Rachel Paula Green has lived many lives
Rachel Green is an actor, comic, violinist, singer and voiceover artist. She was a winner on Kevin Hart’s Road Comics (Peacock), and was featured in the New York Underground Comedy Festival. She was part of the 2019 New York Comedy Music Festival for her hilarious parody of Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid.
You may have seen her on Dexter: Resurrection (Showtime), The Flight Attendant, Succession, The Other Two (HBO), Law & Order: SVU (NBC), Bull, FBI (CBS), A Nice Girl Like You (Amazon), Inventing Anna (Netflix) or headlining comedy clubs across the country.
Raised by two french-horn players who begged her not to become a musician, Rachel tried everything from Finance to Reiki to spoken word poetry. She eventually found her passion in acting, musical comedy and standup, and hasn’t stopped since.
What were you like as a teen?
I was an enigma. Rebellious, smoked weed, but also got straight A’s, played violin and “got along with both sides of the cafeteria.” I didn’t have comedy goals yet, but I was always great at reading the room and making everyone feel seen and heard… skills that are useful in comedy and life!
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
OMG! I had so many un-sexy jobs. I used to videotape weddings and bar mitzvahs with my dad. I worked in an ice cream shop, the supermarket, a motorcycle shop, sold Cutco knives, and bartended… I’m also a Reiki master. I’ve lived many lives. Life experience makes for good comedy!
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
I was a winner on Kevin Hart’s Lyft Comics
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
My friends in comedy: supporting each other, writing together, producing our own shows.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
With hecklers, they’re often not malicious, just excited. Or think they are adding to the show. I try to handle it in a fun and playful way at first. Then if they continue, I roast their ass!
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Have fun. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Do not compare and despair!
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Don’t try to be funny.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
To “tone down” my jokes. To be more “clean.”
How has being funny helped you in your life?
I was first funny to help ease the tension when my parents fought. It comes in handy at the office and in friendships–bringing levity and fun.
What specific things do you think a novice comic should do to shape their voice?
Find your point of view and stick to it!
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
I found comedy by accident. I was writing a funny pilot about my life, and my friend told me to take a standup class. Turns out I enjoyed it, and it stuck!
What is your go-to show?
Law & Order SVU is oddly soothing.
What single word always cracks you up?
Cunt.
