WEST PALM BEACH – It’s been a decade since Danny Johnson last performed in the Florida’s Funniest Comedian contest. He’s making up for lost time.
Competing in the contest for the first time since 2012, Johnson made the trip south from the Jacksonville area to become one of only two comics to advance to the 2022 semifinals from the Fort Pierce opening round. Despite performing last in the semifinals, Johnson quickly heard his name called as the first to advance to the finals.
Johnson explained that in the 10 years prior his current run the dates for opening rounds often conflicted with other shows. This year everything fell into place.
Rather long comedic gaps are nothing new Johnson. He first took the stand-up stage as an 18-year-old in Long Island, but didn’t perform again for several more years until after he’d moved to Jacksonville in 1998.
Johnson boasts his own Dry Bar special (video, below) and hosts the “Behind The Bar” podcast. On Dec. 28 in the contest finals at the Palm Beach Improv Johnson will have a chance to claim the title of Florida’s Funniest Comedian.
APPLAUSE BREAK Q&A: Meet Danny Johnson
APPLAUSE BREAK: Why did you start performing stand-up comedy?
DANNY JOHNSON: At an early age I discovered how fun it was to make someone laugh. I think my grandfather told me my first joke when I was like 7. As a kid I remember performing skits for my family, re-enacting SNL sketches with friends, and sharing laughs with people of all ages. Stand-up eventually became a vessel for me to continue to make people laugh.
AB: Who is your favorite comic and why?
DJ: I enjoy a slew of comedians. Ultimately, Jerry Seinfeld is my favorite. I love the minutiae of everyday life, looking at something seemingly mundane, and exploring it. I also love the challenge of being a clean comedian.
AB: What do you do when you’re not performing stand-up comedy? What is your job and hobby?
DJ: I like to write, act, spend time with family.
AB: What’s your pre-show routine?
DJ: I like to banter with the other comedians and then eventually, as showtime approaches, be alone with my notes and thoughts. I eat light before a show as well.
AB: What can people expect from your Florida’s Funniest finals set? How is it different from your normal headlining set?
DJ: It is 6 minutes long. My headlining set is 45-60 minutes. My 6 minutes is simply plucked from my current hour long show.
AB: Where do you see your comedy in five years?
DJ: No idea. I’d like to think I’ll continue to get better and better, writing & performing more and more.
AB: Where did you perform in the first round of Florida’s Funniest? What do you remember from that show?
DJ: Ft. Pierce. I remember being a little more anxious than usual. I remember having a decent set and that I had a shot at moving on in the contest.
AB: What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you at a show?
DJ: The answer to this question can fill a book. I’ve been offered drugs as payment for comedy, been threatened by an audience member who thought I was sending him negative telepathic messages and that I was a spy, etc.
AB: Of the other comics in the finals, who are you most looking forward to seeing perform? Why?
DJ: I’m familiar with two of the other nine comedians. I’m looking forward to seeing them all. Comedians are my favorite people in the world. I wish each of them unbridled success.
AB: What would winning the Florida’s Funniest Comedian contest mean to you?
DJ: It would be an accomplishment I’m very proud of.
AB: What else should comedy fans know about you?
DJ: I grew up on Long Island, NY and am still a huge NY Yankees and NY Giants fan.
Follow comic Danny Johnson on: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
Previous Florida’s Funniest Finalist Q&As
- Orlando area comic Joe Latham
- Jacksonville area comic Danny Johnson
- Jacksonville area comic Wes Johnson
- Miami area comic Ricky Cruz
- Kissimmee area comic Donald Evans
- Boynton Beach area comic Nadeem Awad
- Tampa area comic Jay Legend
- Miami area comic Luis Diaz
- Orlando area comic Dewayne Williams
- West Palm Beach area comic John Loveless
- Fort Myers area comic Nathan Wallace
1 comment
Danny Johnson is a childhood friend of mine who’s been like family for many years. He has always been entertaining and funny. I’ve always loved the fact that he a “clean comic” and far the BEST. Danny has proven through the years you don’t need to be a comic with dirty language to be funny. I wish Danny continued success and look forward to many more years or tears from so much laughter. love ya, Red