sebastian maniscalco
Graham and the crew head to the Chicago suburbs to sit down with stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco. Maniscalco reflects on his early days working at the Four Seasons before getting his big break. He delves into his comedic style and creative process, explaining how a negative mindset fuels his success. We also chat with Sebastian’s father Salvatore, whose relationship with his son inspired the film “About My Father” starring Robert De Niro. Maniscalco also opens up about his friendship with comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld.
sebastian maniscalco
CLIPS
We catch up with Sebastian and his core group of college friends at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Chicago.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco revisits old times with his dad – telling stories from his childhood and upbringing.
In a tour of his hometown, Sebastian Maniscalco opens up about his childhood, getting caught off guard by his parents’ divorce and his relationship with money.
Sebastian Maniscalco remembers trying to impress his now-wife Lana at a Chicago-area gym. Thinking she didn’t even like him, Maniscalco was nervous talking to her – but it ultimately worked out, despite a very slow start. Maniscalco discusses parenting and how waiting until his 40s to have children was ultimately beneficial.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco on the importance of taking a break and relaxing from the rigors of his schedule. Maniscalco, who says he’s taking a lesson from Chris Rock, is working to reduce his workload to foster a better quality of life. While rest is a good thing, Maniscalco admits too much relaxation has its negative effects.
Sebastian Maniscalco explains the evolution of his comedic process – changing from being the “angry” guy to the “appalled” guy. The stand-up comedian says he used to evaluate the audience’s laughter – and won’t even take a sip of water during his bit so as to not interrupt humor.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco remembers having lofty expectations when he moved to Los Angeles – only to live paycheck to paycheck. While working as a waiter at the Four Seasons, Maniscalco would use his 30-minute breaks to perform a set at a nearby comedy club. He ultimately left the job to sell satellite dishes at a mall – only to fall into debt.
Sebastian Maniscalco details the “slow build” of gaining notoriety in the stand-up scene. Maniscalco remembers some early-career stumbles that taught him hard lessons and ultimately helped him become successful – most importantly to remove distractions and make sure he’s taking care of himself.
Sebastian Maniscalco details his relationship with his “very honest” parents – even telling them many years ago to lay off the constructive feedback. Maniscalco said his parents were always worried about him because he didn’t have a direction or path. He says his relationships with his parents has made him think about how to be the best possible parent to his children.
Sebastian Maniscalco remembers how, from a very young age, he knew he wanted to be a comedian. The Chicago native details how he chose to watch actors/comedians on TV as a kid – and as he grew up always prioritized performing in front of crowds. The Northern Illinois alum wanted to quit school to pursue standup – but ultimately graduated. However, Maniscalco took advantage of comedic opportunities along the way.
Stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, a self-proclaimed hypochondriac, details his health and wellness routine – saying he looked in the mirror seven years ago when his daughter was born and realized he needed to do everything he could to see her get married and meet his grandchildren. Maniscalco also details how his diet has changed as he’s taken an interest in cooking.
Sebastian Maniscalco details his friendship with Jerry Seinfeld, from someone he looked up to as an up-and-coming comedian to someone he now runs material and ideas by. Maniscalco says it was an honor to have Seinfeld as a guest at his record Madison Square Garden shows. Seinfeld also emails Graham high praise for Maniscalco.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco offers an inside look into his mindset and drive to succeed, revealing that he often thrives on negativity. He explains that the feeling of being on the brink of failure motivates him to keep pushing forward. Despite his success, Maniscalco admits he struggles to fully enjoy the fruits of his labor. Sebastian expresses a desire to worry less about the future and focus more on living in the moment.
Sebastian Maniscalco on the learning process of scaling his comedic business.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco answers rapid fire questions!
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco on acting alongside Robert De Niro in “About My Father” and how the experience wasn’t even fun for him.
