Samuel J. Comroe Redefines Comedy on Oct.5

“I got 99 problems ...but a twitch ain't one.” - Samuel J. Comroe

By Debbie Hall

A man who brings swagger and energy to the stage, Samuel J. Comroe has flipped any preconceived notions of what it's like to have Tourette's syndrome. Charming and charismatically chatty, Sam is a story-driven comic with a unique point of view and lightning-fast delivery. He is on tour and will perform at the Wiseguys Town Square on Oct. 5.

Sam is a Los Angeles native and a stand-up comedian who performs at over 100 clubs and colleges annually. He made his TV debut on TBS' Conan and BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. Sam was a contestant on the 13th season of America’s Got Talent and finished in 4th place.

In addition to his TV appearances, Sam was recently featured on All Def Digital’s Comedy Originals. He is also the winner of Ricky Gervais’ Comedy Competition, The San Francisco Comedy Competition, and has over 500,000 followers across all his social media.

His comedy is made up of the trials and tribulations of living with Tourette’s Syndrome since being diagnosed at age six and observational material based on his life experiences.

Eat More Art Vegas caught up with Sam, who shared his insights on comedy and his life.

When did you realize you were funny?

Samuel J. Comroe: I realized I was funny when I was 6 years old. I woke up in the middle of the night to pee, but the bathroom was too far, so I decided to do it on my ninja turtle sleeping bag. The next day, I found out my older brother ratted me out. I woke up to my mom screaming. She said, "Samuel, your brother told me you peed on your sleeping bag in the middle of the night. What have I taught you?" I said "to pee in the toilet." She said, "So what are you going to do next time?" I said, "Pee on Josh's sleeping bag." She laughed and took me to Chuck E Cheese.

When did you realize you wanted comedy as a career?

Samuel J. Comroe: High school. My friends told me I was funny, so I set up a show in the lunch auditorium. After I got that first laugh, I knew it was what I was going to do for the rest of my life.

Have audiences’ attitudes changed in relation to your medical issues?

Samuel J. Comroe: Once I started talking about having Tourette's Syndrome, audiences began relating to me more. We all struggle with something, and people appreciate someone being vulnerable and authentic.

Are audiences' reactions to you different in different regions?

Samuel J. Comroe: That's one of the things I take a lot of pride in. It doesn't matter if you're white or black, or from the West or East Coast. My comedy connects with everyone. I've even performed for a dog once, and I don't know what he said on the way home, but during the show, he looked like he was having a great time.

Are audiences' reactions to you different by venue (college campus versus comedy clubs)?

Samuel J. Comroe: My comedy brings people together. It shows everyone that it doesn't matter what cards you were dealt, you can achieve whatever you want with confidence and determination. There's something compelling about owning who you are, and I was blessed with Tourette's, so I'm going to twitch my way to the top. 

What is your experience with Vegas audiences?

Samuel J. Comroe: I love Las Vegas. I've been performing here since I started stand-up and had a year-long residency back in 2019 at The LA Comedy Club in The Strat. Excited to be back and perform in one of my favorite cities! 

For more info, visit samueljcomroe.com.

Samuel J. Comroe will be performing at Wiseguys Town Square, Town Square Las Vegas, 6593 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Suite B222. Showtime is 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., and parking is complimentary. For tickets, click here. For more info, visit wiseguyscomedy.com/Nevada.