Wherever there’s laughter you’re sure to find stand-up comic, Jim Mendrinos. Jim, a well known and gifted Celebrity-Comedian and Writer is one of the most sought after Comedy writers of his generation. He has performed and is in demand at many famed New York night spots and is a regular performer at both Caesar’s and aboard Carnival Cruise Lines.
He started writing and performing his stand-up at the age of 19, sharing the stage at the Comic Strip with future stars Chris Rock and Colin Quinn. Soon after he began touring across the country with Sam Kinison and Bill Hicks, all the while honing his comedic skills that audiences have come to love. Those skills eventually turned him into an author when Alpha Press published ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Comedy Writing’
Jim has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO and the BBC, and is also one of the most sought after Club-acts. Some hot spot appearances include: The Comic Strip, The Improv, The Laugh Factory, and Gotham Comedy Club.
As- co creator of the NYC Underground Comedy Festival, it is his love of comedy, his commitment to emerging talent and his reputation that has helped make the New York Underground festival explode onto the New York scene. His partner of the festival George Sarris agrees “This would not have been as successful had Jim not been involved, it was his participation that made all the difference”
Branded as a gifted writer, Jim has contributed jokes to touring comedianssuch as Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers. He has contributed jokes to many late night television shows including SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’S WEEKEND UPDATE featuring Colin Quinn. He was the sole writer for USA NETWORK PRESENTS: THE PROBLEM CHILD, starring Gilbert Godfrey. He also wrote the acclaimed documentary HISPANIC AMERICANS-THE NEXT GENERATION, which was hosted by Jimmy Smitts. He was the Head Writer and Associate Producer for the wildly popular syndicated series THUNDERBOX, which featured MTV alumni Ricky Ratchman and Eric Neis. He was also the Associate Producer / Writer for the internationally syndicated series HEAVYWEIGHT EXPLOSION. He was the writer for Sarah Hughes: A Life in Balance, which aired on NBC.
Jim also owns Hubris Entertainment (www.hubrisentertainment.com) a New York City Based Television and Film Production Company, specializing in stand-up comedy related projects.
When not working in TV, you can find Jim working in new media. He has developed comedy content for AOL, Network Live, Comedynet and currently is one of the producers for New Media Comedy. (www.newmediacomedy.com)
Website
jim-mendrinos.com
Influences
In order of influence: Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Freddie Prinze, Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Mort Sahl, Sam Kennison, and Bill Hicks.
TV Shows
Comedy Central / BBC / HBO / KTLA
Albums
Uninterrupted (Recorded live at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC) -- Available at jim-mendrinos.com/thestore
Jim's Interests
General
All things comedy / Sports.
Music
Too wide a spectrum to imagine. Raised on 6o's & 70's rock like the Beatles, Stones, Who, Floyd & Led Zep. Discovered the power of the Clash, Ramones, Pistols, & Buzzcocks as a teenager. I mellow out to classic soul -- absolutely nothing is as wonderful as a Sam Cooke song, but lately classic Jazz is what I listen to. Miles, Coltrane, Parker, Diz. The vocalists are wonderful as well -- Ella, Frank, Louis Prima.
If only I had an extra life to just discover more music.
Movies
The greatest movie of all time, for me, is Chaplin's "City Lights." I also love any Groucho flick, anything with Mel Brooks -- especially the origonal producers, and anything Woddy did in the 70's.
However for pure childhood joy, no film will ever impact me as much as Star Wars.
Television
Classic sitcoms, Hommicide, Dragnet & the new generation of animation, esp. Drawn Together.
Books
Too many to pick just one. However the book that started my love of books was "The Heart of Darkness" by Conrad. A wonderful tale.
Heroes
Chaplin, Groucho & the great comics of the 30's, 40's & 50's. As for people I knew, I still mourn Kinison.
Comedian, producer, writer of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Comedy Writing." Visit me at: www.jim-mendrinos.com
Get Email Updates about Jim's shows, The New York Comedy Underground Festival, and much more!
Who I'd like to meet: Comedians / TV & Film Industry / Writers / Comedy Fans - - - - - I usually have tons of comps or discounts to stand-up shows all over the country -- either ones I'm on or ones I'm producing for TV / Net broadcast -- if you want to know when and where they are, just add me as a friend, and I'll be sure to send out a notice whenever tix are available.
Jim! Thanks so much again for the show last night - you were great and so was everyone - had a blast and did very well for the cause =) Talk soon & thanks again!! Sandy
You're quite consistent in haranguing my rump. I promise I will return. With force. Or at least farce. Thanks for the well wishes. How's Lord Buckley these days?
Here's to an awesome stand up instructor! Thanks again, Jim, for all of your help. Maybe at some point after I've worked on my stuff for awhile, I'll come in for your next class. :)
