The inside scoop with comedian, actress, recording artist, homemade salsa connoisseur and author, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes.
One of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians touring today, selling out theatres across the globe – Anjelah’s shows are known to be “filled with non-stop laughter”, as put by Time Out Chicago. Between lols, Mrs Johnson-Reyes has graced the big screen with films such as Enough Said, Our Family Wedding and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel – all while finding the time to casually release an album as her alter ego Bon Qui Qui, with Warner Music.
If you’re thinking that all those years of colourful experiences would come with a story or two to tell, you’d be right! Cue Anjelah’s new book: Who do I think I am? Stories of chola wishes and caviar dreams. Now, as soon as I started reading Anjelah’s hilarious and heartfelt memoir, I honestly couldn’t put it down. But don’t just take my word for it, if you’re going to believe anyone – Amy Schumer’s your best bet!
“Anjelah is one of the greatest voices of our time. This book is what we all need.” Amy Schumer
I had the chance to chat with Anjelah about her debut literary masterpiece, and step inside her multifaceted, comedic mastermind. Here’s what she shared.
Ten years in the making
I’ve had a document on my computer for ten years that I’ve been adding stories to that I would want to share in a book one day. It was always someday I will write a book.Then 2020 happened, and I decided it was time to start my book.
Stand up VS authoring
I’ve been sharing stories of my life in my stand-up comedy for years, so I would say the main difference is that in my book, I get to share all the details. When I’m on stage, I have to cut out a lot of the nuance to get to my punchline quicker.
Chapter 4 – Have you in fact ever punched a ho?
Only when I was a teenager. I like to think that I’ve left my ho-punching days in the past. But, if anybody comes for me or anyone I love, I may have to bring the old chola back out.
Casually performing for Oprah (haven’t we all?)
I met Oprah the day after I performed on her Oprah‘s Girls Getaway Cruise. I have to say that the moment when she started reciting my jokes back to me, was very cool! Because that showed that she was really paying attention, and she really enjoyed my set. I also do a joke about my Road Manager, who happened to be with me that day. When she realised that the woman standing next to me was the woman that I talk about in my set, she got so excited and I just thought that was hilarious and so fun for us both.
On playing ping pong at Prince’s pad (again… haven’t we all?)
It’s all kind of a blur, but I do remember the one thing that I noticed is that I for sure did not belong there lol. At least not yet.
No.1 go-to Spanglish phrase
“Mira” – I say it even when it doesn’t apply to whatever I’m talking about.
The Dirty Dancing downlow
My funniest moment was definitely the one where Tyler tricked me into believing he was doing a serious emotional warm-up in the lake, but really he was just peeing. Also, I don’t actually think he peed. I think it was for the joke, I hope. I also thought it was so cool that I got to dance with a Backstreet boy! Howie Dorough was such a sweetheart.
Anjelah’s magic morning routine
Yoga stretches
Prayer and meditation
Energy medicine routine
Journaling (if I wake up in time!)
Tea or coffee
Do you and do you well
One of the chapters in my book is called, ‘Do you and do you well’. It’s the advice I give to anyone pursuing a dream. Basically, what I’m saying is that you are the only you – you are unique. There may be people who look like you or sound like you, but there is only one you. So, show up for yourself and be the best version of yourself.
The motivation behind ‘Who do I think I am?’
I want my book to bring people joy, and allow people to feel seen and heard in their own life stories.
I would love it if my story was the key that unlocked something in the reader’s life, to allow them to believe in themselves, dream big, and go for it!
What’s next?
I just launched my 60-city tour in the US, where I will be performing my new hour of stand-up comedy and promoting my book. I hope to eventually come back to Australia with this new hour as well!
Anj’s Fast 9
Car jam: depends on my mood. It could be anything from 90s R&B to today’s hits to a HLN murder mysteries.
Coffee order: on a hot day I will take an iced latte with coconut milk. On a cold day I’ll take a cappuccino.
Body rolls VS running man: I’m gonna have to go with the body roll on this one.
Last thing that made you laugh? Probably a meme on Instagram. I spend way too much time on Instagram lol.
Signature dish : Tacos!
Karaoke banger: 4 Non Blondes ‘What’s Up’.
Hoops VS studs: hoops, always.
Currently reading: besides my own book, Universal Christ by Richard Rohr.
Affirmation of the day: I am right where I’m supposed to be.
