A hilarious comedian shares what it’s like and the challenges of growing up with a hard-to-pronounce last name.
Being successful in the world of comedy takes time and effort. But there is one big way to increase your chances of success in comedy. Comedy is all about being able to relate to your audience in an authentic way. This rule applies to every comedic form, whether it’s a sketch comedy show like The Carol Burnett Show, Saturday Night Live or a stand-up routine.
Highlighting a real part of people’s lives helps the comedian connect with the audience. It also helps if the comedian is genuinely funny and quick-witted and uses their comedy to bring to light the absurdity of a situation that everyone experiences. In all comedy, there must be some kernel of truth to it.
That is precisely why a clip of Jonnie W. explaining how growing up with a hard-to-pronounce last name is so hilarious. It’s because what he is describing in the clip actually happens. Kids aren’t the kindest to one another at times, especially if someone is born with an odd or hard-to-say last name. Children will take anything and turn it into a joke, which they will use mercilessly forever.
The video starts with Jonnie W. explaining why he goes by Jonnie W. on stage instead of using his real last name. He states that people have said it wrong his entire life. His last name is Wethington. But he says the worst incident surrounding his last name happened in the third grade.
His third-grade teacher was going through the roll and taking attendance when she came up to his name. Instead of saying it correctly, she said, “Weigh a ton.” Jonnie knew what was coming next. His peers on the playground and in the classroom would have fun with that one.
But with Jonnie growing up to become a comedian, he gets the last laugh, literally.
Job 8:21 “The time will come when your mouth will be full of laughing, and cries and joy will come from your lips.”