Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ernie Vicente, a Toronto-based comedian whose journey from shy student to seasoned performer is as inspiring as it is hilarious. Our conversation covered everything from his first brush with comedy to the evolution of his craft, and his latest projects that blend stand-up with music.
Ernie’s path to comedy wasn’t a straight line. He started out in accounting, but a college presentation—where he turned a marketing assignment into a comedy routine—sparked something new. Encouraged by classmates who compared him to Russell Peters (whom he hadn’t even heard of at the time), Ernie realized he might be in the wrong field. After a few lackluster job interviews, he knew accounting wasn’t for him.
His first real taste of performing came at a friend’s wedding, where a spoof video he made brought down the house. That feeling of making people laugh was addictive, and soon after, Ernie was trying his luck at open mics, despite an initial rejection from a major comedy competition.
Ernie’s first years in comedy were slow—just a handful of shows each year. He recounted the nerves of his debut at Yuk Yuks, supported by friends who were as anxious as he was. His first joke? A clever play on the comic who performed before him, which got a big laugh and set the tone for his career.
Over time, Ernie’s style evolved. He experimented with one-liners to fit short sets, then returned to storytelling as he landed longer gigs. He spoke candidly about the ongoing process of finding his comedic voice and the influence of other comics—some high-energy, some more subdued—on his own delivery.
As Ernie gained confidence, he started performing more frequently, building connections in the comedy scene and even meeting Russell Peters at a sold-out Air Canada Centre show. He shared the surreal experience of being flown to Yukon for a gig, a moment that made him reflect on how far he’d come: “Someone flew me and paid for everything just for these jokes. That’s when I had that moment. This is the best job in the world.”
Looking ahead, Ernie is teaming up with Big Norm for a new project—“Pinoys to Men”—a series of comedy-music shows touring cities across Canada. The first show kicks off March 7 at a Filipino restaurant in Richmond, with more dates in Vancouver and Montreal. It’s a fresh blend of stand-up and music, showcasing the versatility and creativity that have defined Ernie’s career.
No comedian’s journey is without its awkward gigs. Ernie shared stories of performing at retirement parties where no one was paying attention, and the challenge of winning over a distracted crowd. But whether it’s a packed club or a tough room, Ernie’s resilience and love for comedy shine through.
If you missed Ernie at the Corner Comedy Club over Valentine’s Day weekend, be sure to catch him at one of his upcoming shows. For more updates, follow him on Instagram at @ernievicente.
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