HONOLULU — With a list of accomplishments under her belt — actress; dancer; former Oakland Raiders cheerleader; author (recently added); and foremost, stand-up comedian — Anjelah Johnson-Reyes will perform three shows on Oahu and Maui this week.

What You Need To Know

  • Comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes performs two shows on Oahu at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 21, and on Maui at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 7 p.m. Oct. 22

  • Tickets are available for all shows via her website

  • “Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams,” is available via Amazon

Johnson-Reyes performs two back-to-back shows on Oahu at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 21, and then she’s headed to Maui to perform at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Tickets are available via her website.

The comedian’s “Nail Salon” sketch on YouTube racked up over 100 million views, making Johnson-Reyes a YouTube sensation even before there was such a thing, and putting her on the radar for fame. A spot on MADtv followed soon after and it was where Johnson-Reyes trademarked her character, Bon Qui Qui, a filter-less and fed up fast-food employee.

Bon Qui Qui led to other opportunities as well — recording and releasing three songs, two music videos, a full album titled “Gold Plated Dreams,” two U.S. tours, a partnership with Benefit Cosmetics for a third music video, and a hilarious Christmas EP, “Merry Hoodmas.” Since then, Johnson-Reyes has starred in four comedy specials for NUVO TV, Netflix and Epix, and acted in TV and film.

Johnson-Reyes book, "Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams," 10 years in the making, came out in March 2022. (Photo courtesy of Robyn Von Swank, published by Worthy Books)
Johnson-Reyes book, "Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams," 10 years in the making, came out in March 2022. (Photo courtesy of Robyn Von Swank, published by Worthy Books)

 

In March 2022, Johnson-Reyes added “author” to the list of accomplishments after writing her memoir, “Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams,” published by Worthy Books. In it, the author recounts humorous stories and eye-opening experiences from her life journey while exploring subjects such as navigating one’s racial identity, how her faith has evolved, chasing dreams, searching for belonging and meaning, and finding one’s place in the world. She encourages readers to dream — and have the audacity to dream big.

In an interview with “Corpus Christi Caller Times,” Johnson-Reyes said stories that were too long to make it into her comedy routine were collected in a document for about 10 years before she sat down to write her book. The title, “Who Do I Think I Am,” came from inner self-doubt and insecurities, but writing and sharing her journey led to self-identity and was very therapeutic.

Johnson-Reyes is currently on her “Who Do I Think I Am” comedy tour with stops in over 60 cities across the U.S. Spectrum News was able to grab some time with the comedian via an email Q&A. Here’s what she has to share:

Your bio mentioned growing up in suburban San Jose “caught between two worlds.” How has that childhood growth experience formed your outlook on life and career?

It’s my foundation — my culture, with my friends, my family, my childhood, my trauma, my memories — it all made me who I am today.

Were you funny as a child? Who does it come from, mom or dad?

My whole family is funny, and we get it mainly from my dad’s side. My grandpa is hilarious, my dad is hilarious, and I’m actually not even the funniest one in my family. I would say my brother, Kennie, is the funniest one by far! I am just the one who makes a living out of it. 

Were your parents supportive of you becoming a comedian? Did it come naturally for you to perform in front of people?

I don’t want to say that they weren’t supportive when I first started. I will say that they were just concerned parents that wanted the best for me. Stand-up definitely came naturally to me, though. If it didn’t, I don’t know that I would have kept doing it.

Your characters, My Linh and Bon Qui Qui, were featured in MADtv. Were those two characters the ones that catapulted you to the next level?

Those videos on YouTube going viral definitely popped off my career in a way that I never would’ve imagined! I’m very grateful for both of those characters.

From dancer to comedian to actress to author, you’ve accomplished a lot in four decades. Is this motivation to keep moving forward, challenging yourself, innate? Or is there someone who truly inspired you to pursue your dreams?

Good question. I think it might be innate. I have a lot of strong women in my family and I think it just runs in our blood to work hard.

What was the biggest roadblock to pursuing your path forward?

I guess my own insecurities and self-doubt. A lot of times we can be our own toughest critic. And if we’re not listening to the negative voices online or the negative voices in our head, then we may have a chance of going far in life as we chase our dreams!

How has your faith played a role in your path?

My faith has always been a part of my foundation and anchor as I walk out this journey.

After all the experiences you’ve been through, have you found your meaning in life?

I think my meaning or purpose in life is to bring joy and love to people. Whether that be through my comedy or through showing someone that I accept them just as they are.

What’s one thing you want to do that you haven’t done yet?

Star in a multi-cam sitcom!

Do you have advice for the younger generation pursuing their dreams?

Do you, and do you well! There is only one you in the world, so show up for yourself to the best of your ability!

Lightning round

(Which do you prefer doing) Comedian, actress, dancer or author?

That’s tough! When I’m acting, it’s acting, when I’m doing stand-up, it’s stand-up, lol.

Favorite food?

Mexican food! Crunchy tacos, rice and beans, chili verde, chips and salsa, nachos! 

Favorite place you’ve been and want to return to?

Australia! 

Favorite movie?

"The Wizard of Oz"

Favorite type of music?

90s R&B

Road tripping or flying?

Depends. I love a tour bus!

Mountains or beach?

Oooooh. I love both. I grew up going camping, so there’s something about the big redwood trees that I love, but there’s also something so calm and peaceful about the ocean. 

Oahu or Maui?

Oahu, because I have family and friends here!

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.