Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly “Dr. Holly” Sawyer.
Holly “Dr. Holly”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a therapist turned comedian. Although I don’t practice therapy as much any more, I still contribute to the field through research, guiding younger professionals and public speaking. I started doing comedy three years ago as a hobby around the time the pandemic was dying down and things were fully opening up again. I have been able to travel throughout the country doing stand-up, sketch comedy and improv. It has become one of the best outlets to being a kid again. Today, I continue to grow through writing, taking all types of classes pertaining to comedy and writing as well as being around some of the best comedians I know who are also killing the comedy scene that not a lot of people know about.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha, smooth road? What is that? No, it has not been smooth. But, I am grateful for what I have been blessed to receive through all of my opportunities. Like most fields, comedy is no different in that it is a predominate White, male centered profession. Then, Black men, White women and from there, Black and Brown women have to fight their way through. This has been my experience and when I talk to other Black and Brown women, it is pretty much the same for them. I find that women are more helpful than men in this space. Either way, I persist as I would do in any other profession where Black women are overlooked. In general, women are not believed or seemed to be funny or funnier than men so we are often overlooked. What anyone considers “funny” is so subjective. There’s enough space for everyone. There’s enough comedy to go around. There’s an audience for all types of funny. You don’t need a dick to be funny, unfortunately many men in comedy act like dicks though.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Dr. Holly is a dynamic Philly-based comedian who brings her sharp wit and unapologetic humor to the stage. Known for her smart and sassy take on life, she tackles everything from hot-button social issues to the unique experiences of being a Black hockey mom. With a fearless approach to comedy, Dr. Holly captivates audiences with her politically incorrect yet thought-provoking material.
Her impressive resume includes performances at the prestigious New York Comedy Fest and Don’t Tell Comedy in Minneapolis and New Orleans. She has also hosted and showcased her talents at the San Francisco Sketch Fest, as well as opening for the talented T. Murph at the Detroit House of Comedy. Dr. Holly’s ability to blend humor with real-life experiences makes her a standout in the comedy scene, leaving audiences both laughing and reflecting long after the show ends.
I am also an award-winning screenwriter and actress. I trained extensively at Comedy Cellar, Peoples Improv Theater New York, Comedy Sports Philadelphia, Helium Comedy Academy, and Philadelphia Comedy College. I enjoy vodka, chicken wing flats, traveling and naps.
What I am most proud of is the ability to do stand-up at this big age. It has been going well for me and I am very grateful to have been able to play and act with other comedians and make people laugh all over the country.
What sets me apart from others is that I get shit done. I persist no matter what.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drhollysfunny.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhollysfunny/
