Comedian Omar Thompson – From Boos to Standing Ovations

Everyone likes to laugh, right? Well I introduce to you Omar Thompson, NYC’s newest comedic star! Omar was born and raised in Harlem and got his start in comedy 6 years ago while a student at Post University. He has performed at Caroline’s, Stand Up NY, The Improv, NY Comedy and the Apollo Theater. You may have also seen him on TV One’s I Got the Hookup, BET’s One Mic Stand, MTV’s Yo Momma or The Tyra Banks Show. He is also CEO of Fortune 500, his very own entertainment company.

Parlé Magazine: So Omar, how did you get your start in comedy?

Omar Thompson: Not a lot of people know this, but I actually started out doing poetry first. When I was in college, there were these open mic nights for spoken word poetry called “The Session”. I started writing comedic poetry and built a fanbase, but my poetry wasn’t deep enough, so my roommate suggested I try comedy. Then, my senior year in college, I won 2nd place in a talent show and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Parlé: What has been your best experience on stage?
Omar: My best performance was when I was on BET’s One Mic Stand. The show was being filmed in LA, and I was after Aries Spears in the lineup. Since LA is his hometown, I was a little nervous. He went on and killed it! Then another comedian went on and she killed it too. It was supposed to be my turn, but the producers brought Aries Spears out again for a 2nd set. So after he wrapped, it was my turn and I was just anxious to get on stage. When I got out there I focused on not cursing and being as animated as possible. My jokes were flowing and the crowd responded to the punchlines. I got a standing ovation! It was a great night and a great experience!

Parlé: So now you have to tell me about the worst experience so far!
Omar: Ironically enough, it was at the Apollo. I got booed so bad – even my mom was booing. Sandman came out with the hook and everything. They booed the hell out of me. My whole hood came and they all booed me. I cried that night but it didn’t stop me though. It helped me build a thick skin. (laughs)

Parlé: Who are some of the top comedians that have inspired you? What would be your ultimate lineup?
Omar:  Eddie Murphy – Phenomenal comedian and actor
Martin Lawrence –He’s always inspired me. I watch his show re-runs everyday
Dave Chappelle – Great comedian and writer
Tracy Morgan – He is a wild dude! I’ve been a fan since he was at Uptown Comedy Club
My unofficial favorite is Judge Mathis though, he is funny as hell. Even the way he talks is funny: “Ma’am!”

Parlé: Omar, you have this collection of sketches. I think the Stepfather sketches are the funniest. What was your inspiration? Did you have a stepfather?
Omar:  I had a few stepfathers! Shout out to my mom, she is a beautiful woman. I had like 4 stepfathers though. I had one that was overly competitive, he had no heart. I remember being like7 and he was always competing with me. He’d be like “shut the &*^% up lil n*gga!” I just use crazy life experiences as inspiration for my skits. I am really getting into this acting thing, so please check out my sketches on YouTube. Make sure you subscribe to my channel!

Parlé: What are you currently working on? What is next for you?
Omar:  I’m just continuing to build my brand and get my name out there. I recently launched my DVD and I’m working on my website (www.omarthecomedian.com). It’s up and under construction, so look out for a re-launch soon. I will also be shooting a new movie beginning in mid-January. I play an old, washed up rapper. I am looking forward to appearing on more TV shows and movies and traveling around the U.S. so that I can become a household name!
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/thompsonomar
Twitter: @OmartheComedian
YouTube: www.youtube.com/OmarTheComedian

Also Check Out:
Mike Yard: A Double Threat to the Comedy Game
David Alan Grier is Serious About His Craft & Seriously Funny
Charlie Murphy Will Not Apologize
Tony Rock… Tenacity At Its Finest