Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with stand-up comic Erin Jackson. The first question I asked her was, “How and when did you start doing stand up and getting into the comedy scene?” Erin explained that she didn’t really get started until after graduating college from Howard University. She stated that it first began as a hobby after taking a class at DC Improv.
“My first performance was actually at a sushi bar in downtown DC. I vividly remember standing next to the sushi display as I spoke. I don’t think the audience enjoyed it as much as I did, but I had fun and knew I wanted to keep getting up there,” said Erin.
A few years later, Erin landed a spot as a contestant on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and received high appraisal from the judges as well as the audience members. In fact, Ellen Degeneres, who happens to be one of Jackson’s favorite comedians, saw her perform and invited her to come on her show. After gaining some valuable recognition from these tv appearances, Erin quit her day job and began touring full-time to college campuses and other venues across the country.
Erin grew up watching Bill Cosby and saw perform live multiple times throughout her childhood. When speaking about Bill Cosby Erin said, “What I loved about Bill Cosby was that whenever he performed it always felt like a conversation, not a performance.” Erin notes that this is something she strives to do as well whenever she is on stage. She aims to connect with the audience and make them feel at ease.
Currently, Erin loves watching fellow comedians Wanda Sykes, Roy Wood Jr. and Chris Rock. When asked what her favorite shows were this year Erin listed Dave, Love Life and I May Destroy You. “I love Anna Kendrick and Dave just pleasantly surprised me,” she said.
While Erin may have already been in the comedy game for nearly 17 years, she is still consistently moving up the ranks. I have no doubt that we will be hearing her name more and more in the future. Erin’s comedy is completely authentic in style; you truly can’t compare her to anyone else. Like any great comic does, Erin frequently incorporates personal anecdotes into her sets. Her comedy is widely relatable and clean enough for children to enjoy.
Aside from Last Comic Standing and The Ellen Degeneres Show, Erin has also been featured on Late Night with Seth Myers, Conan, This Week at the Comedy Cellar and Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham. Additionally, Erin made a comedy album called Grudgery which debuted at No. 1 on the itunes comedy charts. Erin is part of the cast for Tiffany Haddish’s They Ready part 2 which will debut on Netflix in 2021.
To find out more about Erin Jackson, visit her website www.erinjackson.net.
Follow her Instagram @ejthecomic and Twitter @EJthecomic.