We had the good fortune of connecting with Hennessy Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hennessy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks are a necessary step in the evaluation of your commitment to something. Often times we begin a journey with the thought of risks as it relates to failures, we overlook its use as a measure of our investment. Standup comedy is by its very nature a risky endeavor. What if your joke falls flat? What if you alienate your audience. What if those cocktails you pounded before getting on stage catch up with you? All risks we take and must continue to take every day.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My most proud accomplishment to date is the Hennessy Williams Experience. A live performance I created with musical accompaniment and original songs. We launched the show at the Miami Improv and it’s been a growing success ever since. My other proud accomplishment is the launching of a weekly show “Live From The Crib” featuring my cohost, Phil Isme. The show features fan favorite segments, topics and an active comment section that has grown and drawn in thousands of watchers.

I believe what sets me apart from everyone is the fact that they are not me. They are not the last child of Haitian immigrants. They also aren’t classically trained singers whose won 1st place as a solo male vocalist. They also didn’t take themselves on a journey of self discovery and lose 128 pounds. I can go on and on about what makes me different from others, but the truth is I just want to show people throw my world view what makes us all the same.

Comedy is not easy when it’s purposeful. Never has been, never will be. If you can capture real life and the dynamics that make it vibrant, then you have a key ingredient for “easy comedy”.

Lessons learned? Always ask yourself “what do I want my show to look like?” Comedians are expected to eventually carry an entire show themselves. A lot of times we get so bogged down in the minutiae of writing jokes, we forget we still have to provide a viewing experience to those that pay to see a show.

I want the world to know that I am Hennessy Williams and my story is their story too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first we’re hitting a gym. The amount of food and drinks we’re about to consume requires us to take advanced steps in preparation.

After the morning workout, we would head to a brunch spot, maybe Blue Moon in Fort Lauderdale. We’d have eggs and mimosas. Once that’s over we’d head to a cultural center or a museum to learn about something or another. Then we’d head over to Chima. A Brazilian steakhouse serving goucho style flame cooked meats and unlimited sides. By the time the evening comes we can head to a comedy show at the improv with we’d catch one of my performances. We would end the evening with a nightcap at a local bar where the drinks are served by an actual mixologist.

Now for day 2!

Just kidding. We’d do that everyday until one of us left this mortal plane.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I am legally obligated to shout out my family. Their tepid, yet enduring support has helped me forge a path in entertainment that I only dream. Haitian parents have a way of doing that. Secondly, I have to thank my closest group of friends. We call ourselves the Thundercats (TM). These guys have been fervent supporters of my comedic aspirations since my youth, and have led the charge up to this point. Finally, I’d like to thank Darlene Kamperveen. She’s been a beautiful, kind, invaluable partner, a friend, and business associate during our time together. Her support has often given me shelter in the storms of uncertainty. Lastly, I’d like to give credit to every fan and friend I’ve made in comedy. Without every single one of them, I wouldn’t be where I am.

Website: Hennessywilliams.com

Instagram: Hennessywills

Twitter: Hennessywills3

Facebook: HennessyA.williams

Youtube: Hennessy Williams

Other: Tiktok: Hennessywills

Image Credits
Darlene Kamperveen Mikey Cavo

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