Philadelphia Comedy Icon TuRae
If you’re having a conversation about Philadelphia comedy and how big it’s become, chances are that comedian TuRae Gordon will be brought up at one time or another. By far one of the most talented and successful comedians that Philadelphia has to offer, Turae combines characteristics that are often looked over in comedy; a broad range of topics, thought-provoking subject matter, passionate delivery and story-telling, confident stage presence, and, of course, hilarious punch lines.
TuRae started his comedy career after being encouraged by his friends to start professionally telling jokes. After winning a stand-up competition at the famous Laff House comedy club, they gave him the position of “House MC” where he developed his comedic style. After that, he’s moved on to be featured on numerous comedy programs on Comedy Central, HBO, BET, Starz, WB, and NBC.
TuRae's highly successful "Soul Comedy" show, every last sunday at the Laff House comedy club
Being able to write a joke about virtually any subject, Turae has a following that’s as diverse as the Philadelphia comedy scene itself. And loyal too. Whether it be a comedy club in McDonough, Georgia, or his monthly “Soul Comedy” show in his hometown of Philadlephia, there will be a dense crowd of fans who eagerly anticipate what Turae has to say about… Well, anything.
As successful as he’s become in the U.S. and abroad, Turae remains connected to his Philly roots. It’s rare if there is a comedy event happening in the Philadelphia region that he doesn’t know about. Having the admiration and down right respect of all Philadelphia comedians, he can be credited to advising and even inspiring comedians who may seek his advice or aspire to gain his level of success.
TuRae’s comedy cannot be categorized into a single subject. If there’s a current event or popular topic of discussion, chances are that you’ll see him joke about it the next time he’s onstage. What makes him universally appealing to people of all age’s and backgrounds is his range of subject matter. Whether it be a joke about politics, the complexities of raising children, or relationships, his unique perspective makes him able to take any subject and extract the funny out of it.
It can be said that TuRae spends most of his time on a stage, whether it be a local comedy club or a theater venue. As if being a road comic hasn’t taken enough of his schedule, he throws his own comedy shows at various locations throughout the area. One of them being his highly successful “Soul Comedy” shows, one of which has recently found it’s home at the Laff House.
TuRae is constantly on tour and has many upcoming events in Philadelphia. You can keep up with him on Twitter @ComedyByTuRae or visit his website, ComedyByTuRae.com.
Please enjoy this clip of TuRae on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam
U rock TuRae! Your becoming a household name!!!! Let you tell it…you already are!!! Keep being hilarious! You’ve turned my boring evening into evenings filled with laughter and smiles for hrs. just watching your dvd’s. Thanks a bunch!
[...] you’ve read our first ever “Featured Comedian” article on comedian TuRae Gordon, you know that he is a man of many ventures. He’s not just one of Philadelphia’s comedy [...]