Frankie Benz left her fiance for comedy
Frankie Benz — known online as “Frankie Does Comedy” — is a NYC-based stand-up comedian, producer, actor, and writer. A former cybersecurity analyst who spent years secretly writing comedy while working in corporate America, she made the leap into performing full-time and now brings that same sharp, culturally specific voice to stages across New York. She’s a member of the SNL Scholarship Cohort, has performed at the Comedy Cellar (opening for Tiffany Haddish and sharing a stage with Amy Schumer), and has worked rooms including New York Comedy Club, The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, The Improv, House of Blues, Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, Wiseguys, and Funny Bone. She’s the creator of the XO Comedy Show “You’re the hero, you’re the villain, you’re the whole group chat” and of Hero XO Villain, a vertical short-form series built on that same framework, putting comedian guests on the spot to answer whether they were the hero or villain in their last relationship. Her comedy is dry, deadpan, and unapologetically bold — and her act keeps evolving, most recently into a kinky, crowdwork-driven set that leaves the stage entirely.
What were you like as a teen?
I’ve been funny straight from the birth canal. When I was born I brought so much joy to the house that I extended my parent’s marriage for a few more years. My dialect was Looney Tunes and mimicking voice overs from my favorite characters in cartoons and movies. Will Ferrell was a HUGE influence on my comedy aspirations, but I still wanted to be an FBI agent.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
I was in cybersecurity. A starter? No. Sexy? Yes.
Money was good, mental toll was insane. Material for days on end. I got one of the most powerful networks of folks out of it. I was a global cyber security strategist but started as a web application pentester. (Fancy words for hacking.) I was able to merge the two worlds speaking at tech events about using comedy as a social engineer tactic. I’m a gray hat hacker which means I think in villain and hero mode, unashamedly. That led to my Vertical show “Hero XO Villain” where I ask, “In your last relationship were you the hero or villain?”
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement?
One of the manifestations I had written during my first 6 months of comedy came true last year when I walked into Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Productions. Yes, it was just a meeting. Not a standing ovation at a show…but it was proof that whatever wild thing I wrote down comes true. Confirmation that my alchemy works magically. Also performing at the Comedy Cellar. Pretty happy about that set.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Extreme focus and complete sacrifice. I knew it was comedy or nothing and I still hold that to be true. Not once have I thought of quitting. Even if I had my stomach touching my ribs. I know what my north star is and allow it to guide me with radical faith.
Have you ever dealt with trolls? Hecklers? Toxic colleagues?
Absolutely, I bully back when it comes to trolls/hecklers. I believe in healthy bullying and public discourse. Now, regarding toxic colleagues, I let my wins be my revenge and wish them the best on their journey. It’s “iron sharpens iron.” Fortify your mind. I also speak in Marvel comics.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Keep writing, Kid. There’s infinity D-jokes out there.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
“I used to sleep at bus stations. You gotta keep going, man.” – Roy Wood Jr., After I was bitching that I lost everything on this comedy journey.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“You have to get on Ozempic”
How has being funny helped you in your life?
I speak at conferences about using comedy as a social engineering tactic to convert the hearts and minds of stubborn decision makers. Comedy helped me get promoted, out of speeding tickets, better orgasms, and friends.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Turn everything off and sit in silence. The jokes will come to you like an open portal. Your voice is able to shine bright in the still, dark, and when away from constant stimulation. Shrooms help too.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
Wanda Sykes’ story reminded me that I could make that jump at that present time of my life. She started her career at 35, worked for the NSA, and found her comedic voice once she left her husband. I started at 35, worked for the world’s #1 cybersecurity firm, and left my fiance for comedy because he didn’t believe it to be realistic.
Do you have a writing routine?
I’m a routine whore on Adderall, but haven’t had that in years. So I’m a “go with the inspiration/moment” kind of writer. As soon as the thought, conversation with friends, or incident occurs, I’m making a voice note and writing on the subway for later development.
What is your go-to show when you’ve had a bad day?
Rick and Morty and Seinfeld. I’m just stuck on them. Like heavy rotation.
What single word always cracks you up?
“Strategery” – Will Ferrell
Any final words?
Karma is real, keep your heart light as a feather. You’ll be stronger than them for it. Oh—and keep writing, future comics.
