"During that time, he hit a lot of traditional milestones for a comedian. He performed multiple sets for Comedy Central, released a Don't Tell Comedy set that racked up millions of views, and starred in an hour-long special, , on the streaming platform Veeps. While all of this helped him gain respect in the comedy community, none of it moved the needle in terms of mainstream recognition. From 2015 to 2023, he pursued this dream while living out of his van."
"Circumstances changed when Funny AF premiered on April 20. The show, in which 44 comedians from all over the country audition to win the approval of judges like Hart, Kumail Nanjiani, Tom Segura, Chelsea Handler, Keegan-Michael Key, and Chelsea Handler, has managed to eventize stand-up in a way that comedy drops these days rarely do, and at each stage of the competition, Taylor has won new fans."
"The comic sailed through to the semifinals and finals, which aired live on Netflix May 4 and 5 as part of the Netflix Is a Joke festival. Along the way, he demonstrated his affable onstage persona, ability to get laughs while discussing dicey subject matter, and even heretofore unknown roasting skills targeting special guest Marshawn Lynch. After a public vote, Taylor was crowned the show's first-ever winner."
"As a reward, Taylor will get to tape an hour-long Netflix special. But the newfound exposure and opportunity to get the stage time he needs to work on his craft, he says, will be just as valuable a prize. "When I make the most of this opportunity, then I'll say it's completely vindicating of all the sacrifices," he says. "All of the work is just starting now.""
Ron Taylor pursued stand-up for 15 years, performing sets for Comedy Central, releasing a Don't Tell Comedy set with millions of views, and starring in an hour-long Veeps special. Despite industry respect, mainstream recognition did not increase. From 2015 to 2023, he lived out of his van while continuing to chase the opportunity. His breakthrough came when Funny AF premiered on April 20, featuring 44 comedians auditioning for judges including Kevin Hart, Kumail Nanjiani, Tom Segura, Chelsea Handler, and Keegan-Michael Key. Taylor advanced through semifinals and finals aired live on Netflix May 4 and 5, winning public support and demonstrating an affable persona, handling sensitive topics, and roasting Marshawn Lynch. He was crowned the show’s first-ever winner and will tape an hour-long Netflix special, viewing the stage time as the most valuable reward.
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