Last week, the New York Times called Sebastian Maniscalco βthe hottest comic in America.β
People magazine described him as a comedianβs comedian.
And in 2017, Forbes named him to its list of the worldβs highest-paid comedians after he brought in $15 million between June 2016 and June 2017.
His fans describe him in one word: Hilarious.
The 46-year-old Chicago native whose YouTube videos regularly get millions of views is bringing his βStay Hungryβ tour to Desert Diamond Casino on Friday, Aug. 30.
We found five things you should know going into Fridayβs concert:
- Heβs not really a movie star: At Fridayβs show he might recall the red carpet at last yearβs Oscars, but heβll preface it by saying heβs not really a movie star. But he did get a star turn in last yearβs Oscar-winning βGreen Book.β And heβs back next month in the highly anticipated Martin Scorsese gangster flick βThe Irishman,β starring alongside Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.
- Heβs breaking records: He released his latest comedy special, this one to Netflix, in January and the same week βStay Hungryβ was released, he performed four sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and broke the record for highest-grossing comedy event ever in North America. His $8.3 million in ticket sales and 72,960 attendance beat Dave Chappelleβs 2014 record $4.8 million after 10 shows at Radio City Music Hall.
- Heβs not just telling jokes: Maniscalco has this distinctive physicality to his comedy with exaggerated facial expressions and a constant need to bounce about stage and keep moving.
- Heβs not into politics: So you wonβt hear him ranting and raving about politics or politicians. And itβs rare youβll hear him utter a curse word, as well. But you will hear him recount tales of growing up in a strict Italian home.
- Heβs a best-selling author: Maniscalcoβs moving and funny memoir βStay Hungryβ retraces his journey from 24-year-old LA newcomer surviving on minimum wage and tips to becoming one of the countryβs top-selling comedians.
Fridayβs concert begins at 8 p.m. at Desert Diamond Entertainment Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road. Tickets are $30 to $60 through ddcaz.com