If Damon Williams Has a Favorite Lunch, It Would Probably Be a Club Sandwich
by Diane Alter
Indeed, this world-class funnyman went from being a former Subway sandwich shop owner from Chicago to an international Comedy Club headliner.
Damon launched his career at the All Jokes Aside Comedy club. He can be heard weekly on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show doing the hilariously funny SERIOUSLY IGNORANT NEWS.
His numerous television appearances include BET’s Comicview annually since ‘94 including his own one-hour special. He’s been featured on BET LIVE, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, The Joyner Skyshow on TV ONE, and HBO’s P Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy.
Williams even hosted several episodes of the legendary Showtime at the Apollo formerly hosted by TV star Steve Harvey. In 1999, Damon performed for over 300,000 fans as the opening act for the phenomenally successful Kings of Comedy Tour, establishing him as one of the elite comics in the nation.
He is a veteran of The Us Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, he headlined the Cedric the Entertainer Comedy Revue and is a crowd favorite on the college, club, and concert circuit.
Williams can be seen on the current season of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Look out for a groundbreaking set on the new season of Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up as well as Comics Unleashed.
Damon’s unparalleled success is thanks to the universal nature of his material, with something for all ages. He has rubbed elbows with former president Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin, Pattie Labelle, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Chris Rock, James Brown, Jamie Foxx, and Little Richard.
Damon stopped long enough to answer a few questions for This Week on MV…
TW: Comedy provides a way of finding meaning. How do you think comedy helps society understand the social and political disruptions of our time?
Damon: Comedians usually have a unique perspective on many topics. We tend to see things differently from the public. The ability to find humor in situations that could be troubling to most can provide comfort as we all experience these tumultuous times.
TW: Do comedians today use a different approach amid all the sensitivities?
Damon: In this cancel culture the process requires more tact, but I still believe in the old adage in Comedy that nothing is sacred. The challenge is to find the funny in the taboo topic. If the subject is “off-limits” to a certain demographic. Make sure that demographic can also laugh at the joke.
TW: Was there ever a time in your life when you lost hope?
Damon: Nope. I have never felt hopeless, especially career-wise or in general. I am an eternal optimist. I believe we always have a chance to make life better. Of course, I would like some things to get better sooner. I am not getting any younger.
TW: What is the one thing the pandemic taught you?
Damon: The one thing I have learned is that if I must choose one one, pick the right one. I picked the right wife. If we could survive quarantine we were meant to be!!!
TW: Tell us about the first thing you did after lockdown.
Damon: I booked a flight and some shows. I really missed traveling and performing.
TW: What is one thing people do not know about being a comedian?
Damon: We’re not always funny. Most comedians have a high IQ and some of the greatest are left-handed. (Several studies link left-handedness with intelligence).
TW: What one thing do you wish you had learned earlier in your career?
Damon: Accounting. This is a business and I, like a lot of entertainers, had tax issues earlier in my career. Bernie Mac warned me, but I didn’t take heed. There loads of strategies and procedures that can help you maximize your net worth.
TW: What one phone call changed your life?
Damon: The one call that led to my success I would say was from BET’s Comiview. Once I performed on that series my career began and gave me the opportunities that took me around the world.
TW: What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for?
Damon: Reliability– be it from a personal or professional standpoint. I pride myself on being someone you can count on in business, entertainment, or relationships.
TW: After more than a year of avoiding crowds, how do you feel about dealing with the throngs of visitors that have trekked back to Martha’s Vineyard?
Damon: Although I have a slightly introverted spirit, I truly look forward to our faithful regulars and new supporters that attend our shows and vacation on the island. It is truly a utopian experience in August on the Vineyard.
TW: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Martha’s Vineyard?
Damon: Friendliness, with all the charm and natural beauty. It is really the people that make that place special.
TW: Please finish—Maybe one day
Damon: Maybe one day I will own property on Martha’s Vineyard
