Meet Chase Cella, an up-and-coming stand-up comedian making waves with his unique style, genuine humor, and knack for turning everyday moments into unforgettable punchlines. Inspired by a love for comedy and a few chance encounters, Chase has carved out a path that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. We caught up with him to discuss his journey into comedy, the challenges of performing in today’s “cancel culture” climate, and his hopes for the future.
How It All Began
Chase's journey into comedy started in an unlikely place: working on a food truck while attending college. Flipping burgers and listening to the “You Made It Weird” podcast by Pete Holmes, he found inspiration in John Mulaney's story about joining his college’s improv team. That spark led him to join West Chester University’s improv team, “Deep Dish Pizzazz,” where he discovered his knack for making people laugh. During one memorable improv show, he played a game where he had to improvise a “PowerPoint” presentation, hilariously interpreting the poses of his teammates. The crowd’s laughter fueled his desire to try stand-up, and he hasn't looked back since.
Proud Career Moments
Chase has already had some surreal moments in his budding career, but one of his proudest is performing with the eccentric comedian Eric Andre at The Fillmore in Philadelphia. During a live version of The Eric Andre Show, Chase was invited onstage and found himself part of an unpredictable whirlwind of antics, from FaceTiming his ex to beg for her back, to shoving his face in chocolate pudding only to say he was now in “black face”. "It was a lot of fun. We blended McDonalds and poured it on the front row. It was chaotic, hilarious, and absolutely unforgettable"—a perfect fit for Chase's comedic style.
Inspirations and Finding His Voice
In a field where originality is paramount, Chase draws on his own life stories, using his unique experiences as a foundation for his act. His inspirations include comedy legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Pryor, and Adam Sandler, as well as modern talents such as Marc Maron, Patton Oswalt, and John Mulaney. “Originality is everything,” Chase says, emphasizing the importance of writing material that’s true to oneself. He uses personal stories, like the time he and his mom scammed Ross Dress for Less, his dad’s memorable advice about not putting his dick in a blender, and my misguided attempt to court my second-grade teacher by wearing a suit every day (she was not interested), to create comedy that feels both authentic and relatable.
Advice for Aspiring Comedians
Chase’s advice for newcomers is simple but crucial: there are no shortcuts. Comedy is a craft that requires hard work, dedication, and a lot of practice. While social media can help comics build a following, Chase emphasizes that 30 seconds on TikTok is vastly different from performing a full set in a comedy club. For him, the true test is making people laugh in person. He also stresses the importance of respect within the comedy community: always tip the waitstaff, respect the stage, and be patient. Most importantly, he reminds aspiring comedians not to fear failure—every misstep is a step towards growth.
Navigating Cancel Culture
In today’s era of “cancel culture,” Chase acknowledges the complexities that comedians face. He views it as a nuanced topic, explaining that while free speech is essential, actions often carry more weight than words. In his view, comedians who have been “canceled” due to actual misconduct are being held accountable for their actions, while those who face backlash for their jokes often find their careers flourishing regardless. Chase believes that a poorly received joke doesn’t make someone a bad person; it just means the joke didn’t land. To him, comedy is about pushing boundaries, but it’s also about reading the room and knowing that, at the end of the day, jokes said on stage should be taken in context.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Chase envisions himself touring the country as a feature act for established comedians, bouncing from one comedy club to another and indulging in all the fried food America has to offer. It’s a dream rooted in his love for the craft and his desire to connect with audiences across the nation.
Comedy Icons
When it comes to his comedy idols, Chase has a “Mount Rushmore” of stand-up legends: Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, Pete Holmes, and Marc Maron. He admires Seinfeld for perfecting observational comedy, Mulaney and Holmes for continuing that legacy, and Maron for his ability to balance darkness with humor in a way that feels raw and real.
Connect with Chase
You can keep up with Chase Cella’s comedy journey on Instagram, where he shares updates on his shows, musings on comedy, and glimpses into his life as a stand-up comedian. Whether he’s sharing stories from his past or tackling hot-button issues with wit and insight, Chase is a fresh voice in comedy, ready to leave his mark on the stage.