That deaf standup comedian you've been hearing about
About Tom
The Early Years
Tom was born and raised in New Jersey. He began to lose his hearing at age 8. He considered himself to be deaf at age 22, when he started to learn about the Deaf culture and began to use sign language.
The Middle Ages
Following graduation with a photography degree, Tom founded Deaf Artists of America, a national nonprofit organization, and served as editor of several publications in the deaf community.
The New Dream
In 2016, Tom launched a new career as a standup comedian. He was 58 when he made his debut, and it was his first time on stage since high school. Since then, he has appeared several times at the famous Comedy Cellar in New York City and made "Best of the Fest" in the Cleveland Comedy Festival.
Photos & Videos
Testimonials
Louis Mustillo - Actor, "Vince" in Mike & Molly
Johnny Gallegos - ASL Teacher, Selah (Wash.) High School
Johnny Gallegos - ASL Teacher, Selah (Wash.) High School
"I saw Tom perform at Carolines on Broadway and I enjoyed his set very much. He took control of the stage! The jokes were smart and his writing was great."
Johnny Gallegos - ASL Teacher, Selah (Wash.) High School
Johnny Gallegos - ASL Teacher, Selah (Wash.) High School
Johnny Gallegos - ASL Teacher, Selah (Wash.) High School
"He tailored his routine to include a cultural explanation about his experience being deaf, growing up in a hearing family, learning sign language, and barriers he has experienced as he became a comedian."
Kyle Haunhorst - Director, Cleveland Comedy Festival
Kyle Haunhorst - Director, Cleveland Comedy Festival
Kyle Haunhorst - Director, Cleveland Comedy Festival
"His timing is impeccable, and audiences hang on every word. By the time he leaves the stage, the audience no longer looks at Tom as the 'deaf' comic, they look at him as hilarious."
University of Rochester ASL Club
Kyle Haunhorst - Director, Cleveland Comedy Festival
Kyle Haunhorst - Director, Cleveland Comedy Festival
"Tom brought an exuberance to our club, and allowed students to explore a more comedic rather than scholarly side of sign language."
Contact
Tom would be happy to get on a plane, train or automobile and come out and visit with you.
He could do a standup show, he could discuss his life story, he could share his favorite soup recipes.
Send him a message and let's get this thing started!
Tom Willard Comedy
Copyright © 2021 Tom Willard Comedy - All Rights Reserved.
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