Sebastian Maniscalco
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
Deep Dive
Why did Sebastian Maniscalco have a slow career burn in stand-up comedy?
He didn't get a TV show or movie that catapulted him into fame, so he built his career gradually through consistent performances and a slow burn approach.
How did Sebastian Maniscalco's family background influence his work ethic?
Growing up in a working-class family, he was taught to be patient and put in the time, with his father often saying, 'The Maniscalco family, nothing comes easy.'
What was Sebastian Maniscalco's experience like at a Bulls game in his hometown of Chicago?
He attended a game where Simone Biles was put on the Jumbotron, receiving a massive reaction, while his own appearance barely registered despite his upcoming sellout shows.
How does Sebastian Maniscalco describe his stand-up style?
He describes it as storytelling with physicality and musicality, where the act outs allow the audience to laugh without needing to listen, creating a hypnotic effect.
What challenges does Sebastian Maniscalco face with performing new material after releasing a special?
He struggles with balancing new material with fan expectations, as they often want to hear the bits they've seen in his specials, making it challenging to keep his act fresh.
What was Sebastian Maniscalco's early exposure to stand-up comedy?
He was introduced to stand-up through watching comedians on Johnny Carson's show and visiting his uncle's house to watch taped comedy performances.
How does Sebastian Maniscalco handle physical comedy on stage?
He incorporates physical movements naturally as part of his storytelling, which he noticed audiences enjoyed, leading him to become more comfortable with physical comedy over time.
What was Sebastian Maniscalco's experience like transitioning from stand-up to acting?
He found acting challenging due to the lack of immediate gratification compared to stand-up, and the repetitive nature of takes made him feel impatient and less funny.
What is Sebastian Maniscalco's upcoming project 'The Bookie' about?
The Bookie is a series on Max, and the second season is set to release on December 12th, continuing his journey into acting and storytelling.
- Sebastian Maniscalco's slow and steady rise to fame in stand-up comedy
- His experience waiting tables while pursuing comedy
- His perspective on achieving success later in life
- The evolution of his wife's involvement in his career
Shownotes Transcript