his funniest jokes on “Latino Laugh Festival: The Show”, “HBO Comedy Minutes”, “The Orlando Jones Show”, “National Lampoon’s Funny Money” and BET’s “Comic View”.

Video: Owen Smith appears in Fiber One commercial.


Smith has even tried his hand at scriptwriting and voiceovers, playing several characters in the highly-anticipated Orlando Jones animated sketch comedy “BUFU” on BET. In November 2007, he taped his first comedy special, “Anonymous?”, which is slated for release on April 10, and since 2005, he has appeared in multiple roles on Chris Rock’s hit sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris”, including Afro-Centric Man, Moving Man and Radio Announcer.

“Working on [Chris Rock's] show these past few years, I’ve learned many things,” Smith says in a shout-out to the comic on his website. “But, the one lesson I’ll treasure most is: Through hard work, ANYTHING is possible. Chris went from washing dishes at Red Lobster to being called ‘The Funniest Man in America.’ Enough said.”


Video: Trailer for Owen Smith’s first DVD release Anonymous



Finding a Voice
According to Smith, there has been a shift in the industry that expects comedians to fill seats rather than nurturing up and coming talent. Smith says that while his Hollywood adventures have been fun, he believes it is time to “stop chasing and concentrate on what I want to do and say, in order to find my own audience. My goal is to be able to work all the Top 20 markets.”

That’s one reason he decided to join the Brain Noise Tour with Orny Adams. On March 13 and14, the two comics found themselves in Bellevue, Washington, captivating a young audience at Parlor Live. Smith says Seattle is a great place to tap into a new fan base because it brings an opportunity to develop naturally and to be heard in a diverse, unfamiliar environment.

“There’s a bunch of comedians who love Seattle and I’m a fan of David Cross and he loves Seattle. The beauty behind Seattle is how intelligent people are and I feel it’s one of the last places where a nerd can get laid for being a nerd,” Smith jokes. “What I enjoyed about Seattle was the possibility to give it my all. I find my act in the last two years has gotten a bit more personal, which has helped me accumulate real fans.”

Critics have noted that watching Smith on stage is like watching a conductor command an orchestra. Smith captivates his audiences with unapologetic humor, drawing cleverly upon many of the issues we face today, crossing lines most other comedians don’t dare. Smith recognizes that observations of the comedic art form are educative on two diametrically opposed philosophies - a classy style of humor delivered from a place of love and honor versus the “mean for no reason” school of comedy.

“I pride myself on putting thought behind my observations. I want to provoke my audiences with intelligence, yet hit them hard enough with humor to get them laughing at serious issues,” Smith explains. “I was taught to know more than, or as much as, your audience about the topics you talk about. Whoever is in front of me, I want to relate to them. Richard Pryor did it from a personal space, Bill Cosby did it from a storytelling mindset, George Carlin did it from a language perspective. Back in the day, jokes weren’t segregated like today. Back then, clever social issues were the heart and norm in society.”

Smith says he also draws inspiration from his family. “Hands down, my Aunt Kita is the funniest person I know,” he writes on his website. “She is the first person I ever saw ‘work a room.’ At every family get-together, she’ll have you cracking up.”

But, it was his encounter with an African American funny man that rocked his world enough to open his eyes to see his future path. “When I was nine years old, I saw Eddie Murphy’s Delirious on HBO. I remember yelling at the TV, ‘That’s what I do and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life!’ While I was wa - Colors NW - The Premier Diversity Resource


"Stand-up Comedian Gives Stand-up Performance"

Stand-up comedian gives stand-up performance
By Robbie Wroblewski

Owen Smith joked about one-night stands, terrorists, condoms and his mother. The crowd laughed hysterically at one joke about the no handed marching band member playing his instrument with his feet.
The comedian performed his stand-up routine at 7th Street Underground at Eastern on Friday.
The event started at 9 p.m. with more than 200 students present.
Eastern is one school of 100 that Smith will tour until early next year. He recently visited Hiram College and University of Akron in Ohio. He will be in Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater and Plattesville this week.
"Some schools really get comedy like y'all," Smith said about Eastern, which is nearly the sixtieth on his tour. "So I didn't have to teach you guys the jokes."
The show began with Smith talking about college life.
"There are some classes that you are just goin' to miss," he said. "Nobody wants to add letters of the alphabet at 8 o'clock in the morning. Of course I skipped the class."
Many of the jokes described the college lifestyle: "This is the only time in your life that you will ever be able to get a girl to fool around with you in a bunk bed."
Smith also talked about his experiences with drugs and how an accident on a brand new white couch and floor taught him never to eat psychedelic mushrooms again.
Airports were among Smith's jokes at the expense of the new policies about bringing liquids on the plane.
"I was excited I was goin' to see somebody get messed up, until I noticed that somebody was me! I almost got beat up, all for walking around with a bottle of water. It's nuts man." Smith even referred to his own life experiences: "I was born in the West Indies, Nassau, Bahamas. Yeah, I came to the United States when I was one because I needed work."
Smith has a regular spot on "Everybody Hates Chris" on the new station, the CW.
Smith can also be seen in "Gilmore Girls" and the movie "When a Stranger Calls." With hopes of starting and starring in his own TV show, Smith would also like to work in more movies and production.
"I don't want to be just a good comic I want to be a GREAT comic," Smith said as he discussed his plans for the future.
Smith has a strong internet presence with his own Web sites: http://www.owensmithisfunny.com, http://www.myspace.com/oweneverybody with a full schedule of his shows, A Facebook fanpage: http://bitly.com/FDNLX and Smith also has clips of his act on www.comdeycentral.com.

You can also purchase his new DVD, Owen Smith, Anonymous on amazon.com or his website. - Daily Eastern News


"Stand-up Comedian Gives Stand-up Performance"

Stand-up comedian gives stand-up performance
By Robbie Wroblewski

Owen Smith joked about one-night stands, terrorists, condoms and his mother. The crowd laughed hysterically at one joke about the no handed marching band member playing his instrument with his feet.
The comedian performed his stand-up routine at 7th Street Underground at Eastern on Friday.
The event started at 9 p.m. with more than 200 students present.
Eastern is one school of 100 that Smith will tour until early next year. He recently visited Hiram College and University of Akron in Ohio. He will be in Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater and Plattesville this week.
"Some schools really get comedy like y'all," Smith said about Eastern, which is nearly the sixtieth on his tour. "So I didn't have to teach you guys the jokes."
The show began with Smith talking about college life.
"There are some classes that you are just goin' to miss," he said. "Nobody wants to add letters of the alphabet at 8 o'clock in the morning. Of course I skipped the class."
Many of the jokes described the college lifestyle: "This is the only time in your life that you will ever be able to get a girl to fool around with you in a bunk bed."
Smith also talked about his experiences with drugs and how an accident on a brand new white couch and floor taught him never to eat psychedelic mushrooms again.
Airports were among Smith's jokes at the expense of the new policies about bringing liquids on the plane.
"I was excited I was goin' to see somebody get messed up, until I noticed that somebody was me! I almost got beat up, all for walking around with a bottle of water. It's nuts man." Smith even referred to his own life experiences: "I was born in the West Indies, Nassau, Bahamas. Yeah, I came to the United States when I was one because I needed work."
Smith has a regular spot on "Everybody Hates Chris" on the new station, the CW.
Smith can also be seen in "Gilmore Girls" and the movie "When a Stranger Calls." With hopes of starting and starring in his own TV show, Smith would also like to work in more movies and production.
"I don't want to be just a good comic I want to be a GREAT comic," Smith said as he discussed his plans for the future.
Smith has a strong internet presence with his own Web sites: http://www.owensmithisfunny.com, http://www.myspace.com/oweneverybody with a full schedule of his shows, A Facebook fanpage: http://bitly.com/FDNLX and Smith also has clips of his act on www.comdeycentral.com.

You can also purchase his new DVD, Owen Smith, Anonymous on amazon.com or his website. - Daily Eastern News


"10 Questions with Comedian Owen Smith"

1. When did you decide you wanted to be a Comedian?
When I was 9 years old but I didn't tell anybody. I told the family I
wanted to be a gynecologist. It always made them laugh.

2. What are some of your Comedy influences?
Wow I have so many for so many different reasons. I think Cosby spoke
to me the most growing up because of his story telling, and intensity
with which he told his stories. It really blew me away. I also loved
all of the sound effects he'd make to paint the picture. In college I
discovered Pryor. And I fell in love all over again. But a different
kind of love. A friend of mine says Pryor can make a mood funny. And
I would agree. I'm attracted to how honest and vulnerable he is on
stage. Other influences include: Woody Allen and Redd Foxx for their
timing. I love the social commentary of Dick Gregory and Bill Hicks;
the silliness of a Brian Regan or Jim Gaffigan; the utter cool of
Franklyn Ajaye; and if you ever get a chance to see George Lopez
perform go! He is amazing. His blocking and act outs alone are worth
the ticket price. Man I can go on and on with this question. But to
answer it in short, I don't have ONE comedian I love. It's not that
simple with me. I'm inspired by so many. My friends tease me, they
say, I'm sick with it. because I know about ALMOST every comedian who
ever existed.

3. How long have you been a Comedian?
August 2006 made my 10th year as a full time comedian. I stepped on
stage for the first time Summer of 1992 though. But I wasn't making
enough $$ and didn't know enough to do it full time until August 1996.

4. Have you met any celebrities and/or interesting people?
Tons. I live in LA man and I work on one of the hottest sitcoms out
right now, Everybody Hates Chris, so I've met or seen up close almost
every celebrity in what they call "Black Hollywood" anyway. Let's
see, I've met Halle Berry, she and I have the same acting teacher,
I've seen Denzel a couple of times, haven't had the pleasure of
meeting him yet, opened for Jaime Foxx years ago, recently worked
with Whoopi Goldberg on the set of EHC. And let me tell you she is
really and truly a beautiful spirit. That was one of the best weeks
of my young showbiz career because I wrote a couple of jokes for her
and she loved them and they made the script and they made the
episode. So to see Whoopi say some words that I wrote was an awesome
moment! [and I hope this story makes your paper 8-)] White Hollywood,
I've seen Tom Cruise when they were filming MI:3. He's short man.
Like parking meter tall. Kind of hard to believe he saves the world
in all his movies. Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Gary Shandling, Kevin
Nealon (Weeds).

Other people I've met: Chris Rock (he's my boss), Dave Chappelle,
dancer/actor/ singer Gregory Hines before he past, Debbie Allen,
opened for Cedric the Entertainer, DL Hughley, Jaime Foxx the list
goes on and on and on man.

5. How would you describe your style of Comedy?
Funny. I have a funny style of comedy. Funny observations, stories,
all from real life experiences. I'm not a joke punch-line comedian.
Come to the show and you tell me.

6. How often do you perform at Colleges?
Check out my schedule this year at www.myspace.com/oweneverybody
This year I'm doing over a hundred schools. So I have been doing a
college virtually everyday.

7. Where did you go to school? what was your major?
I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Finance.

8. Who is your favorite Comedian?
see question #2.

9. What is your favorite type of crowd to perform too?
I loved a racially mixed crowd with an open mind and who comes to
laugh not talk on their cell phone or talk to their friend next to
them. A crowd who genuinely comes out to laugh. Those are usually my
favorite audiences. NO BABIES OR CHILDREN PLEASE! My show is for
adults. ALSO MY COMEDY IS BEST RECEIVED IF I AM NOT PERFORMING IN A
DINING HALL. I SINCERELY HOPE I'M IN A VENUE THAT IS RIGHT FOR COMEDY
LIKE AN AUDITORIUM. DINING HALLS ARE FOR DINING NOT COMEDY I DON'T
CARE HOW YOU TRY TO FIX IT UP. IT'S CALLED A DINING HALL FOR A
REASON!!!!!

10. Why should students attend your show?
Come on, what else is there to do in Evansville on a Thursday night.
What are they gonna do go to Vincennes and kick it? No seriously,
students should come to my show because they will experience comedy
like they've NEVER seen it done before. I am not your typical run of
the mill comedian. The buzz on me in Hollywood is that I am the next
hot comic to break man so you guys should catch me while admission is
FREE!!! Not being conceited just telling you what others are starting
to say about me. So come check out the show and if you don't laugh
I'll give you your price of admission back 8-).
- The Shield


"10 Questions with Comedian Owen Smith"

1. When did you decide you wanted to be a Comedian?
When I was 9 years old but I didn't tell anybody. I told the family I
wanted to be a gynecologist. It always made them laugh.

2. What are some of your Comedy influences?
Wow I have so many for so many different reasons. I think Cosby spoke
to me the most growing up because of his story telling, and intensity
with which he told his stories. It really blew me away. I also loved
all of the sound effects he'd make to paint the picture. In college I
discovered Pryor. And I fell in love all over again. But a different
kind of love. A friend of mine says Pryor can make a mood funny. And
I would agree. I'm attracted to how honest and vulnerable he is on
stage. Other influences include: Woody Allen and Redd Foxx for their
timing. I love the social commentary of Dick Gregory and Bill Hicks;
the silliness of a Brian Regan or Jim Gaffigan; the utter cool of
Franklyn Ajaye; and if you ever get a chance to see George Lopez
perform go! He is amazing. His blocking and act outs alone are worth
the ticket price. Man I can go on and on with this question. But to
answer it in short, I don't have ONE comedian I love. It's not that
simple with me. I'm inspired by so many. My friends tease me, they
say, I'm sick with it. because I know about ALMOST every comedian who
ever existed.

3. How long have you been a Comedian?
August 2006 made my 10th year as a full time comedian. I stepped on
stage for the first time Summer of 1992 though. But I wasn't making
enough $$ and didn't know enough to do it full time until August 1996.

4. Have you met any celebrities and/or interesting people?
Tons. I live in LA man and I work on one of the hottest sitcoms out
right now, Everybody Hates Chris, so I've met or seen up close almost
every celebrity in what they call "Black Hollywood" anyway. Let's
see, I've met Halle Berry, she and I have the same acting teacher,
I've seen Denzel a couple of times, haven't had the pleasure of
meeting him yet, opened for Jaime Foxx years ago, recently worked
with Whoopi Goldberg on the set of EHC. And let me tell you she is
really and truly a beautiful spirit. That was one of the best weeks
of my young showbiz career because I wrote a couple of jokes for her
and she loved them and they made the script and they made the
episode. So to see Whoopi say some words that I wrote was an awesome
moment! [and I hope this story makes your paper 8-)] White Hollywood,
I've seen Tom Cruise when they were filming MI:3. He's short man.
Like parking meter tall. Kind of hard to believe he saves the world
in all his movies. Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Gary Shandling, Kevin
Nealon (Weeds).

Other people I've met: Chris Rock (he's my boss), Dave Chappelle,
dancer/actor/ singer Gregory Hines before he past, Debbie Allen,
opened for Cedric the Entertainer, DL Hughley, Jaime Foxx the list
goes on and on and on man.

5. How would you describe your style of Comedy?
Funny. I have a funny style of comedy. Funny observations, stories,
all from real life experiences. I'm not a joke punch-line comedian.
Come to the show and you tell me.

6. How often do you perform at Colleges?
Check out my schedule this year at www.myspace.com/oweneverybody
This year I'm doing over a hundred schools. So I have been doing a
college virtually everyday.

7. Where did you go to school? what was your major?
I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Finance.

8. Who is your favorite Comedian?
see question #2.

9. What is your favorite type of crowd to perform too?
I loved a racially mixed crowd with an open mind and who comes to
laugh not talk on their cell phone or talk to their friend next to
them. A crowd who genuinely comes out to laugh. Those are usually my
favorite audiences. NO BABIES OR CHILDREN PLEASE! My show is for
adults. ALSO MY COMEDY IS BEST RECEIVED IF I AM NOT PERFORMING IN A
DINING HALL. I SINCERELY HOPE I'M IN A VENUE THAT IS RIGHT FOR COMEDY
LIKE AN AUDITORIUM. DINING HALLS ARE FOR DINING NOT COMEDY I DON'T
CARE HOW YOU TRY TO FIX IT UP. IT'S CALLED A DINING HALL FOR A
REASON!!!!!

10. Why should students attend your show?
Come on, what else is there to do in Evansville on a Thursday night.
What are they gonna do go to Vincennes and kick it? No seriously,
students should come to my show because they will experience comedy
like they've NEVER seen it done before. I am not your typical run of
the mill comedian. The buzz on me in Hollywood is that I am the next
hot comic to break man so you guys should catch me while admission is
FREE!!! Not being conceited just telling you what others are starting
to say about me. So come check out the show and if you don't laugh
I'll give you your price of admission back 8-).
- The Shield


"Owen Smith Performs At HSU"

Owen Smith Performs at HSU
by Stephanie McFalls

Comedian Owen Smith gave a dynamic performance at HSU on wed. Oct. 18 the Garrison Center Lecture Hall. Smith’s material was original, interesting, and relevant to the college experience. His unique approach captured the attention of the audience which made the show very humorous.

The feedback during and after the show indicated that the student body enjoyed Smith’s performance. After the show was over, he was given a huge round of applause while others took time to compliment him on his act. “The show was good,” said Darnisha Hardwick, Freshmen Early Childhood Education Major.

Smith’s coming was recommended by the Student Activity Board. The SAB executive board decided to book Smith for a show at Henderson after watching him perform at the SAB conference in Boston. “He was the funniest comedian we saw,” said Jessica Childs, Senior Mass Media Major.

SAB also believed that Smith’s performance would be appropriate and not too long. The next event hosted by SAB will be a Family Force 5 concert on the Quad Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The opening act will be Need to Breathe which has a song on the movie “Employee of the Month” starring Jessica Simpson and Jane Cook.

Smith had ambitions of being a comedian every since he was nine years old, but did not pursue his dreams out of fear of discouragement from others. At 19, he was encouraged by a friend to get his comedy act together. He gave his first performance at a Comedy Club in Maryland.

Smith states that the comedians were very nurturing by giving him pointers on how to improve his act. Now he is currently on tour and will travel to over 100 colleges throughout the country. He stated that colleges are very different and it is hard to please everybody.

Some colleges allow comedians to be themselves while others do not. Some may find particular jokes funny while others may find them offensive. Smith states that he looks up to and admires comedians such as Bill Cosby for his intensity to tell stories, Richard Pryor for his ability to make the moods funny, and Frankly Ajaye for his sophistication in the movie Car Wash, which was remade as The Wash starring Snoop Dogg.

He also admired Woody Allen, Bill Hicks, Dave Chapelle, Damon Wayans, and Chris Rock for their humor and real personalities. He gets inspiration for his shows from his life experiences such as from his childhood, college years, and the present. Smith states that he observes things at weird times and could use these things as a part of his act.

He also may observe some things differently than someone else and add the way he observed the situation to his act. Along with being a comedian, Smith is also an actor. Smith states there is a difference between comedy and acting. “Acting is other peoples words; comedy is you,” said Comedian Owen Smith.

He has appeared in the movie “When A Stranger Calls” and is currently on the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” starring Chris Rock. The show appears on channel 6 CW on Mondays at 7 p.m. Smith says that it is great working with Chris Rock, because of the interaction he encounters everyday.

Working with Chris Rock help build up his confidence and allows him to learn more. “It’s like going to school again,” said Smith. For aspiring students who want to get into the entertainment world, Smith says to keep your ideas close to your chest, keep what you want to do, and remember that you can do it.

To learn more about or keep up with Owen Smith you can go to http://www.owensmithisfunny.com or http://myspace.com/oweneverybody.
- HSU Weekly


"Owen Smith Performs At HSU"

Owen Smith Performs at HSU
by Stephanie McFalls

Comedian Owen Smith gave a dynamic performance at HSU on wed. Oct. 18 the Garrison Center Lecture Hall. Smith’s material was original, interesting, and relevant to the college experience. His unique approach captured the attention of the audience which made the show very humorous.

The feedback during and after the show indicated that the student body enjoyed Smith’s performance. After the show was over, he was given a huge round of applause while others took time to compliment him on his act. “The show was good,” said Darnisha Hardwick, Freshmen Early Childhood Education Major.

Smith’s coming was recommended by the Student Activity Board. The SAB executive board decided to book Smith for a show at Henderson after watching him perform at the SAB conference in Boston. “He was the funniest comedian we saw,” said Jessica Childs, Senior Mass Media Major.

SAB also believed that Smith’s performance would be appropriate and not too long. The next event hosted by SAB will be a Family Force 5 concert on the Quad Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The opening act will be Need to Breathe which has a song on the movie “Employee of the Month” starring Jessica Simpson and Jane Cook.

Smith had ambitions of being a comedian every since he was nine years old, but did not pursue his dreams out of fear of discouragement from others. At 19, he was encouraged by a friend to get his comedy act together. He gave his first performance at a Comedy Club in Maryland.

Smith states that the comedians were very nurturing by giving him pointers on how to improve his act. Now he is currently on tour and will travel to over 100 colleges throughout the country. He stated that colleges are very different and it is hard to please everybody.

Some colleges allow comedians to be themselves while others do not. Some may find particular jokes funny while others may find them offensive. Smith states that he looks up to and admires comedians such as Bill Cosby for his intensity to tell stories, Richard Pryor for his ability to make the moods funny, and Frankly Ajaye for his sophistication in the movie Car Wash, which was remade as The Wash starring Snoop Dogg.

He also admired Woody Allen, Bill Hicks, Dave Chapelle, Damon Wayans, and Chris Rock for their humor and real personalities. He gets inspiration for his shows from his life experiences such as from his childhood, college years, and the present. Smith states that he observes things at weird times and could use these things as a part of his act.

He also may observe some things differently than someone else and add the way he observed the situation to his act. Along with being a comedian, Smith is also an actor. Smith states there is a difference between comedy and acting. “Acting is other peoples words; comedy is you,” said Comedian Owen Smith.

He has appeared in the movie “When A Stranger Calls” and is currently on the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” starring Chris Rock. The show appears on channel 6 CW on Mondays at 7 p.m. Smith says that it is great working with Chris Rock, because of the interaction he encounters everyday.

Working with Chris Rock help build up his confidence and allows him to learn more. “It’s like going to school again,” said Smith. For aspiring students who want to get into the entertainment world, Smith says to keep your ideas close to your chest, keep what you want to do, and remember that you can do it.

To learn more about or keep up with Owen Smith you can go to http://www.owensmithisfunny.com or http://myspace.com/oweneverybody.
- HSU Weekly


"Owen Smith 'Married' To His Career As Comedian"

by Tyler Downing

Missouri Southern students can look forward to an evening of comedy next week when the Campus Activities Board (CAB) presents Owen Smith.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Smith is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He has been doing stand-up comedy since 1992, when he first performed at an open- mic night at the Comedy Connection in Greenbelt, Md.

"When I met comedy, I knew we were going to get married," Smith said.

Smith decided at nine years old, he was going to be a comedian when he saw the Eddie Murphy special Delirious.

"At that moment, I was like, 'that's what I do!'" Smith said.

"I only saw maybe 10 minutes of it," he said. The babysitter would change the channel every time Murphy cursed.

Smith began doing stand-up comedy full-time in 1996.

"I worked during the day in Chicago," he said about his last job at Prudential Preferred Financial Services.

He worked there during the day and at night did comedy. "I never got any sleep."

Recently, Smith stays busy playing mostly to college audiences.

"Honestly, one out of every four is just a great show," he said. "I have a set list of stuff I know that works," he said. "I have another list of stuff I want to try artistically."

He said when he does a show he has to have something new and exciting to talk about, which is why he has a separate list.

Smith will perform at 7 p.m. May 7 in Corley Auditorium.
- The Chart Online


"Owen Smith 'Married' To His Career As Comedian"

by Tyler Downing

Missouri Southern students can look forward to an evening of comedy next week when the Campus Activities Board (CAB) presents Owen Smith.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Smith is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He has been doing stand-up comedy since 1992, when he first performed at an open- mic night at the Comedy Connection in Greenbelt, Md.

"When I met comedy, I knew we were going to get married," Smith said.

Smith decided at nine years old, he was going to be a comedian when he saw the Eddie Murphy special Delirious.

"At that moment, I was like, 'that's what I do!'" Smith said.

"I only saw maybe 10 minutes of it," he said. The babysitter would change the channel every time Murphy cursed.

Smith began doing stand-up comedy full-time in 1996.

"I worked during the day in Chicago," he said about his last job at Prudential Preferred Financial Services.

He worked there during the day and at night did comedy. "I never got any sleep."

Recently, Smith stays busy playing mostly to college audiences.

"Honestly, one out of every four is just a great show," he said. "I have a set list of stuff I know that works," he said. "I have another list of stuff I want to try artistically."

He said when he does a show he has to have something new and exciting to talk about, which is why he has a separate list.

Smith will perform at 7 p.m. May 7 in Corley Auditorium.
- The Chart Online


Discography

Anonymous - available now http://bit.ly/bwECh
My Turn - 2000

Photos

Bio

OWEN SMITH FACTS:
-YES HE'S THE GUY IN THAT NATIONWIDE IS ON YOUR SIDE COMMERCIAL!
-YES HE'S THE GUY IN THAT NICORETTE SHARK COMMERCIAL!
-YES HE IS IN ICE CUBE'S NEW SITCOM "ARE WE THERE YET" ON TBS
-YES HE'S ONE OF THE FEW MEN ALIVE TO HEAR PAT SAJACK (WHEEL OF FORTUNE) CUSS!
-YES HE'S PERFORMED AT OVER 1,000 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
- YES HE SOMETIMES DOES 2 HOUR SETS!
-YES HE HAS ONE OF THE BEST WEBSITES IN THE GAME
-YES HE HAS OVER 10 MILLION HITS ON YOUTUBE
-YES LADIES HE'LL MARRY YOU. (OK MAYBE NOT THAT, HIS GF WOULD BE PISSED)
-YES HE TWEETS (@OwenLOL)
-YES HE CAN NAME ALL 4 MEMBERS OF THE BLACK EYED PEAS

NACA CREDENTIALS:
-2012 NACA NATIONALS SHOWCASE, CHARLOTTE, NC
-2008 NACA CENTRAL REGIONAL, TULSA, OK
-2008 NACA MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL, LANCASTER, PA
-TOP BOOKED ACT IN 2006 NACA NATIONALS
-OFTEN DOES A LONGER SET: UP TO 2 HOURS!
-REGULAR ON "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS"
-GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH PROMO!

If you have a television, odds are youve seen his face and it was making you laugh. Maybe it was in the Chris Rock hit Everybody Hates Chris; or the TBS series Glory Days or maybe it was in one of his many memorable commercials.

This year, Owen added two new titles to his belt: Writer/Producer for the new hit TBS series, Are We There Yet? which was recently picked up by the network for an astounding 90 episodes. Based on the hit film of the same name, the series will begin its syndication run in June 2012.

Owen has never abandoned his first love stand up comedy. He performs regularly in all the top comedy clubs in NYC and he just received a standing ovation on the new Comedy Central Stand Up series, Russell Simmons Presents: The Ruckus, which will air January 26, 2012 @ 10pm.

Born in the Bahamas, raised in PG County Maryland, and a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Owen currently splits his time between Los Angeles and New York.

For more on Owen Smith please visit: http://www.owensmithisfunny.com