Meet Parker Dean | Comedian

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

Hi Parker, why did you pursue a creative career?
Most of my aunts and uncles never had any money growing up, but what they did have were LOTS of great stories. I remember my Uncle Tom at family reunions getting his guitar and singing old songs and talking about what it was like growing up in rural Indiana. I was so captivated, listening to how wild of a life they all lived. But it was my babushka who always told me that her one dream for me was to go to Hollywood to become a standup comedian. In Russia, before she defected to the US, laughter was illegal. When she was a young girl, she and her friends would listen to underground stand-up radio stations that her made her laugh for hours and hours. While everyone else in my family told me to get a sensible job, like an accountant or a yam farmer (I am from Indiana), she was always so encouraging. I am really thankful for her.

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 love when things go wrong onstage. Some of the best laughs I have gotten have been when I improvise in the moment and riff, or even when jokes don’t hit the way I wanted them to, and I find a way to make it work spontaneously. I’ve even started playing improv games with the audience in a couple recent shows, which I have really enjoyed. Keeping this short, I think the main thing that has helped me get where I am professionally (and I have performed at the Comedy Store and the Ice House multiple times at this point) is my ability to network. I always make a point of hanging out after shows and getting to know the people I am working with. I also make a point of going to support my friend’s shows. As far as what I want the world to know about my brand, I like making the stage electric. I like pumping up the energy in the room and finding some way to give the audience something that they can only get ahold of live. I am only just getting started. I still have a lot to learn about comedy, but being honest, this is what I have wanted to do since I was a child. I will make my mark on this art.

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.
I like this question. Weekend trip. So check it. FRIDAY, hike by my apartment to see the Hollywood sign. Lunch at Roro’s Chicken on Sunset (Shoutout to Javier). Comedy show in the evening (hopefully my own). Hookah or house party, perhaps even visit Bob’s Big Boy or IHOP on Sunset (Shoutout to the the Russian Twins). SATURDAY, Lunch at Chick Fil-A on Western/Sierra Vista (they always give me the amount of mayonnaise packets I ask for). Afternoon at Griffith Observatory. Take pictures with Zorro on Hollywood Blvd. We buy hats from a shop and pretend we are silly tourists from the midwest and annoy everyone who works in the museums. I give you facts that I vaguely remember from my double Decker Bus Tour. EVENING – Another Comedy show (Yes that is a $23 cocktail. Live on the edge). In-and-Out drive through. Bar Sinister (wear black and only visit upstairs if you are feeling brave). After party until 5 AM at Drac Haus (If you are feeling more brave). SUNDAY – morning meditation, cold plunges, give thanks to to the Earth Spirit. Pet the dog. Lunch at Chick-Fil-A on Western and Sierra Vista again, except it’s closed. So we revert to Roro’s Chicken AGAIN. We visit Psychic Eye on Ventura and buy witchy things. You get your fortune told. Turns out, we’re soulmates. Dinner at sundown at Yamashiro (Shoutout to Moises) “Wow Parker this view is fantastic” “You’re goddamn right it is” Order the California Roll because it’s ironic. Drive through the Hollywood Hills and Mulholland Drive, listening to Sam Cooke and Sublime. We stop at the viewpoint. Look at that. It’s the NBC Building and Hogwarts. No sleep. Early Flight. See you again soon.

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?
I’d love to give a Shoutout to Blake Mitchell. When I was a sophomore in high school theatre, Blake was a senior. At the time, I had just started posting some comedy content online. And he was the first person that told me he thought I was funny. At the time, that meant a lot to me, especially coming from someone I really respected. I never forgot it. Thanks Blake!

Instagram: @theparkerdean

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/theparkerdean

Image Credits
Cristóbal González Jacob Steele