Latest news with #ChrisDistefano
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Distefano talks 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' nerves, differences in Canadian comedy audiences
New York comedian Chris Distefano continues to make people laugh with his hysterical Hulu special It's Just Unfortunate (on Disney+ in Canada), in addition to podcasts and live shows, but this week he took over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live. While Distefano has several accolades, including being the first stand-up comedian to sell out both Radio City Music Hall and the Theater at Madison Square Garden on consecutive nights in 2023, he admitted he was nervous when he stepped out to host Kimmel's show. "It was one of those things where in the moment I was like, 'I got this,' and then right when the curtains open and they were like, 'Please welcome your guest host Chris Distefano,' I thought I was going to pass out," Distefano told Yahoo Canada. "All the anxiety I was pushing down just rushed right to my head." But having his mother in the front row of the show helped to ease his nerves. "Normally I don't like having my family in the front row, because comedy is a very vulnerable thing, but I almost felt like a child again, my mom was in the front row, and that calmed me down," Distefano said. "When I saw her I was like, oh my mom's right there, you're safe. It was a very bizarre feeling." Differences in Canadian audiences For Canadians hoping to get more Distefano after his Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance, the comedian is heading to the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, with a show on July 26. "The Montreal Just For Laughs comedy festival is my favourite comedy festival in the world," Distefano said. "I just love how it takes over the city." "One of the best parts for me is, not only do I get to do my show, but then you can jump on other comedians' shows that maybe they live in another part of the country, another part of the world and you haven't seen them in a while. ... I'm sure there'll be a special guest on my show, whoever is around." Distefano has had several shows in Canada throughout the years, but he said that audiences in each region of the country differ. "The audiences in Toronto, they feel like New York, more blue collar, will laugh, have that edge. Montreal, you definitely have to work a little harder. They're a little bit more like, 'Impress me,' which I like. I don't mind that," Distefano said. "And then Vancouver is kind of more L.A. [in their vibe,] they're chill." "But then I really like cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton, because people are just getting hammered and laughing at everything. ... That rowdiness, where it's almost like, oh wow, there's going to be a fist fight at my show tonight." Chris Distefano shines with comedy about his family Distefano's fans know that he's among the best comedians who really tap into their personal lives for comedy, and a highlight in all of his sets are when he talks about his dad. "I love poking fun at him because I know that he can take it," Distefano said. "My whole life, ... [he] showed me what love means through comedy, like he would always, him and his brother, my uncle, who passed away, would always mess with me, make fun of me. But that was basically them saying, 'I love you.'" "That's, I think, why I make fun of him so much. Because I feel like it's really me saying to my dad, 'Hey, I love you.'" Another fan-favourite element of Distefano's stand-up is when he talks about his now fiancée, Jasmin Canuelas. "Getting engaged definitely helped. It was tough all these years to be making fun of everything ... and she's like, 'I don't even have a ring on my finger,'" Distefano said. "I think she's kind of now like, go be as funny as you need to be, we've got to pay off this mortgage." Standing out on social media In the arc of Distefano's career, the comedian recognized that landing his Hulu special was a "turning point." "Netflix is great. All these places are great. But Hulu, ... they don't have that many comedy specials. So I had an opportunity to really stand out and not kind of get lost in the shuffle, and to be part of like the inaugural Hulu comedy specials class with Jim Gaffigan and Bill Burr, ... comedy greats, it was really cool," he said. But as the landscape of how people can discover comedy has evolved, particularly with many first seeing stand-ups through clips on platforms like TikTok, Distefano's thoughts on having social media fame has shifted as well. "Initially, especially with social media, I would get recognized in the streets and some would be like, 'Oh, aren't you that comedian from TikTok?' I would almost get like offended by it. ... I'm not a TikToker. ... I have comedy specials," Distefano said. "And then that all went away where I was like, hey whatever medium people can see me in, just be grateful and feel blessed that they're watching you, and they even are acknowledging you." "It's not about getting recognized. That's all ego. It's about my work, and it was memorable enough for them to be like, 'Oh I remember you.' Especially with the mindless scrolling we all do every day. We're taking in thousands of videos and images every day. And I'm like, if mine can stick out to a person, I feel really blessed by that."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Distefano talks 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' nerves, differences in Canadian comedy audiences
New York comedian Chris Distefano continues to make people laugh with his hysterical Hulu special It's Just Unfortunate (on Disney+ in Canada), in addition to podcasts and live shows, but this week he took over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live. While Distefano has several accolades, including being the first stand-up comedian to sell out both Radio City Music Hall and the Theater at Madison Square Garden on consecutive nights in 2023, he admitted he was nervous when he stepped out to host Kimmel's show. "It was one of those things where in the moment I was like, 'I got this,' and then right when the curtains open and they were like, 'Please welcome your guest host Chris Distefano,' I thought I was going to pass out," Distefano told Yahoo Canada. "All the anxiety I was pushing down just rushed right to my head." But having his mother in the front row of the show helped to ease his nerves. "Normally I don't like having my family in the front row, because comedy is a very vulnerable thing, but I almost felt like a child again, my mom was in the front row, and that calmed me down," Distefano said. "When I saw her I was like, oh my mom's right there, you're safe. It was a very bizarre feeling." Differences in Canadian audiences For Canadians hoping to get more Distefano after his Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance, the comedian is heading to the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, with a show on July 26. "The Montreal Just For Laughs comedy festival is my favourite comedy festival in the world," Distefano said. "I just love how it takes over the city." "One of the best parts for me is, not only do I get to do my show, but then you can jump on other comedians' shows that maybe they live in another part of the country, another part of the world and you haven't seen them in a while. ... I'm sure there'll be a special guest on my show, whoever is around." Distefano has had several shows in Canada throughout the years, but he said that audiences in each region of the country differ. "The audiences in Toronto, they feel like New York, more blue collar, will laugh, have that edge. Montreal, you definitely have to work a little harder. They're a little bit more like, 'Impress me,' which I like. I don't mind that," Distefano said. "And then Vancouver is kind of more L.A. [in their vibe,] they're chill." "But then I really like cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton, because people are just getting hammered and laughing at everything. ... That rowdiness, where it's almost like, oh wow, there's going to be a fist fight at my show tonight." Chris Distefano shines with comedy about his family Distefano's fans know that he's among the best comedians who really tap into their personal lives for comedy, and a highlight in all of his sets are when he talks about his dad. "I love poking fun at him because I know that he can take it," Distefano said. "My whole life, ... [he] showed me what love means through comedy, like he would always, him and his brother, my uncle, who passed away, would always mess with me, make fun of me. But that was basically them saying, 'I love you.'" "That's, I think, why I make fun of him so much. Because I feel like it's really me saying to my dad, 'Hey, I love you.'" Another fan-favourite element of Distefano's stand-up is when he talks about his now fiancée, Jasmin Canuelas. "Getting engaged definitely helped. It was tough all these years to be making fun of everything ... and she's like, 'I don't even have a ring on my finger,'" Distefano said. "I think she's kind of now like, go be as funny as you need to be, we've got to pay off this mortgage." Standing out on social media In the arc of Distefano's career, the comedian recognized that landing his Hulu special was a "turning point." "Netflix is great. All these places are great. But Hulu, ... they don't have that many comedy specials. So I had an opportunity to really stand out and not kind of get lost in the shuffle, and to be part of like the inaugural Hulu comedy specials class with Jim Gaffigan and Bill Burr, ... comedy greats, it was really cool," he said. But as the landscape of how people can discover comedy has evolved, particularly with many first seeing stand-ups through clips on platforms like TikTok, Distefano's thoughts on having social media fame has shifted as well. "Initially, especially with social media, I would get recognized in the streets and some would be like, 'Oh, aren't you that comedian from TikTok?' I would almost get like offended by it. ... I'm not a TikToker. ... I have comedy specials," Distefano said. "And then that all went away where I was like, hey whatever medium people can see me in, just be grateful and feel blessed that they're watching you, and they even are acknowledging you." "It's not about getting recognized. That's all ego. It's about my work, and it was memorable enough for them to be like, 'Oh I remember you.' Especially with the mindless scrolling we all do every day. We're taking in thousands of videos and images every day. And I'm like, if mine can stick out to a person, I feel really blessed by that."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Just For Laughs festival returns to Montreal: Michelle Buteau, Chris Distefano, Robby Hoffman, Mae Martin and more
Back in 2024, Canadian comedy fans were left without the Just For Laughs (JFL) festivals in Montreal and Toronto. But after a bankruptcy restructuring, with new owner ComediHa! taking over from the former Quebec parent company, the festival returns to Montreal this week (July 16 to July 27), featuring comedians including Michelle Buteau, Chris Distefano, Fortune Feimster, Rhys Darby, Gianmarco Soresi, Robby Hoffman, Gianmarco Soresi, Wally Baram, Mae Martin, Nish Kumar and more. Nick Brazao, head of programming, told Yahoo Canada it's "satisfying" to be able to bring this impressive lineup to the Montreal festival. Adding that there's a lot of anticipation to see how fans respond. "There's a lot of pieces that go into putting it together, and then once you see it all kind of happening and all being talked about, it's a good time of year," Brazao said. For years, comedy fans haven't just seen their favourite comedians at Canadian JFL festivals, but they're unique opportunities to get exposure to talents you never knew about. Whether it's an opener you had never heard of, or the spontaneous late night stop you make hopping from show to show, it's an incredibly fun time. "To manufacture as much as you can the discovery and the surprise aspect is, I think, a huge part of what makes festivals special and makes them worth doing," Brazao. But with so many comedians gaining popularity and a fanbase on social media and other platforms, it all gets considered when it comes to, as Brazao described, the goal of having "something for everyone" at the festival. "It's fun to see the effect of the internet," Brazao said. "The ability of people to reach specific pockets of audiences through social media, or through targeted platforms, whether it's Dropout improv or things like Smosh Reads Reddit stories, ... podcasting, ... through Instagram, through TikTok, or maybe more traditional comedy fans that are consuming Netflix specials and Amazon specials, ... [it's] trying to have as much of a varied landscape of that." "People are finding ways to ... find audiences and find a relatability with people. And then now they have this opportunity in a fan base that wants to buy a ticket to see them do something. So now they have to kind of reverse engineer a show versus 15, 30, 42 years ago when the festival started, it was comedians starting with two minutes of material and going to an open mic night and turning that into five minutes of material, and turning that into 10 minutes. And if you're really good and really dedicated and brought yourself to so many audiences, you got seasoned enough to be a headlining act, and then you could hopefully be booked elsewhere." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Just For Laughs Montréal (@jflmontreal) Brazao also highlighted that it's significant for a comedy festival of this size to be in Canada. "If you're in a comedy club anywhere in North America and even across the world, it's referred to as 'Montreal,' but they mean Just For Laughs, which is very cool that it's irreplaceable kind of currency in terms of brand recognition and value," he said. "So it's being able to hone that and respect that, to create something every year." "I think any good comedy festival and any good event really embodies the DNA of the city. Montreal is a city unlike any other. ... There are a few festivals in the global footprint, like Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, ... but I think Canada being such a comedy home and Montreal being such a renowned stand-up place that comedians want to go to, ... now it's part of the zeitgeist." While many of the bigger names in the history of JFL have been American, there's also a commitment to including locals, but Brazao highlighted it's about providing a space where comedians from different markets, at different stages in their comedy careers, can come together. "When you are engaging in an activity with diverse groups of comedians that are at the top of their game, then everybody's talent level rises along with it," he said. "Ultimately, we do a lot of thinking, of trying to set people up for success. ... How do you present them in a way that sets them up for success and can help them elevate to that next level. So I think by blending everybody together, giving them the chance to rub shoulders together and to experience things together, their network is going to be built bigger." "The best comedians are evergreen in that they could perform in front of any audience with any sort of subjective experience from whatever community they live in, but you found a way to connect with them. ... We have a responsibility to try to bridge some of those gaps, or have them open for maybe more rare or a more currently famous foreign comedian. Maybe that leads to another opportunity of them going on tour or being exposed to their fan base, and now they get more followers from having opened for whatever bigger star could be here. And then those little pieces, I think, along the way, can build up to eventually, they can have their own headlining show on their own, and it can be part of their development."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Chris Distefano? Know about the comedian who is going to be a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Tonight
Chris Distefano Jimmy Kimmel tonight marks the latest splash in late-night comedy as the Brooklyn-born stand-up comedian takes the helm of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on July 15, 2025 . Stepping in while Kimmel enjoys his annual summer break, Distefano brings his sharp New York wit, MTV-honed observational humor, and podcasting charisma to ABC's flagship talk show. Audiences can expect lively celebrity banter, stand-up monologues, and musical interplay from guests including Julie Bowen, NBA champion Isaiah Hartenstein, and indie artist Cuco. Balancing authenticity and polished comedy, this gig is a career milestone for Distefano—and a refreshing twist for loyal Kimmel viewers. Tune in for a night of witty takes, heartfelt moments, and the kind of energy only Chris can deliver. Who is the guest on Jimmy Kimmel's show tonight? Chris Distefano is a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Tonight's episode, which is hosted by Distefano in lieu of Jimmy Kimmel during his yearly summer vacation, features a musical performance by Cuco, NBA Finals champion Isaiah Hartenstein, and Julie Bowen (star of "Happy Gilmore 2"). This week, Distefano will be a guest host on many evenings, contributing his incisive New York humor and stand-up sensibility to ABC's premier late-night show. Who is Chris Distefano? American stand-up comedian, actor, podcaster, and TV personality Chris Distefano is well-known. Distefano, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 26, 1984, became well-known across the country after making appearances on MTV's "Guy Code" and "Girl Code." He has since made several successful stand-up appearances, starred in the IFC series "Benders," made guest appearances on late-night television, and started well-known podcasts including "Hey Babe!" and "Chrissy Chaos." Distefano is renowned for fusing humor that appeals to a broad audience with elements of his personal life and Brooklyn upbringing. He is still one of the most sought-after traveling comedians in the United States in 2025. Chris Distefano's family Chris Distefano has been dating Jazzy Distefano or Jasmin Canuelas, a fitness expert and trainer from Queens, since 2014. The two are engaged. They have two daughters together: Violette (born 2021) and Delilah (born 2015). In addition, Canuelas has a son named Tristan from a past relationship, and he frequently discusses their blended family in his performances and podcasts. The pair spent ten years together before becoming engaged in January 2025. In his stand-up routines, Chris Distefano frequently makes jokes about his father, Tony Distefano, calling him a legendary Brooklyn figure. His father's stories have become staples of podcasts and live shows, showcasing Chris's relatable, cross-generational comedy. Who is the fiancée of Chris Distefano? Chris Distefano and Jazzy Distefano (née Canuelas) are engaged. Liz and Edwin Canuelas welcomed Canuelas into the world on April 17, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York. She has two siblings: a sister named Jessica and a brother. Jasmine Distefano is an influencer in the fitness industry. As a professional fitness teacher, Jasmine specializes in group fitness, Zumba, and spin classes. She also offers a number of wellness programs online. Her training sessions frequently focus on assisting women in overcoming postpartum depression and getting back to the level of fitness and shape they have always sought. Through the use of music, her fitness program Jazzy Method BTM (Bodyweight exercise to Music) assists customers in concentrating on their exercise and muscle engagement. Chris Distefano's career Standup Comedy Chris's main source of income, which accounted for a sizeable amount of his net worth, was lucrative. Beginning his career in 2009, he hosted a number of comedy series, such as the March Madness Comedy Competition, Elite 8, and Fencing Masters. Chris Distefano's tours are also very the release of his comedy special, Chris hit his zenith, and there was no turning back. People keep listening to Distefano because of his sense of humor. His two favorite comedy shows are: Chris Distefano: 2019 Waist Size 38 Weshy Speshy (2022) Podcasting Although it's unclear exactly when he began podcasting, the choice is important. These podcasts not only add to Distefano's wealth but also provide insight into his character, life values, and outlook on the future. They, therefore, contain all the information a fan could need. These are some of Chris's well-known podcasts. Listen and tune in: Hyenas with Yannis Pappas in the past (2018–2021), Chris Distefano's Stand-Up (2019), Sal Vulcano (2020–present) with Hey Babe! Chrissy Chaos (since 2021) Matteo Lane, "Teach Me Daddy" (2025–present) Chris's TV Adventure Chris, a stand-up comedian, has been asked to host or make a guest appearance on numerous TV series. But when he made his acting debut in Ode to Joy, costarring with Morena Baccarin and Martin Freeman, he demonstrated his versatility. Chris Distefano's net worth Chris Distefano, whose real name is Christopher Paul Anthony Distefano, is an American podcaster, actor, and stand-up comedian. He chose to make money by disseminating amusing remarks even though he had a doctorate. His contributions to numerous podcast channels, motion pictures, television shows, and Chris specials are all part of his net worth. According to networthmama, all of these sources contribute to his $1.5 million net worth. Chris Distefano's home is his biggest investment. It is a place where tranquility and luxury coexist. The comedian resides in Staten Island at Chris Distefano House. Distefano did not regret his decision to pursue a comedy career, even though he held a practical degree. His bank account is bloated with excitement from all the money he has earned. The Shows of Chris Distefano Among Chris Distefano's contributions to entertainment are: Comedy Central's "Size 38 Waist" and Netflix's "Speshy Weshy" are examples of stand-up specials. TV series include "Guy Code," "Girl Code" (MTV), "Benders" (IFC), "Ultimate Beastmaster" (Netflix), and "Super Maximum Retro Show" (ViceTV). "Chrissy Chaos" podcast "Hi, Sweetheart!" (with Vulcano, Sal) His live humor regularly sells out theaters around the country, and his podcasts frequently top streaming charts.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Comedian Chris Distefano says Dems will 'lose by even more votes' next election if they don't correct course
Comedian Chris Distefano told Fox News Digital that he believes Democrats will "lose by even more votes" in the future if they don't correct course on a key issue that cost them in 2024. Distefano claimed that if Democrats don't change their narrative around biological men who identify as trans competing in women's sports, they are going to suffer even bigger losses in 2028. "I think if the Democrats personally don't change their narrative, they're going to lose by even more votes in the next presidential election," Distefano said. Comedian, Father Of Three Girls, Says Men In Women's Sports Was Final Straw For Many Voters The comedian specified that he doesn't want politicians interfering in people's decisions to live their lives as they see fit, but to ensure that others are not impacted by those decisions. "I would love if trans people had every opportunity they wanted within their own league, specifically in sports. I would love that. I want people, if you want to be transgender, by all means - I'm not getting in the way of that," Distefano said. "I'm just saying specifically in sports, I think if that keeps going, you're going to lose even more people." Read On The Fox News App Comedian Says American Pride Is Back: 'It Feels Like We Have A President Who Is Putting America First' Distefano also questioned whether Democrats genuinely don't realize how unpopular supporting men participating in women's is with the public, or if this push is "part of a bigger plan." "It was to the point where I was thinking like, 'Is it that they truly are so insulated that they don't understand that people don't want this, or is this part of a bigger plan?'" the comedian asked. He continued to express his confusion with Democrats pushing this narrative, wondering if one day these moves will all make sense. "And I still don't know. I really don't know, because it's very difficult at times for me to be like, 'No, they're just they actually think that that's what people want.' But so I'm like, 'There's got to be a plan. There's got to be something we don't know that will come to light, and then we'll all feel stupid and agree with them. There has to be.' But, I mean, it just hasn't happened yet." Earlier this week, Senate Democrats voted unanimously to block the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The bill needed 60 votes but only received 51. No Democrats sided with Republicans on the bill. Two Democrats were absent from the vote, as were two Republicans. The bill failed, article source: Comedian Chris Distefano says Dems will 'lose by even more votes' next election if they don't correct course
