‘I Know What I Bring to the Table’: How Amanda Seales Carved Her Own Path in Comedy

Amanda Seales hasn’t been in the comedy game for very long, but in just four short years she’s managed to separate herself from the pack.

The star of HBO’s “Insecure” scored a few acting gigs early in her career before becoming an MTV VJ on MTV2’s ” Sucker Free Countdown.” Formerly known as Amanda Diva, Seales also dove into music, releasing the EPs “Life Experience” and “Spandex, Rhymes & Soul” along the way.

amanda seales

Amanda Seales has been touring the country performing stand-up. (Photo: Elton Anderson)

But in recent years Seales has made comedy her main gig as she balances work on television — including an upcoming hosting gig on NBC’s comedy competition series “Bring the Funny” — and her podcast “Small Doses.”

Presently, the comedian is on the road for her stand-up comedy tour, which has included sold-out shows in Houston and Chicago. Upcoming stops in Atlanta and Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. also include sold-out dates. However, tickets for the April 5 show in Atlanta and the June 6 show in D.C. can still be purchased on her website.

Speaking to Atlanta Black Star Friday, March 29, ahead of her show at the West Palm Beach Improv in Florida, Seales dished on how she’s created her own lane in the comedy world.

“I know what I bring to the table. I’m good at using humor to talk about things,” she says.

Seales’ unique brand of comedy melds together history, academics and pop culture references. That is highlighted in her delivery on her Instagram Story gems, where she’s covered everything from men’s expectations of receiving unconditional love to the issue of white hairstylists claiming to have knowledge of Black natural hair care.

That ability has helped her land her first HBO stand-up special “I Be Knowin’,” which debuted to praise from fans and critics alike on Jan. 26.

As for what she’s most proud of, Seales says it’s her staying power.

“I’m still here with my integrity intact,” she said.

The comedian will perform at Atlanta’s Buckhead Theatre on April 4 and 5.

Back to top