On a recent episode of “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” Niecy Nash-Betts shared an interesting story about how she got in trouble for being funny. The talk show host, Conan O’Brien, commended her natural sense of humor and asked when she first realized she was funny. Nash-Betts revealed that she always knew she was funny, but didn’t realize comedy was a gift because she often got in trouble for it. She recalled instances of clowning around in church and being reprimanded by her mother. Despite this, Nash-Betts continued to make her mother laugh, especially during a difficult period in her life when her brother was murdered. She started performing comedy at the foot of her mother’s bed every day, which provided a source of joy and healing for both of them.
It wasn’t until 1993 that Nash-Betts truly recognized comedy as a gift. One day, when she arrived at her mother’s bed to perform her routine, she found that her mother wasn’t there. She discovered her mother had gone across the street and brought neighbors to witness her daughter’s talent. They had set up a makeshift stage with a karaoke microphone and encouraged Nash-Betts to tell jokes. Feeling unsure about the situation, she nervously took the microphone and began her routine. In that moment, she realized that comedy had the power to heal and bring joy to others. It was then that she saw comedy as not just a personal talent but a potential career path.
Prior to embracing comedy, Nash-Betts had ambitions of becoming a serious actress. She mentioned names like Cicely Tyson, Diana Ross, and the movie “Mahogany” as inspirations for the type of actress she aspired to be. However, the voice in her head urged her to go beyond selfish pursuits and spread joy to others who were suffering. This pivotal moment led her to take her comedy outside, introducing herself as Niecy Nash and spreading laughter wherever she went. It was then that she realized that comedy was more than just making people laugh in tense situations or cheering up her mother – it was a legitimate job.
As Nash-Betts shared her journey with O’Brien, he admitted that he, too, didn’t originally see comedy as a career. Growing up in Boston during the 1970s, he didn’t encounter many people in show business. For a long time, he saw comedy as something he did for fun with friends, rather than a professional pursuit. Now, it has evolved into a mini-industry with his talk show and various comedic projects. His assistant, Sona, chimed in that she never expected her role to grow into what it is today. They started out joking around, but it turned into a full-time job that they both enjoy.
The conversation between Nash-Betts and O’Brien highlights the power of comedy in bringing joy and healing. From Nash-Betts’ experience of making her mother laugh during a dark time to O’Brien’s realization that comedy goes beyond mere entertainment, both entertainers have discovered the significance of their comedic abilities. Their stories serve as a reminder that laughter can be a powerful tool in lifting spirits and connecting with others.
In conclusion, Niecy Nash-Betts‘ appearance on “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” shed light on her journey as a comedian and how she discovered the true power of comedy. Her personal experiences and candid conversations with O’Brien revealed the transformative impact of laughter and the joy it brings to both the performer and the audience. Through her unique and relatable stories, Nash-Betts reminds us that comedy is not just a talent but a gift that can heal, inspire, and connect people in unexpected ways.
