Meet Terrence Murphy: Comedy Legend in the making

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terrence Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terrence, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
That’s a tough question and I think a lot of what it takes when deciding whether to pursue a goal or not just varies from person to person. Honestly, I don’t think quitting is as bad as people make it seem. If you don’t like something that you’re doing, quit that $#@t. That goes for people too. I’ll never understand the amount of frustration or stress people put on themselves doing something they really care nothing about. Now that is much different from giving up on something that you are passionate about or you need to do. Many times I’ve felt the desire to quit from something that I have been passionate about (discouraging things happen) but when I’ve pushed through, I feel like that challenge made all the difference. But to answer the question, deep down I think everyone knows.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Comedy excites me because it’s so simple and so complicated all at the same time. Make people laugh. That’s a hard phrase right there but its so much fun. I think that’s what sets me apart from other people, if I’m on stage in that moment I’m having a good @$$ time no matter where it is or who’s there because thats what I feel comedy is about. It hasn’t always been like that. Starting out you kind of put pressure on yourself overthinking things too much, trying get things just right or trying to be someone else on stage or trying to say things in a way that people might want to hear but it’s all a part of the journey. And for me it took time to learn that. “I am funny… me.” I always knew I was but it takes time to really be confident about it, especially on stage. If there was any one thing about me that I would want the world to know its that I’m coming. I still really haven’t worked out how i’m going to do that but I love making people laugh and that’s what I’m here to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The great thing about LA is that there are so many options. There’s so much to do here. A lot of my favorites are pre pandemic so I don’t know whats still standing but of what I know Echo Park would definitely be one of my first stops. Great place to relax take some lunch, enjoy the views of the lake or the ducks… mostly I use it for people watching. For the most part i’m pretty health conscious so I always take friends on hikes or trails, Culver City Stairs is a great spot for exercise.

I’m vegan so as far as food, one of my favorite regular spots for a good vegan burger would have to be Vurger Guys. Honeslty, they know us we eat there so much. If we’re ranking, they have the best vegan burger in the city. A variety of choices for your burger and the tacos are pretty good too. Black owned so I always try to support my people. Jackfruit cafe is also a dope little vegan black owned soulfood spot. Flavors From Afar is another good spot. Last few regularly attended spots would be Arayas place on Beverly and Simply Pho You in Ktown. Also I have to shout out Tita’s Vegan Tamales.. the best vegan tamales I’ve ever had.

If we’d need a after hours spot which most of my friends are alcoholics so we definitely do, I’d go to Seven Grand for some whiskey and pool, maybe stopping by the Edison downtown. The Ace Hotel is a favorite of mine too. As you can see I drink too much so whatever I said about health, I take it back. I also like the Bungalow in Santa Monica and this bar called Makai. Damn did I mention Berkshire House for sip too. Ok no more drinking spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To be be fair to the reader I’m going to try my best to keep this short because TOO MANY people come to mind. I’ve been very lucky to have the support of so many amazing family and friends. My Purdue family and for everyone back home it always makes me emotional with their support. Whether its coming to support me at a show or letting me crash at their place when I have an audition.. so many people have been there for me and it means everything. One of the biggest supporters, I would definitely have to say would be Enss Mitchell over at the Comedy Union. He was one of the first people to give me a show consistently at his comedy club and even though it didn’t work out, I’ll always be grateful. I definitely have to thank Nichelle Murdock, she runs a comedy show at the Comedy Store and she gave me one of my first opportunities to perform there. Also, Sean Sullivan at the Icehouse was another big supporter from the beginning. He gave me so much stage time when I was first starting out and connected me to some great people too. Lastly, I definitely have to thank Lani Crooks over at the Laugh Factory she has given me too many opportunities at the Sunday Night show I would be remiss I did not mention her. Like I said I wanted to keep it short but its because of all these people I’m so grateful.

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Image Credits
Christine Solomon, Kyle Burkitt, Briana Boline, Chefito Photo