Story & Lesson Highlights with Carli Robe of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Carli Robe and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carli, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was this past weekend when I had the pleasure to meet Marlon Wayans and spend the entire weekend watching all six of his sold out shows at the Cleveland Funny Bone. Marlon treated me like the Queen that I am. He made me feel special and it meant the world to me. I grew up watching him and his family on ‘In Living Color,’ and I owe so much of my comedic timing to the Wayans family. It was an experience that I will never forget!!!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The first time I told a joke in front of a large crowd was when I was eight years old. I had a Christmas speech where I had to dress up as a Christmas tree. I wore all green and wrapped myself in Christmas lights; my opening line was, “I am a Christmas tree!” The response that I received from the crowd of 80- plus church members was electric. The crowd roared with laughter and from that point on I knew I wanted to be a comedian. I started my professional comedy career on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at the Cleveland Improv. I signed up for the comedy classes a few weeks prior to my performance. I invited everyone from my job, as well as several family members and friends. Over 150 people showed up in support of me. I was a nervous wreck. I got on stage and told jokes about my job as a healthcare worker. The crowd loved it, and the rest is history. I’ve gone on to open for some of the biggest names in comedy; Gary Owen is one of my proudest accomplishments to this day. I’m currently working on a few television projects. I also have started writing several biopic projects on various music artists. I spent one year at The Los Angeles Film School and I’m grateful to them for teaching me enough to be able to expand my expertise past just writing jokes for the stage. I’m so blessed to be able to bring joy to people’s hearts through laughter. I honestly believe God put me on earth to be an entertainer. I want to share the good news of what God has done in my life with anyone who would like to hear it. I truly believe that we can change the world one laugh at a time!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my former manager Robert B., from Pittsburgh, PA. He was intense, stern, fair, funny, charming, intimidating and logical. All of these qualities turned him into a great manager. We worked for Potbelly Sandwich Shop and we opened several new stores with him in Columbus, Ohio. I was attending undergrad at The Ohio State University when I met Rob. He taught me how to lead my team of coworkers the right way. We worked hard but we always felt like we were at the playground except at work. Rob taught me how to be a great leader!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one kind thing that I would say to my younger self is “don’t let these mother f*ckers play with your name!!!” Unfortunately, I’m a victim of identity theft which both my immediate family and former friends stole my information to gain access to my inheritance and my trust fund. Then they paid local police officers to cover up the crimes committed against me. The entire United States government aided and abetted the crimes that were committed against me as well. I just found out this has been going on since my childhood and I WILL RECEIVE JUSTICE IN THE COURT OF LAW!!!

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me in some of ways. My sense of humor comes out in ANY conversation but I don’t speak to everyone
. However, I am by far the least serious person on this planet. I laugh at ALMOST anything. I love laughing because laughter got me through my toughest times. I am also Autistic so I can deal with a touch of shyness when I’m not feeling up to being around people. I enjoy solitude the most in the world and being in the public sometimes gives me social anxiety. I’ve learned how to cope with being a celebrity and engaging with a all forms of life. I appreciate this opportunity to show the world the REAL ME!!!

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was BORN to do. I’ve been hilarious my WHOLE life. Even as a child I could make grown people laugh hysterically. I started my comedy career at the age of 29 years old and at the time that I started, I knew I was on my correct path. I thank The Most High God for blessing me with the ability to spread joy to the masses. I will always be forever grateful!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Marla O’ Neal
Rustin McCann
Celena Higginbotham

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