Houston-born comedian Jeff Shelley describes his mother as a superhero, and for good reason.
“[When I was a child], our house caught fire, and my mom saw I wasn’t out of the house, so she came back in and saw me under the bed,” Shelley recalled. “I could have been gone.”
Shelley not only survived, but he’s grown up to thrive as one of the country’s hottest rising comics—one with a special place in his heart for mothers.
Mother’s Day giveaway
That’s why Shelley is sponsoring a Mother’s Day giveaway before his upcoming May 18 show in his hometown, headlining at The House of Blues’ Punch Line (1204 Caroline St., Houston, 77002).
Shelley, known not only as a top comedian but also as an “amazing father and community leader,” has teamed up with Girl Boss Suites and Inner and Outer Glow LLC to give two lucky mothers a chance to win a complimentary hairstyle, complimentary makeup session and two tickets each to see Shelley in action.
I love my mama. Like, I hold my mama up high because she birthed me twice… I look at my mama like a superhero.
Jeff Shelley
“I understand what mothers go through. I’m a father, so I see it. It’s a different type of struggle when it comes to mothers,” said Shelley. “A mother, when she’s got kids, she is limited. So, I understand on a different level.
“So, I want to do that [Mother’s Day giveaway], that special thing for the mothers to come out and laugh, and get their mind off their life and enjoy themselves.”
Online blowup
Though Shelley “blew up” online with YouTube and Instagram videos bringing him and his comedy to the public’s consciousness, he began his journey doing on-stage stand-up while working various 9-to-5s.
“I worked every type of job you can imagine. I drove a truck. I worked at the hospital, fast food restaurants,” said Shelley. “I was a secret shopper one time. I call it secret shopper, but I was loss prevention. I used to act like I was shopping, but it didn’t work out because I was the one who was stealing. But that’s neither here nor there.
“But my last job was at Dr. Pepper. I got fired from Dr. Pepper for being late. I was late every day and I stayed five minutes away. But I always knew I wasn’t going to work for anybody. But like two weeks before I got fired, my homeboy told me, ‘Man, this social media comedy is on the rise.’”
And Shelley’s profile has risen with it. His comedy clips are some of the most watched on YouTube and even more so on Instagram.
Bayou City proud
But no matter how high Shelley’s star rises, this Madison High School alum loves him some H-Town.
“Houston is the best city, man. We’ve got the best food. We’ve got the best people. Sometimes we’ve got the best drivers. Sometimes. It depends on what time,” Shelley joked. “If it’s five o’clock or 12 o’clock, we probably don’t have the best drivers. But man, we’re in the best city. The weather is great. It’s just a home feeling in Houston. Everybody loves coming to Houston.”
And Shelley is looking forward to his May 18 show, hosted by Lil’ Daryl, because of the mother connection.
“[The May 18 show] is special to me because I love my mama. I hold my mama up high because she birthed me twice,” said Shelley. “She birthed me twice. She gave birth to me, and the second time, she saved me from that house that caught on fire.”
Here’s what people are saying about Jeff Shelley
Audience Reactions:
- “He’s hilarious! I was laughing the entire time.”
- “So relatable. He just gets everyday life.”
- “His quick wit is amazing to watch live.”
- “The [specific skit or parody] video he did was spot on!”
- “Definitely a must-see comedian.”
“Lil Legs Matter” Youth Initiative:
- “It’s great to see a comedian using his platform to inspire young people.”
- “His message of self-acceptance is so important.”
About online content:
- “I can’t stop watching his TikToks, they’re so funny.”
- “He turns the most ordinary situations into comedy gold.”
