LaGina Hill won’t spend her final moments being a know it all
LaGina Hill is a Los Angeles-based writer. Currently, she is a Staff Writer for Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur at Disney Television Animation. As a comedian, she previously performed with the UCB New York house team Characters Welcome.
What were you like as a teen?
I was heavy into my high school theater and drama club. I was also voted “Funniest Senior Girl” so I had that going for me.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
I was the Apprentice Writer for a Disney show. It was all on Zoom during the pandemic, so I was paranoid that it was all an elaborate scam.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
I wrote and performed a one-woman show!
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Sunken cost theory and the thousands of dollars spent on comedy classes.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Lions don’t worry about what sheep are having for dinner.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
I support women but I’m not spending my final moments on Earth being a know it all. If I had to give some advice, it would be to always know when to shut up.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Write that shit down and practice!
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
Be sassy!
How has being funny helped you in your life?
I had a very smart mouth as a kid. I was always being told not to be bossy or “think before I speak,” which is what we tell little Black girls with self-esteem in order to dim their light. When my mouth got me in trouble, I was usually able to say something funny to get out of hot water.
What specific things should a novice comedy writer do to shape their voice?
Live life. Make friends outside of the comedy world. Get a real job for a bit to relate to the regular person that you are and you will encounter in the audience. Please stop putting on a bad wig and thinking you’ve done character work.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into the comedy world?
I was really inspired by the comics I’d see at UCB when I was there religiously: Monique Moses, Corin, Keisha Zollar, and Natasha Rothwell!
Do you have a writing routine?
I’m not nearly as strict with my writing as I want to be. Lately, surviving in LA has been ruling my life. I’m lucky to freelance on a show that keeps me busy. I’m always re-writing. But, I’m in a shame-based cycle that isn’t what I’d call “goals”: I look at the unfinished project and feel bad about it until I finish.
What is your go-to show when you’ve had a bad day?
I love re-watching South Park, The Good Place, and all Real Housewives franchises.
What single word always cracks you up?
Deadass.