Meet Tom Clark | Comedian/Actor/Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Obviously deciding to pursue stand up comedy full time and moving to Los Angeles was a big risk. I remember I was just about to turn 30 and I was really wrestling with the decision. I remember I was about to turn 30 and I thought to myself if I don’t pursue comedy I’ll always wonder what if and I didn’t want to have any regrets.

Also around this time my employer found out I was doing stand up comedy and he gave me an ultimatum and said “At some point you’re going to have to decide if you want to work with us or do comedy.” That gave me the extra push I needed and I never looked back.

Currently, I’ve noticed I’m taking more risks as far as social media. I used to say to myself, “I’m not good at self promotion.” I realize now that no one’s good at anything right away. If I don’ try to embrace this new medium I’m going to be stuck where I am, so I’ve been more active on Instagram and yes even Tik Tok — you can find me @tomclarkcomedy

I also notice it in the way I audition for acting jobs. I used to think what is the casting director looking for and am I the right fit. Now I try to approach it as they chose me to audition for a reason–they like what I do–so do that. Be who you are and take a chance or two and even if you don’t get the part, you won’t have any regrets.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart is I’ve been doing improv and stand up for almost the same amount of time (25 years stand up/22 years improv), so nothing really throws me and I embrace those weird and awkward moments on stage.

I’m proud of the fact I’ve been able to pursue all the things I love. I don’t limit myself to just stand up. I love acting and auditioning. I teach stand up and improv. I perform improv with my friends. I think each of these things help me creatively and it keeps comedy from getting stale. Some people have a singular focus on just one of those things and I think it can help you be successful, but I’m not sure it helps you be happier.

The thing I’ve learned along the way is that you have to really enjoy the journey–which I know sounds cliche–but it’s true. About 15 years into comedy I had accomplished a lot, but I realized I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t even happy about achieving the goals I set for myself. I realize now achieving your goals isn’t going to change anything because that’s just a moment, the times you’re doing your job–those are the times you really need to appreciate.

As far as my story, I would tell people to never give up–another cliche I know–but again true. I was a very quiet kid in high school, didn’t feel like I fit in. Even in college I felt the same. It wasn’t until I volunteered in Ciudad Juarez and started working with kids in gangs that I realized I had a lot of untapped potential. I just had to put myself out there and take a chance. The mind is a very powerful tool and if you set your mind to it, anything is possible…results may vary. If you’re looking to be famous in comedy, you’re going to be miserable–I’ve seen it–but if you get into comedy because you enjoy making people laugh that’s going to take you much further.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a lot of credit to my wife, who has a much different perspective on comedy than I do. I’m old school where you submit to bookers and then wait and see if they get back to you. But she actively pursues other venues beyond comedy clubs. The two of us offer something different in our comedy show because when we work together we get to play off each other. This has really revitalized my career and I think I thrive in these other venues because there’s no expectations of what the show should be. It allows me to be more playful and take more risks on stage. Those audiences are more open to that.

Website: www.tomclark.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomclarkcomedy

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tomclarkcomedy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tomclarkfanpage

Youtube: www.youtube.com/tomclarkcomedy