We recently connected with John Di Domenico and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, John thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I worked through my speech impediment by doing impressions, which became my way of overcoming the challenge and building confidence. I was inspired by TV comedians of the late 60s and early 70s, whose performances captivated me and motivated me to mimic their voices and mannerisms. That passion became the foundation of my career, and I dedicated myself to perfecting character impressions. Through years of training, practice, and live performances, I developed the skills necessary to bring these characters to life in a way that resonates with audiences.
To speed up my learning, I would have sought out mentorship from established professionals earlier on. Learning directly from those who had already mastered the craft would have allowed me to refine my skills more efficiently. Embracing digital platforms sooner could also have expanded my reach and provided immediate feedback, helping me develop my material faster.
Persistence and vocal control were essential in my journey. The ability to mimic and fine-tune my impressions was key, especially as I developed each character. Researching and understanding the background of the comedians who inspired me also helped me capture the essence of their performances and bring a sense of authenticity to my own work.
The initial challenge was overcoming my speech impediment, but turning to impressions transformed that obstacle into an opportunity. Another barrier was the limited access to industry mentors or networks early in my career, which meant I had to rely heavily on self-teaching and practice. However, these challenges reinforced my commitment and passion for the craft, shaping me into the performer I am today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m John Di Domenico, a professional entertainer and impressionist with more than two decades of experience. My journey into this industry began as a way to overcome a childhood speech impediment through impressions. Inspired by the comedians of the late 60s and early 70s, I immersed myself in the art of impersonation, which became the foundation of my career.
I specialize in bringing characters to life with full makeup, wigs, and costumes, creating an immersive experience for audiences. I’m best known for my Donald Trump impression, but I also perform as Austin Powers, Dr. Phil, Dr. Evil, and many other iconic figures. My work includes live events, corporate videos, and virtual performances, all tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients.
In addition to character performances, I provide entertainment and a comedic experience outside of the characters as well, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. My commitment to full immersion sets me apart, as I focus on every detail, from voice to appearance, to create an authentic portrayal. My goal is to deliver humor and entertainment that leave a lasting impression and create meaningful connections with audiences.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As a kid, I had a speech impediment, which made it difficult to connect with others and express myself. This challenge could have been discouraging, but it sparked a drive in me to find a way to overcome it. I became fascinated with impressions, inspired by the comedians that I watched on TV. Their voices, their delivery, and their humor captivated me. I started imitating them, and it became my way to work through my speech issues.
Without access to formal training or resources, I had to teach myself. I would practice for hours, listening to these comedians and trying to capture every detail of their performances. Even as a child, I was incredibly motivated, pushing myself to perfect my impressions. This self-taught approach required a lot of resilience because it wasn’t just about learning a skill; it was about overcoming a barrier that affected my daily life.
Those early experiences shaped my work ethic and determination. They taught me that, even in the face of challenges, persistence and creativity can lead to growth and success.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Absolutely. One thing I believe non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the level of dedication and hard work that goes into honing a craft that often appears effortless on stage. When people see a character impressionist perform, they might assume it’s just about mimicking voices or putting on a costume. In reality, it involves countless hours of practice, research, and self-reflection.
For instance, every impression I do requires me to delve deep into the character’s persona—studying their mannerisms, speech patterns, and even their emotional nuances. This level of detail often comes from a place of vulnerability and self-doubt. Creatives frequently confront the fear of not being “good enough” or worry that their work won’t resonate with audiences. This emotional investment can be challenging to communicate to those outside the creative field, who may see it as just a performance.
Moreover, the creative process isn’t linear. It involves trial and error, experimentation, and sometimes failure. There are days when nothing seems to work, and I have to remind myself of my motivation and passion. This resilience is a critical part of the journey that non-creatives may not fully grasp.
Understanding that creativity requires both vulnerability and tenacity can help bridge the gap between creative and non-creative mindsets. Ultimately, my journey is about perseverance, and it’s a reminder that every creative endeavor, no matter how polished it appears, is backed by a story of struggle and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejohnnydshow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohnnydshow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndidomenico/
- Twitter: https://x.com/thejohnnyDshow
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQpFuWIqe0VkezvAOeki0Q
Image Credits
Photo 1 (John D as Trump on Stage): Shay Studios
Photo 2 (John D speaking on stage standing with blue screen background): Aranco Productions
Photo 3 (John D as Dr. Phil on stage): Aranco Productions
Photo 4 & 8 (Austin on screen in background & John D sitting in chair on stage speaking): Aranco Productions
Photo 5 (John D as Dr. Evil): Robin Robins
Photo 6 (John D as Austin Powers on stage speaking): Magna Legal Services
Photo 7 (John D as Trump with Bad Marketing Production Crew): Bad Marketing