Known for giving a real, oftentimes raw, and a “no-holds barred” perspective on relationships in his standup, Corey Holcomb brings the truth in the battle between the sexes in his latest comedy special taping “Book Of Coreythians” on Friday at The Wilbur.
“I do the relationship thing. A lot of people will say I’m coming from a man’s point of view. I think and a lot of other people think I come from an honest point of view. Unfortunately in this country, it is my opinion that we are taught to censor the truth when we’re talking to the ladies and I don’t do that,” says Holcomb by phone.
He goes on to add, “There are a lot of people, especially women, who can appreciate the truth. I’ve had women walk up to me and say ‘I didn’t even want to hear the truth but when you said it, the way you said it, made me feel better about hearing the truth.’ It makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing. It’s not like I’m going to switch it up anyway, you know what I mean?”
The very honest Holcomb began his standup career in Chicago over 20 years ago. He first did a talent show in college and thought his set went well but still ended up losing because he says he “cracked a fat joke and one of the judges was fat, and didn’t like it.” At that moment, he learned that you can’t make everyone happy, and that he might as well remain truthful to himself both on stage and off. After performing at an open mic night in his hometown, he knew that standup comedy was for him.
Fast-forward 20 years and Holcomb’s career is exactly where he envisioned it to be — working at comedy clubs around the country, appearing on various TV shows, and in the movies. The comedian has a recurring role as the character Boonie in Adult Swim’s “Black Jesus,” and he’s starred in three comedy specials of his own, including 2012’s “Corey Holcomb: Your Way Ain’t Working” and was one of the featured comics in “Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Star Comedy Jam” in 2010, and was one of the breakout stars on the 2006 TV series “Nick Cannon Presents Wild ‘n Out.”
Last year, Holcomb appeared in the movie “The Wedding Ringer” opposite Kevin Hart and in 2014 he had a supporting role in the romantic comedy “Think Like A Man Too.” One of his next projects includes appearing in the Tyler Perry film “Boo! Madea’s Halloween,” out in theaters later this year.
“I have no complaints about how it all worked out. By the time, I got some attention from Hollywood I had been underground working on my act to the point by the time they saw me I was ready. It all worked out,” says Holcomb.
The Wilbur presents Corey Holcomb Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets: $25; and can be purchased by phone at 617.248.9700; online at www.ticketmaster.com; or in person at the box office located at 246 Tremont Street, Boston.
