[JackFr]

I went to college with a guy who ended up being a successful stand-up (multiple Netflix specials - level). He wasn't terribly funny in college - his brother was much, much funnier. Also watching his first bits on TV - first late night basic cable, then Letterman and Leno and then eventually his specials, he was not good at first and he was not a natural.

My big takeaway from that was that comedy, like many, many things is a skill that can be improved on with hard work. Undoubtedly there is some element of innate talent, but it is far less than I would have imagined before.

[bradlys]

Comedy is also like other things - you may be good at it but it doesn’t mean you want to turn it into a career.

I’ve been asked at times if I had ever considered standup or doing some kind of comedy or joining in on things - but I am funny because I want to entertain people I like, not strangers. When I tell stories or bits to strangers to get a laugh - I don’t really get the same sense of pleasure out of it as I do with a group of friends.

I’ve considered being more intentional and getting very good at comedy but in some ways - I like the uncoordinated trial and error.

[ralfd]

> his brother was much, much funnier

The ultimate victory in intra-sibling competition: Grinding comedy until you have a Netflix stand-up special and your naturally funny wise-cracking brother doesn't.

[JoeAltmaier]

Not a Higgins brother, was it? I went to school with Mike.

[JackFr]

Jim Gaffigan.

[awb]

I believe that. Watching his specials is like watching someone who’s trying really hard to be funny and occasionally brute forces a laugh. He doesn’t come across as a naturally funny person like some other comics do.

[flycaliguy]

There is nothing occasion about the laughter when he’s on stage.