We were lucky to catch up with Carli Robe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Carli thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I WAS 8 YEARS OLD WHEN I TOLD MY FIRST JOKE TO A CROWD OF PEOPLE. I WAS IN CHURCH AND I HAD A CHRISTMAS SPEECH WHERE I DRESSED UP AS A CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE CROWD LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF MY PERFORMANCE; THAT’S WHEN I KNEW WHAT MY CALLING WAS. I HAD A HARD TIME CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE AS A CHILD; I REALIZED THAT LAUGHTER WAS THE WAY I COULD CONNECT WITH PEOPLE AND AFTER GROWING UP WATCHING TV SHOWS LIKE COMICVIEW AND DEF COMEDY JAM I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A COMEDIAN!
Carli, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Carli Robe is from Cleveland, Ohio. Starting as a host of various shows and performing as a Christian comic while attending The Ohio State University which she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in African American and African Studies; she was the first person to ever obtain that minor at The Ohio State University. She has grown into a quick-witted, no holds barred comic over the last eight years. Believing that laughter can bring people together no matter how far apart they may start, her diverse background helps her relate to any crowd. She worked in healthcare for fifteen years, all while pursuing her comedy dreams; even going back to school to obtain an Associate degree in Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant Technology. Her diverse educational experience allows her to discuss a plethora of topics from race relations to homosexuality to gender roles. Carli Robe aka Comedian GAY-Z has opened for such acts as Gary Owen, Rodney Perry, Alex Thomas, Damon Williams, David A. Arnold, Kelly Kellz, Just Nesh, Bernita Ward and Rob Allen. If anyone can take away one thing from her life’s experiences it is to never give up no matter what people tell you. You can do anything and be anyone you want as long as you remember to be a good person and try to make a difference in the world!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Comedy is one of the toughest professions to get into. Not many people will “make it”. This profession requires late nights and early mornings type of work ethic so it’s very tiring to be a comedian. Long hours and many days of struggling. I have been homeless at times sleeping on friends’ couches in different cities, just trying to perform at open mics to get my name out there. It has not been an easy road and I’m still climbing the ladder to success. I’ve had fellow comedians from my hometown steal my jokes, make up lies to destroy my character, and I’ve even have an arch nemesis who ran me out of my hometown because I’m extremely funnier than him…SHOUTOUT TO DICKY BRUTON!!! I’M STILL HERE STILL PUSHING FORWARD!!! The key to anything in life is believing in God, yourself and NEVER GIVE UP!!!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I’ve had the privilege to perform with some of the best comedians in the country. I’ve performed with Gary Owen, Rodney Perry, Damon Williams, Alex Thomas and the late great David A. Arnold, just to name a few! I’m most proud of being a comedian in general; as a child, I grew up having severe social anxiety and stage fright and till this day my mother always tells me “she shocked to see me performing in front of such big crowds due to the fact that I was so scared of people growing up!” The one thing that sets me apart from others in the entertainment industry is I have studied comedy since I was a child. I used TV shows like Comicview and Def Comedy Jam to perfect my craft.
Honestly, I’ve been performing with my comedy idols and that’s been my biggest accomplishment in all of this. I grew up watching everyone I performed with and I’m so blessed to be finally living my dreams. People die every day and NEVER get a chance to live their dreams and I’m so blessed to be in a position to do so. I’m going to be one of the next big comedians and I’m not stopping until this world knows my name because I truly believe God sent me here to change this world through comedy!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlirobe.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/comediangayz?igshid=NTA5ZTk1NTc=
- Facebook: Carli Robe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/COMEDIANGAYZ?t=gtNRcSDuVGrFUoV-n1-MWg&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@COMEDIANGAY-Z
- Other: http://voyageatl.com/interview/check-out-carli-robes-story/?fbclid=PAAaYvU12l8ouQfgSEN8E-Z69ImP93mpGGHA8_CmVuBj372DRpKHXVte2CXIY
Image Credits
Marla O’ Neal Rustin McCann Celena Elise Ajoni Moore Slim Photomatix