World’s best stand-ups reveal what it takes to do comedy

Can you imagine getting up in front of thousands of people and trying to make them laugh, for a living? It must be one of the most stressful jobs ever!

In the documentary Dying Laughing, which is first and only on Showmax, some of the biggest names in stand-up, including Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Sarah Silverman and Jamie Foxx, reveal the truth about what it takes to do comedy for a living – and the psychological toll it can take. Watch it now »

Chris Rock feels that the only celebrities who aren’t controlled by corporates or another kind of entity are comics.

“There’s only one group of people who say what they want to say: stand-ups.” – Chris Rock

Have you ever thought about the idea of trying to make a group of people laugh when you want them to? When you really examine the notion of stand-up comedy, it’s kind-of … well, strange.

“We’re asking a room full of hundreds of people to have an involuntary physical response. At the same time. It’s f*&^ing weird.” – Paul Provenza

Sometimes the pressure is too much, which is why you see so many comedians fall into deep depressions.

“When you’re a comedian you’re the author, director and actor. And it is either full approval or full disapproval on your essense.” – Rick Overton

But as tough as it is, when you get it right, it’s the best feeling ever.

“The fun is that when you risk, and it scores, it’s hallelujah!” – Jerry Lewis

Watch Dying Laughing now »