Alex Thomas
A nineties club veteran who treats standup like choreography.
1 special · 2002
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Alex Thomas does not stand still. He paces the stage with a heavy delivery, acting out both sides of a conversation instead of just reciting the dialogue. He drops into character work and throws his weight into the punchline. If a bit involves someone running, Thomas sprints in place. If it involves an argument, he squares up against the mic stand. He performs with a sweating energy that dares the audience to look away.
Specials
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Premium Blend: Wanda Sykes (S6E8) with Wanda Sykes, Steve Byrne & 2 more
Wanda Sykes hosts a fast-paced 2002 showcase of rising club comics.
Comedy Central · 25 min
On stage
He is a direct product of the nineties club boom, and he still performs with the volume required to survive those rooms. A fixture of the Los Angeles circuit and a veteran of Def Comedy Jam, Thomas occupies a space as a working bridge between standup and nineties television. He spent years playing sitcom sidekicks and writing for network stars, bringing that industry history back to his stage hours.
His material relies on animated storytelling. He acts out moments of navigating the entertainment business, surviving bad flights, and dealing with massive egos. The bits are broad, sometimes leaning more on momentum than a tightly worded premise. But Thomas sells the stories with absolute conviction, winning over a room by pantomiming a ridiculous situation until the crowd gives in.
That total physical control makes sense in context. Before the Wayans family pushed him to try standup, Thomas was hired on In Living Color as a dance choreographer for the Fly Girls.
He still moves like someone who knows exactly where his feet are.
Turning points
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Hired as Fresh Prince Writer by Will Smith
While performing as an amateur comic at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Thomas was discovered by Will Smith and hired as a staff writer for the final three seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
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Host of the Up in Smoke Tour
Thomas served as the standup comedy host across all 49 cities on the historic hip-hop tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Eminem.
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Transition From Dance to Standup Comedy
Starting as a dancer on Soul Train and assistant choreographer on In Living Color, Thomas was convinced by Keenen Ivory Wayans and Damon Wayans to pursue standup comedy.
At a glance
- Style
- storytelling, observational
- Breakout
- Straight Clownin'
- Influences
- Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Dick Gregory
- Topics
- Elsewhere
- Wikipedia
Podcasts
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The Funny Don't Stop Show · host
Host Alex Thomas discusses news, sports, comedy, and personal life with his panel of co-hosts.
Also on screen
- 1999–2018
- Family Guy
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- The Jamie Foxx Show
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- Mr. Box Office
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- The Players Club
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- Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
A clip to start with
1st Amendment Stand Up - Alex Thomas