Meet Irene Bremis | Standup Comedian/Writer

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

Hi Irene, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Growing up in a big Greek family shaped who I am today. I have a hilarious family, and as children, me, my sister and my cousins would imitate our aunts and uncles with Greek accents and they would break out into fits of laughter. We often threw talent shows and loved pulling pranks. The thought of turning childhood joy and fun into a career seemed like a dream. Now, I’m doing the same thing but instead of performing for my aunts and uncles in our living room, I’m performing for audiences.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I observe and write about life through a comedic lens. I was an art major in college and have always loved drawing caricatures; I love embellishing, exaggerating, and hyperbolizing all art forms- whether I’m doing standup, performing, writing, or drawing- developing your character is vital but it’s also imperative to stay true to oneself in art, which is the reason my voice is unique. It’s critical to know your voice in any art form. That’s what sets you apart from other performers. I used to think life’s challenges prevented me from achieving success or goals. Now, I realize that it made me stronger and shaped the comedian I am today. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would suggest packing a picnic basket with wine and cheese and going to Central Park because it is the park of all parks. I would be remiss not to mention catching a show on Broadway, and if you have children, please go to Coney Island and get a hotdog at Nathan’s. As for the grown-ups, treat yourself to a happy hour marg at one of my favorite spots, Rosies! A fantastic Mexican restaurant on the LES of Manhattan for fabulous nosh and a cocky. And as a resident of Staten Island, I highly recommend taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry for a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty! 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mother is such a character. She is funny, smart, unfiltered, and dauntless.  She has been my greatest comedic impetus. Despite her difficult life she always turned drama into comedy and taught us to cope with pain through humor. She also encouraged my sister and I to pursue the arts. I took piano lessons and ballet and my sister took guitar lessons- we were also both enrolled in commercial/acting classes. I remember auditioning for a bubble yum commercial while the spider eggs rumor was circulating in the 70’s and I tanked- no longer believing in the product. It really “burst my bubble.” My mother is also multilingual and taught us fluent Greek and even tried  to teach us French- which she spoke fluently and taught at a university in France, but we refused.  She is my muse and a massive part of my character-based act, and she loves every minute of it! People are like: “Damn gurl! You really roast your Mother!” I’m like: “It’s not roasting. It’s toasting my Mother,”  because it comes from love and my comedy celebrates who she is. This is wholly evident in my Comedy Special, Sweetie (produced by Rachel Dratch) NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and more! 

Website: https://www.irenebremis13.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/irenebremis13

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funnygreek1213?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCiCKbVT-smOBrjwAr65-wkw

Other: Watch my Comedy Special SWEETIE bit.ly/3TpUc3r AMAZON bit.ly/3wyVgKN APPLE TV bit.ly/43rvjJe Google Play

Image Credits
Screening of Astoria Had A Little Lamb at LES Film Festival- written, directed, and produced by Irene Bremis.