Montrealer Joey Elias got his start in comedy when he was 19 years old.
Twenty-five years later, he’s still gracing the stage to tell jokes and make people laugh.
As a comedian, Elias uses his profession to give back, often taking part in fundraisers.
He joined anchor Laura Casella and weather specialist Kim Sullivan as a guest host on Global News Morning in Montreal.
WATCH BELOW: Global News Morning guest co-host Joey Elias loves pizza. Bacaro Urban Pizza co-owner Angelo Mercuri stops by with some of the comedian’s favourite slices.
How did you become a comedian?
I lost a bet to a buddy in a game of pool.
He knew I was writing material and he bet me that I’d have to go up and perform on an amateur performance night.
I got invited back and from there I just kept working.
WATCH BELOW: Country singer Morgan Wallen joins Laura Casella and guest co-host Joey Elias to talk music and sing his hit song “Whiskey Glasses.”
When did you start giving back?
I give because that’s the way I was brought up, help out as much as you can.
Growing up, my parents were helping out around the community.
There was something called Comedy With A Cause that opened my eyes that I could give back through comedy.
Why not raise money while having a laugh?
What’s it like being a comedian?
Every day, you try finding something to write about. There’s no shortage of what to write about.
It’s just a matter of making it universally funny, finding that common ground between you and the audience.
WATCH BELOW: Global News Morning guest co-host Joey Elias and Global’s Kim Sullivan highlight some of the fun things to do this weekend, including a pow wow at the Verdun Auditorium.
What advice would you give to people coming up in the business?
Patience. I know everybody wants to jump a level, it really is a very slow process to make sure you don’t want to peak early before you’re ready.
It’s time consuming, but the reward at the end is amazing. When a joke works, at the end, the payoff is just great. Laughter is the best medicine.
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