Online Sensation Brings Her Comedy To Improv
Photo from Fox Television
After years of struggle, success came suddenly for comedian Anjelah Johnson.
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Published: August 7, 2008
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TAMPA - Chances are you've probably seen Anjelah Johnson. Perhaps it was on "MADtv," YouTube, or as an Oakland Raiderette.
Through Sunday you can see the comedian live at the Tampa Improv.
Johnson got her big break when her "Nail Salon" stand-up bit about getting a manicure went viral in 2007. She is also known for her character Bon Qui Qui, a fast-food worker, on "MADtv," a comedy sketch series on Fox.
Prior to her Internet success, Johnson was a starving actress living in Los Angeles. Between auditions she worked with an improvisational troupe and took a stand-up comedy class. The final assignment was to perform at a comedy club where she revealed "Nail Salon."
A year later the bit was an online sensation snaring more than 4 million views. Suddenly Johnson, who was struggling to pay her rent and car payments, was the center of attention.
"The video hit in January and by February I was in Cuba performing for our troops. All these people brought me into their offices," said the 26-year-old San Jose native. "It was a little scary and I was very overwhelmed."
The interest in Johnson didn't stop with guest performances. In March, she was meeting with network television executives and by July she was a cast member on "MADtv" for one season.
"There I was working with people I watched and admired. I had a great time and it was a great experience," Johnson said of her time on the sketch comedy series. "It was great to have them use the words I wrote and perform them. It was like, what!"
Since wrapping with "MADtv," Johnson has taken her skit on the road, touring and selling out comedy clubs across the county. Her routine revolves around her everyday observations and fictional characters.
"It's one of those things where I know I am doing what I am supposed to be doing at this time," she said. "This [stand-up] came so naturally, I can't not do it."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Comedian Anjelah Johnson
WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa.
HOW MUCH: $22; (813) 864-4000
Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832 or shoye@tampatrib.com.
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