Roz Browne, the Boston-born comedian, and actress often joked that being the middle child in a family of nine gave her an “edge” in humor.
Browne shared that “the middle child always has the issue,” and hinted that standup was her way of navigating family dynamics. Initially, Browne took the “responsible” route, earning an accounting degree from Northeastern University before becoming a CPA.
Seeking sunshine and new opportunities, Browne moved to Los Angeles, inspired by the sitcoms she grew up watching. She said she remembered seeing all the “sunny sitcoms” and thinking, “I want to be out there with ‘Three’s Company.’”
After transferring to USC, Browne completed her degree, started her accounting career, but found her attention increasingly drawn to Hollywood.
Between CPA gigs, Browne took an acting class, where an instructor encouraged her to face her biggest fear. Standup, something she’d admired from afar but never tried, was her choice. “I got hooked on the laughter and the adrenaline, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” she shared.
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Browne’s comedy career gained momentum quickly. She described her debut on BET’s “Comic View” as a defining moment that helped her reach a wider audience.
Soon, Browne said she was performing internationally, joining USO tours in Okinawa, Japan, and doing shows in places like Hawaii and London.
Closer to home, Browne became a regular at Hollywood’s Comedy Store, a major achievement for any comedian. She reflected on the honor of having her name on the club’s wall, saying, “To be selected by the owner and get your name on that wall—it was major.”
Browne spoke with reverence about the comedic legends who influenced her, naming Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, and Wanda Sykes among her inspirations.
Browne affectionately called Whoopi Goldberg “the griot” and shared that Whoopi held a special place in her heart. “Whoopi was one of the main female comedian influencers in my career and still is,” she added.
When COVID-19 paused live performances, Browne said it sparked her creativity. With clubs closed, she poured her energy into her first standup special, “Roz Browne: I’m Roz Browne,” available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vimeo, and Microsoft Store. Describing it as a “labor of love,” she noted that the project took two years to complete.
“It’s based on my standup but also on storytelling. It hits on stories from growing up and my family dynamics,” Browne explained.
Browne believes the special connects with audiences by sharing the humor of a “next-door neighbor” with hilarious stories, a style that resonates with her fans.
Beyond standup, Browne has expanded her reach with acting roles, appearing on shows like “This Fool” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Browne was also featured on “The View” for its “Hilarious Housewives” segment, which she said helped her connect with a wider audience. Most recently, she appeared as Trish on “Bob Hearts Abishola.”
Looking to the future, Browne expressed excitement about producing more comedy specials and exploring hosting roles.
“I’m middle-aged, I’m seasoned, I’m your average kind of woman,” Browne said, explaining her desire to represent the “regular” Black woman, a perspective she feels is underrepresented in comedy.
After three decades on stage, Browne shared her gratitude for the journey. “I’m just so glad and blessed to still be able to do what I do,” she remarked, noting that while many comedians she’s known have come and gone, her consistency and commitment to comedy have been sources of pride.
