Joseph Neibich: The Renaissance Man of Comedy, Film, and Storytelling
Joseph Neibich — also known as Joseph Nybyk — is a true multi-hyphenate in the world of entertainment. Actor, director, producer, comedian, and writer, Neibich was recently named 2025 Best Comedian by Tucson Weekly , a recognition that highlights both his comedic brilliance and his enduring impact on the Southwest's performance scene.
On March 28 and 29, fans can catch Neibich live at Laffs Comedy Caffé, where he'll be performing alongside headliner Pauly Casillas. As a house emcee at Laffs, Neibich is no stranger to the stage — he's also held similar roles at Laugh Factory and Stand Up Scottsdale, where he's fine-tuned his comedic craft.
A Gilbert native, Neibich's academic path took him from the University of Arizona to Sewanee: The University of the South, where he studied political theory and prelaw. But it was the pull of performance — not politics — that ultimately won him over. He entered the world of stand-up in 2000 and never looked back, performing everywhere from clubs and colleges to cruise ships and corporate events.
Early in his journey, Neibich worked the door at the iconic Comedy Store in Hollywood, a proving ground for legends like Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Richard Pryor. 'Every single one of us would have paid for the job,' he recalls. Being surrounded by comedy giants like Joe Rogan and Chelsea Handler inspired him to commit fully to the craft.
His early material was drawn from his time bartending at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where he rubbed elbows with A-listers like Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Bono, and Michael Jordan. His brushes with fame now form the core of his storytelling-rich sets. 'I talk about it for a good 10 minutes… the antics of the rich and famous and being a young bartender trying to make it in Hollywood,' he says.
Today, Neibich's comedy includes reflections on aging, changing priorities, and life after late-night parties — 'I used to love to party. Now I love coffee shops,' he jokes.
His passion for storytelling began early, watching The Tonight Show with his father and dreaming of being like Johnny Carson. But growing up in Gilbert, Arizona, he didn't see a clear path to that dream. 'You work for the city, maybe go into politics,' he said of the environment he grew up in. Still, a trip to New York City and some college theater changed everything — and he knew he belonged in the arts.
Neibich's talents extend beyond stand-up. In 2025, he wrote and starred in 'Feeling Blessed', a short film that was submitted to HollyShorts and the Rhode Island International Film Festival, both Oscar-qualifying events. He also created 'Lights Off', which will screen at the Arizona International Film Festival on April 8.
Beyond his own work, he uplifts others through his Faith in Film International Film Festival, happening May 17 at The Screening Room. It's a platform for faith-based films and emerging talent. 'Hopefully, it helps them get noticed, and they make bigger and better movies,' he says.
Neibich's Hollywood journey began with a small but meaningful role in Jerry Maguire , which bolstered his confidence and launched a flurry of calls to agents. After moving to Los Angeles in 1997, he joined the marketing team at Paramount Pictures and later worked at Landmark Entertainment, collaborating with legends like James Cameron and Michael Jackson.
Whether working behind the scenes in production or captivating crowds on stage, Neibich remains committed to the art of storytelling. 'I can't imagine spending my 20s and early 30s doing anything else,' he says.
To learn more about Joseph Neibich and his work, visit nybyk.com.
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