The Jamaican Crown Jewel of Comedy: Dale Elliott Jr.
Dale Elliott Jr. has come a long way from his early days as a content creator on platforms like Vine. While many content creators struggled to maintain their success after the platform’s closure in 2016, Dale was one of the few who managed to pivot successfully. He didn’t stop at just transitioning to platforms like Instagram, Youtube, Podcasts app to share with the world his comedic sketches and inspiring interviews; instead, he’s now taking a bold step into the world of stand-up comedy. Today, this Jamaican sensation is making audiences laugh for not 6 seconds but over 60 minutes during his very first comedy tour, proving that he’s all about creating his own opportunities.
After gaining popularity on Instagram where he’s generated about 20 million views monthly, Elliott made his mark in the entertainment industry by starring in the 2018 film “Sprinter,” which was produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. The movie achieved significant acclaim at the 2018 American Black Film Festival, earning recognition in multiple categories. It’s widely recognized that not every comedian possesses the versatility to elicit the same level of laughter from their Instagram skits or TV/Film roles as they can from their stand-up performances. Stand-up legends like Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, and Marlon Wayans are celebrated for their ability to excel in both the television domain and standup. Now, Dale Elliott Jr. is embarking on his first United States comedy tour, titled ‘The Problem Child: Bad Pickney Tour’ to share his versatility.
A common misconception is that Elliott’s comedy is exclusively tailored for a Jamaican audience. However, the reality is quite the opposite — his humor resonates with a wide spectrum of people outside of the Caribbean diaspora. This includes not only Jamaicans but also immigrants, islanders, his long-time followers from social media, millennials, Gen-Z, as well as individuals of various ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the accessibility of his comedy through social media platforms, his elaborate skits of mimicking the culture that raised him and acting or sounding like those key individuals who had a hand in molding his character today extend far beyond the confines of the United States. For those who may still be uncertain about whether Dale’s comedic style would suit their tastes, rest assured, it would.
My first encounter with Dale’s artistry was at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in South Florida, where he launched what would be his biggest show (1,000 attendees) on the ‘Problem Child: Bad Pickney Tour’. Despite my Haitian background, I found myself captivated by every joke he delivered in Jamaican Patois. What truly fascinated me, however, was Dale’s skill in seamlessly transitioning the vibe from side-splitting laughter that left our stomachs sore for minutes to commanding our undivided attention when he shared personal stories about his uncle’s passing, his upbringing by both of his dear grandmothers or the values instilled by his father. And before you know it, Dale masterfully guided us back to how his Jamaican parents gamble and play Dominoes and the comedic relief we came for– a much-needed escape that we all yearn for in this life.
A skilled comedian or artist possesses the ability to strike the pendulum perfectly with their audience and Elliott executed that skill. Topics like family ties and complex upbringings are a universal language that resonates with people from all walks of life thus deepening the connection with a diverse audience. As his show came to an end, Elliott expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the audience and shared words of inspiration. The humbled yet confident comedian emphasized that “…in life, you can achieve anything you set your mind to as long as you believe in it and keep working hard…”. At that moment, his words carried a profound sense of authenticity rather than coming across as cliché. Today, Dale Elliott Jr. stands as a household name, and his enduring presence in the comedy scene is a testament to the truth of his words. He has already demonstrated the staying power of his talent. After attending one of his shows, you’ll undoubtedly conclude that he too belongs among the ranks of comedy greats.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the man of the hour through a brief interview:
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have a few things, such as school, being able to support my family, and the movie ‘Sprinter’ that I was in. What I really want to accomplish is ahead of me. At this point, I am more focused. I am happy with what I have done thus far, but I look forward to doing more.
Describe yourself in five words.
Smart, handsome, charismatic, disciplined, and consistent with a little sprinkle of arrogance.
What would the title of your autobiography be called?
Dale Elliott-The man who created his own opportunities.
Who is your favorite comedian? Past or present?
I have a top three- Eddy Griffin, Katt Williams, and Kevin Hart.
The best thing about being a performer?
The best thing about being a performer in acting is that I can be a whole different person and see how people react. If they are feeling bad, how I made them feel throughout the day, I can change their moods.
I also like performing on the stage for stand-up comedy. I can share all my tragic or happy experiences and still get to laugh about and feel good about them while realizing that other people go through the same things as me.
If you cameo on any show, what would it be?
The BMF Series.
What are your production essentials when creating your social media content and skits?
My essentials are a good working iPhone and sometimes a tripod and microphone.
What does a typical day in the life of Dale Elliott look like?
A typical day includes waking up early, drinking tea, practicing breathing exercises, and watching sports(Undisputed and First Take). I go to the gym by midday, take my protein shakes, and eat some fruit.
Then, I think about an idea I want to make for a skit. After I make it, I might play some video games, take a bike to Santa Monica on my bike, and then head back to the gym to stretch and do some pull-up exercises. That is my day 80% of the time.
What’s been the craziest skit you have done so far?
I did one when I was really young, jumping off a wall and acting like I was Spartacus. I did a lot of running and jumping in that one.
What has been the most challenging part of building your career?
The most challenging aspect of building my career is people…Working with people. And when I say that, I mean just figuring out people’s personalities and true intentions and realizing that it is more of what is done than what is said. Maturity plays a significant role as well. The more you grow in your career, the more you realize what you like and don’t like and what you are willing to do and not do. Definitely work with people, understand them, and act accordingly.
Do you have any rituals to beat a creative block?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, I leave my house and try to find something else to inspire me.
If you had to curate a playlist of your life, what songs or artists would you find there?
Art of Days-Julian Marley, Intro-J-Cole, A whole of Chronixx songs. I am an old soul, so Sam Cook, Alton Ellis, and Freddy McGregor.
