Meet LeeAnn Tooker | Comedian, Actor, and Writer

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

Hi LeeAnn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I wanted to be a performer since as far back as I can remember. I was always dancing, acting, and singing (or attempted singing anyway, ha). Growing up in Texas, little-me was confident that I was moving to either New York or LA as soon as I was old enough. I was in drama club, on the cheerleading squad, in ballet class – anything to be performing. Later I attended a performing arts high school for dance and went on to get a bachelor’s degree in theater. After graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles and started standup comedy there. I think for many people, moving to LA from Texas with just a basic plan and little savings would be seen as a big risk; but I think, for me, the risk would’ve been in not coming here and missing out on exploring such a big part of who I am.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I would often make my friends laugh telling stories of my adventures and misfortunes. I loved watching standup comedy and had been told numerous times over the years that I should try it, but it seemed like that could be some intense pressure. I mean, if I try to be funny at a party and don’t succeed, no one has to know I was even trying; but standing on a stage with the understanding that I am THERE to make you laugh seemed a little daunting. Once in Los Angeles, at the strong coaxing of an acting teacher, I finally decided to give stand-up comedy a try and was hooked the first time I got laughs.

I think my comedy is typically pretty personal. I share my often-over-analytical perspective about life. There’s always some truth to a good joke and so writing comedy has helped me face/see some truths. It’s been sort of therapeutic in that way. Also, I think there is some healing happening in sharing about my issues and laughing with a room full of people about them. I feel like over the years, my comedy has grown a lot and it’s also contributed to my growth as a person.

I’ve had a lot of great experiences and cool memories along the way so far. I’m particularly proud of my comedy album, LeeAnn Tooker – In the Room. The album represents a culmination of many years of stand up. Another highlight was co-authoring/editing a book with my talented friend, Heather Turman. The book is titled “Madonna Fans Do It Better: a FANthology About the Queen of Pop” and is a collection of essays, artwork and commentary in appreciation of pop-icon Madonna. Little-me would think this is all pretty cool.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting, I think I would want to take them to hike Runyon Canyon. I’m up there often and I really appreciate everything every about it – the views, the nature, the dogs. It’s also a very satisfying feeling to look back and realize you climbed a mountain that morning. (I know, I know – they call it a “hill” but I’m from Texas so it’s very much a “mountain” in my eyes). I’d also want to share the beach with a visiting friend – probably a little Venice, a little Santa Monica, and a little Malibu just for good measure. Naturally, we would hit a few comedy shows. There are many cool spots with great comedy in town but I’d definitely make it a point to take them to one of my personal faves, the Oh My Ribs! Theater in the Complex.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people have supported and inspired me (or otherwise fueled my creativity) and I am so thankful for all of them. I’m grateful for the comedy community in LA and for the many creative friends I’ve made here. I’d also like to give a quick shout out to my niece and nephew who make me feel funny no matter how my jokes land. (Those kids are so smart!)

Website: https://leeanntooker.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeanntooker/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeAnnTooker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FunnyLeeAnnTooker

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WestsideTooker

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leeanntooker Comedy Album: https://leeanntooker.hearnow.com Book: https://tinyurl.com/Madonna-Fans-Do-It-Better

Image Credits
Heather Turman Jonathan Ruggiero