Jennifer Rawlings is a “Battle Comic”
Jennifer Rawlings is a comedian, filmmaker, and mother of five whose work has appeared on Comedy Central, PBS, CNN, and in the film I AM BATTLE COMIC, as well as in three TEDx talks. A favorite at festivals like the Humor for Peace Festival, Carnegie Hall’s “Voices of Hope,” and the Dublin Comedy Festival, she’s known for blending sharp wit with deeply human storytelling. She was named one of the “21 Change Makers of the 21st Century” by Women’s eNews.
Jennifer has performed more than 350 shows for U.S. troops in war zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Bosnia. Those experiences inspired her acclaimed documentary Forgotten Voices: Women in Bosnia, now taught at universities including Harvard and UCLA, and her award-winning solo show and film I ONLY SMOKE IN WAR ZONES, which won multiple honors at the Monaco International Film Festival. She is also an award-winning YA author and a contributor to publications including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
What were you like as a teen?
As a teenager, I was more kooky and off-beat than funny. I didn’t have any comedy goals at the time. I thought I would be a pediatrician or a lawyer.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
The legendary Budd Friedman gave me my start. It was my very first night living in Los Angeles, and I had done standup exactly ONE TIME. I walked into the Improv and introduced myself to Budd. “Hi, Mr. Friedman, ” I said, “I’m Jennifer. I’m a comic, and I really want to perform here.” “You need to come back on Sunday and put your name in a hat and hope your name gets picked,” Budd replied. I looked at the stage and said, “Well, why can’t I just go on now?” Budd paused and looked at me for a second, and said: “Go on up, you got THREE minutes.” My jokes were only so-so, BUT I had good stage presence, and the crowd liked me. When I walked off stage instead of asking Budd “How did I do?”…. I said, “Thank you for letting me go up. You don’t have to give me the best slot times; I just want to work.” And do you know what the legendary Budd Friedman said? Budd said, “Call in on Friday with your avails.” That’s how I got my start in comedy. Thank you, Budd.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
I have had so many highs and lows in my comedy career. I have had the opportunity to perform in front of huge crowds and beautiful theaters, but I am most proud of the over 350 military shows that I have done over the years–in dozens of countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. That resulted in a solo show that I toured all over the world, and now it’s a special “I ONLY SMOKE IN WAR ZONES” film. It’s won awards at film festivals and will be streaming soon. This is definitely the achievement I’m most proud of. It mixes storytelling and standup and is both funny and sad.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
I have had so many phases in my career. I’m a mother of five grown kids, so when they were young, I stopped and started and stopped and started. I think what has kept me going is the people in the audience. The thrill of live performance is magical and fresh every time you walk on the stage and take the mic.
Have you ever dealt with trolls? Hecklers? Toxic colleagues?
Yes, yes, and yes. To me, the worst of these three is the toxic colleagues. I’ve been stabbed in the back so many times, including by my own FORMER representatives. This is the toughest thing for me and often causes me to retreat and take breaks and has really messed me up at times. However, now I think I’m past it. It still hurts when people are AWFUL, but I’ve learned to TRY to not give a shit and instead be thankful that they have shown their true colors.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Get as much stage time as you can, be kind to others, and most importantly KNOW that there is ONLY ONE YOU and YOU BELONG ON THAT STAGE.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Get on stage as much as possible.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“You’re too THIS (fill in the blank) to be a comedian.” When I was young, some MALE comics felt the need to comment on my wardrobe, my appearance, etc. They would say bizarre things to me that they WOULD NEVER EVER SAY TO A MAN.
How has being funny helped you in your life?
Humor helps people relax.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Talk about real life, and you will find a ton of material.
Was there a person who inspired you to go into comedy?
I remember the first time I saw LIVE STAND-UP at a Comedy Club. I don’t remember who the comics were but I remember sitting in the audience. I said to myself, “I CAN DO THAT, I SHOULD DO THAT.”
Do you have a writing routine?
I have a pre-show routine. No matter how many times I have done a particular set or how many times I have done a solo show…. I ALWAYS BULLET POINT MT SET/SHOW with pen and paper the day of the show, and review that sheet of paper right before I walk on stage.
What is your go-to show or movie?
I watch reruns of Seinfeld. I also can’t resist Bridesmaids, Legally Blonde, Elf, or guessing the price on Antiques Roadshow.
What single word always cracks you up?
“Boundaries.”
