Tisha Campbell, the actress, singer, and comedian best known for her roles as Gina Waters on the 1990s hit sitcom “Martin” and as Jay Kyle on “My Wife and Kids,” is adding another chapter to her diverse career with a new stand-up comedy show, “Damn Gina.”
Set to take place at the Ice House in Pasadena on October 10, the show highlights Campbell’s evolution from sitcom star to multifaceted performer.
Known for her dynamic on-screen presence and comedic timing, Campbell’s latest venture offers audiences a fresh perspective on her personal and professional journey, making it a highly anticipated event for fans and comedy enthusiasts alike.
Reflecting on her career, Campbell cited the well-known quote, “You’re only as good as your last job.” “So, as soon as one is over, you’re on to the next,” she said.
She said a defining moment in her career was choosing to pursue show business. Growing up in a deprived area of Newark, New Jersey, Campbell saw entertainment as a way to improve her life and help her family.
“I felt like I could help in some way, and instead of looking at this business as a way to try to get money or fame, I was doing it to help other people,” said Campbell. “I could acquire money, and that money would go to servitude.”
Campbell believes that understanding a platform in entertainment is meant for helping others is what separates an artist from a celebrity. “An artist understands they are here to help others,” she said, “and a celebrity believes they are here to be served.”
When it comes to delivering jokes, Campbell said she always wanted to try stand-up, which began with hanging out at comedy clubs early on to become a better comedic actress. She noticed that the most successful comics were sharing their truths.
“I knew then there was a thin line between drama and comedy,” said Campbell. “Once I figured that out, I knew I could waltz with these comedians.”
However, Campbell said she disliked the brutal teasing that occurred between sets in the stand-up scene. “When one [comedian] would make that walk up to the stage, the other comedians would talk bad about him,” she explained.
“Ugh, there’s no comradery,” Campbell exclaimed. “Oh God, I don’t know if I can handle this! I didn’t think I could, and so for years I’d been avoiding it.”
It was encouragement from her comedian friends, who reminded her of the great stories she had to share—and that she was naturally funny—that finally pushed her to try it.
Campbell said her first stand-up performance earlier this year was accidental. She was asked to introduce acts at a friend’s comedy show—unaware it also meant performing a 15-minute set beforehand.
“I went out there and I did a whole fifteen minutes, which is unheard of for a first-time comedian… but I just told stories and I was myself,” she said.
After that set, her friend Chris Spencer—an actor, comedian, writer, and producer—helped her get a comedy agent, and Spencer was receiving offers for her to go on the road. “And that’s kind of how it started,” said Campbell.
“I made a commitment to myself during COVID isolation,” said Campbell. “I’m going to do everything I ever wanted to do in my life. I’m going to at least try it once.” One of those goals was to do an individual showcase.
“Eventually, I’d love to do a one-woman show with all of the material I’m putting together, which incorporates music too,” she said. “But, right now, I’m just trying to master stand-up comedy.”
Campbell said her upcoming “Damn Gina” show at the Ice House in Pasadena will also feature actor and comedian Finesse Mitchell. “We’re a great team,” said Campbell. “We enhance one another. He helps me, and I help him in other ways, too.”
Campbell and Mitchell, who played husband and wife on the Fox sitcom “Outmatched,” are no strangers to working together. “So, we know each other well, and it’s been working out really well,” said Campbell. “It’s been so fun to take this journey.”
For more information about Tisha Campbell’s “Damn Gina” show at the Ice House in Pasadena, including tickets and showtimes, visit icehousecomedy.com or follow Tisha Campbell on Instagram at @tishacampbellmartin for the latest updates.
Keith L. Underwood is a show biz insider, former entertainment publicist, and the creator, producer, and host of Black in the Green Room, an entertainment radio show on KBLA Talk 1580, a YouTube channel show, and a multi-platform podcast.
