Nicole Byer is a comedian and actress best associated with her work as host of the Emmy- nominated baking show “Nailed It.” She was also one of the stars of the NBC sitcom “Grand Crew.”
More recently, Byer performed at the “Netflix is a Joke Festival” and in her own Netflix comedy special “BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo).” Additionally, she has an upcoming one-night comedy show at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4.
Hailing from Middletown Township, New Jersey, Byer said one of the biggest stereotypes about people from New Jersey is that they are “trashy.” But Byer said she believes the stereotype is true.
“I think that’s an okay thing,” said Byer. “I don’t think trashy equates as bad. We used to have this chain of stores [in Jersey] called Joyce Leslie, and everything was made out of spandex, and everything was super tight and trashy, but I loved Joyce Leslie, and I miss it so much.”
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“It’s the people I grew up with, so it has a special place in my heart,” continued Byer. “I think people from Jersey are just good people. Some of my best friends from high school are still my best friends. I just think East Coast people are more upfront with intention.”
Byer gave an example of how West Coast people can sometimes not be “upfront with intention” in conversation. “When I moved to the West Coast, I didn’t realize that when people were like, ‘Oh, we should hang out,’ that didn’t mean anytime soon,” said Byer.
Byer chuckled at poking a little fun at the West Coast, and she is naturally funny. But when it comes to doing comedy professionally, Byer does have a process. “The way I write jokes is I either come up with a premise or punchline, and then I talk on stage to see what happens,” she said.
“Sometimes if a joke is not working, I’m not a comedian who will hammer it out,” Byer elaborated. She said she also does not shy away from talking about her personal life in her standup routine.
“I truly tell everybody my business,” said Byer. “I guess I just feel comfortable sharing that with people because I think my stories are relatable, but there is a ton of stuff I keep for myself.”
Byer hopes the audience has a great time at her upcoming one-night show at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and she mentioned recently doing a live script reading of the classic comedy film “Wayne’s World” there.
Byer said the tone of the show at The Wallis will be similar in style to her Netflix special, and she will focus on matters like dating, working, and love.
In addition to hosting TV shows, acting, and standup, Byers also hosts several podcasts including “Why Won’t You Date Me,” “Best Friends!” with Sasheer Zamata, “90 Day Bae,” and “Newcomers.”
For more information about Nicole Byer’s one-night only comedy performance at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, visit https://thewallis.org/show-details/nicole-byer.
