How did the comedian known as Papa Jean get his stage name? You don’t have to guess too hard. “My stage name comes from two places,” the comedian explains. “My name is the most popular French and Haitian name ever—Jean.” And the Papa? It’s a tribute to the father who raised him, and as a native-born Brooklynite, he is an admirer of legendary rapper Biggie Smalls, also known as Big Poppa.

In his videos, Papa Jean plays countless fathers and uncles. His skits ring true to thousands who follow him and his videos on Instagram. Take the video entitled “Haitian Parents Bargaining”. Papa Jean shows up at a garage sale, and sees a kiddie piano. The asking price is $10. Ever the haggler, he makes this argument: “This is for my son. He is only five. What will he do with a $10 piano?” The garage sale guy offers to take $2 off the price, and throws in a stand for the piano. A good deal! Well, Papa Jean doesn’t think so. He sucks in his teeth. Jesus is bound to send him a better garage sale deal, he reasons before storming off angrily.

While Papa Jean is the comedian’s main character, he also plays his own son in his skits, and an overdramatic mom. In the clip “On A Diet When Haitian Moms Offer Food”, the funny man as “mom” gives her son her hard stare when he asks for organic griyo. The mom’s facial features turn monster-like. Her son’s diet is insulting to her cooking. “When Haitian Parents Find Out That Fetty Wap Is Haitian”, Mama Jean jubilantly dances on the stairs, when a few seconds before she had stood approvingly by Papa Jean, as he badgered his son for listening to the hip-hop star.

A character that Papa Jean has been experimenting with lately is the ne’er-do-well Roland. Roland imagines himself to be the town’s smooth operator. With his 1997 Toyota Camry, he cruises the streets in search of prey, and threatens to steal away distinguished gentlemen’s girls in their absence. “I will eat you like a mango,” he says flirtatiously to a potential girlfriend—who’s most likely already taken. Roland holds up a ripe and plump mango for emphasis.

Whether it’s on his YouTube channel or on Instagram, Papa Jean always has something going on. When he doesn’t have a new video for his fans, he has emojis and picture posts with a hilarious message. He is a comedian, but he’s also an actor and director—two talents that most of his fans don’t see because they’re too busy enjoying him as a comedian.

Well, your girl Kreyolicious just had to reach out to Papa Jean—who is definitely one of the most talented, ingenuous comedians of Haitian descent on the scene. Here’s what our conversation was like…

Above: Behind Papa Jean the comedian is a multi-faceted actor who represents Brooklyn…all day.

K. St. Fort: Tell us more about yourself Papa Jean.

[I’ve spent] half my life in Brooklyn and the other half in Queens. No one in my family is involved in entertainment—but me. I love writing, acting, and being me which equates to being entertaining. My parents were born ad raised in Haiti and came to the USA when they were around 18-19. So, I really got the best of worlds growing up! I love watching movies, but I don’t like taking long walks on the beach. [Laughter]

K. St. Fort: One thing about some comedians…is that they always had​ a knack for getting attention. Is that what you were like in school?

Yes! Getting attention was always my thing. Whether it was getting in trouble, impressing a girl, or outdoing friends—I always had to best center of attention and be the best center of attention! [Laughter] Guess what? It’s still like that today! My sister just recently gave a speech at her graduation and she shouted me out. She said she truly admires me for the way I demand attention in a room without even saying a word. She said no matter what the situation—or who the people are—everyone notices me right away. That was one of the best and heartfelt comments someone has ever given me. I was truly flattered.

K. St. Fort: Who has been the most encouraging person when it comes to your art?

Believe it or not, the most encouraging person has been Richard Pryor. I have sat down and watched everything than Richard Pryor has ever said that is public. The man was a realistic genius. He took the most realest and serious situations, introduced people to them, and made them laugh ’til they cried. Although I don’t consider myself a stand-up comedian, watching Richard perform was just like sitting down and listening to your uncle tell a good story. Richard never seemed like he was telling a joke…He just spoke.

Above: A beardless Papa Jean works the mike.

K. St. Fort: For sure…When did you first realize that you were really funny?

The first time I realized I was funny was when I was born…came out my mom’s womb…nurse slapped my behind to cry and I said, “Hey, nothing is free in this world…That would be $5!” Honestly, I never realized [it] myself. Other people would always tell me that [I was funny]—starting from grade school. I never took that as a compliment growing up. I took it like it was just who I was. Genes…Like some people are born with brown eyes, others blue…I was born funny.

K. St. Fort: How have your parents received this whole idea of you being a comedian?

My parents see me more as an actor than a comedian. I have been in many, many plays and have played many, many roles from comedic to dramatic to Shakespearean. All in all, my parents don’t like the entertainment business. They feel it’s a fantasy. Their dreams for me was to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer….[Laughter]…Like most Haitian parents. Do they support me now?…I dont even….maybe. [Laughter]

K. St. Fort: Social media platforms are really tops when it comes to promoting new talent. Were you shy about using them at first?

No. I was never shy about using social media platforms. They are basically the wave of the future…When you’ve performed Shakespeare in front of 20,000 people, performing in front of your iPhone for an Instagram or Vine is light work.

Kreyolicous: What’s the most helpful class you took…that you feel is helping you create your videos and furthering your art?

The most helpful class I took was Creative Writing 101 back in college. That class had a ripple effect on my life and career. Learning how to express myself on paper opened a whole new realm of avenues for me. It trickled from screenwriting, playwriting, poetry, music—and even acting. My professor was great too! She was such a free spirit and helped me get my ideas out of my head and onto paper. I really recommend [that] everyone take a creative writing class. Even if you have absolutely nothing to do with the arts…It’s a great way to vent…Think of it as life therapy.

K. St. Fort: Have you ever made a joke or played a prank that you later regretted? Do tell!

I had to pause to really hard about this question. Surprisingly, I have never made a joke or pulled a prank I later regretted. I like to commit all the way! [Laughter]

K. St. Fort: You ever been tried to impress a girl with a joke?

You see, I am a naturally funny guy. Having a typical conversation with a woman always involved tons of laughing from her. So, I don’t think I’ve ever tried to impress a girl with a joke…But now on the other hand…acting silly or a fool is a different story. I once used prop crutches as a tool to woo this girl. I knew where she worked and I came in on the crutches and played the helpless role. Even fell right in front of her and pulled her down to the ground with me when she tried to help me up. It was an award winning performance which scored me several dates with her…and yes I used the crutches every time. [Laughter] I told you I love to commit to my roles and jokes.

K. St. Fort: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?

The internet has been the most up-to-date way I’ve stayed connected to Haiti—reading and watching news mostly. But, ever since I started posting my Instagram videos, Haiti has been staying connected with me. I’ve met so many Haitians and Haitian-Americans…and I’m learning from all of them. The last time I was in Haiti was the summer of 2007, but I plan to make a trip [soon] as well.

K. St. Fort: To grow, you have to try new things, try new avenues. What should we expect from you next?

Yes. New avenues definitely help you grow. I have several things in the works right now…a sitcom, movie script, and a play. The skits I put together on Instagram actually help me in developing these projects and characters in these projects. This year is my year, and I’m going to make my mark and I’m taking Haiti with me.

CLICK HERE to follow Papa Jean on Twitter| CLICK HERE to watch Papa Jean’s videos on Instagram| Watch Papa Jean’s videos on Youtube

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Papa’s got a brand new bag filled with new jokes, new ventures, and new vibes. The papa in question is Brooklyn-born and raised Haitian-American comedian and actor Papa Jean. Add new production company to the list of his new accomplishments…Papa Jean Republik. You might want to memorize this name, because he’s produced his first theatrical play under its banner, and you can be sure there’s a whole lot more to come from this talented thespian-jester.

Kreyolicious: You have a new play out…how did it come about?
Papa Jean: Yes. This is my first full theatrical stage play. I’ve written smaller pieces for the stage before, for one actor, but this is my first big one. I decided to write a play when the demand from my fans for seeing me live grew enormously. My play was inspired by several events in my life. One…My actual life! [Laughter] This entire stage play is inspired by true events that happened through out my life…I think in the battle of imitation..Art imitating life more so often wins. Two…Last year, I actually wrote three short skits that many of my fans and non fans aligned with and they touched a part of their soul. I saw how these videos mentally, psychologically, and spiritually effected them so I decided to incorporate them into the play. Three…I went to school for theater. I also took many writing classes…which only meant, when I would really touch the stage, it would be in play form.

Kreyolicious: Why did you choose that title for it?
Papa Jean: Ahhhh I can’t really tell you why I chose this title, or it may give away the play. [Laughter] One thing I can tell you is…It is translated into ‘The Black Boxes’. For anyone who would like to know, you’d have to come and see the play…Or read it in the future.

Kreyolicious: Do you think that being an actor has helped you with playwriting?
Papa Jean: Yes being an actor has definitely helps with the playwriting process. The most difficult part of playwriting or screen writing, is writing dialogue. I totally believe that what actors learn psychologically to build character definite aids in writing dialogue. If your character is set a certain way, there are just so many thing that he/she will not do or say. Also I believe stage time as a character helps build in depth dialogue to a script.

Kreyolicious: Most people saw the comedian at first, not realizing that below the surface there was a producer, a screenwriter and a playwright. How do you keep up with all your different talents…?
Papa Jean: Yes many saw the funny side to my brain first. It’s so funny because I never considered myself as a real comedian. Like I said earlier, I studied theater in school. I am classically-trained. I’ve done everything from Shakespeare to modern-day plays. During my time of taking on roles, I have never taken on a role in a comedy. I think the way our culture is, especially being born here in America to immigrant parents, many circumstances may come off as funny or very relateable. The internet is a platform where I believe comedy is among the top content, and with the right material and timing, who have a chance for many people to see you. Stand-up comedy, on the other hand, is a different beast. For sure that requires great skills and time to hone the craft, just like acting or writing. If you’d like to officiate with the title of online comedian though, I’ll take it and add it to my resume. Thank you.

Stay on the lookout for Part II of the interview with comedian Papa Jean. Meanwhile…

CLICK HERE to watch comedian Papa Jean in action!

New York-born-and-raised comedian and actor Papa Jean debuted his play “Les Boites Noires” in New York earlier this year, giving online and off-line fans a taste of his capabilities as an actor, playwright, director and comedian. Not that they weren’t already getting an overview of all these talents via his online presence. The thespian-scribe just wanted to continue showcasing his talent not only to those who first become acquainted with his gifts online, but with also those who knew him long before his was the Papa Jean of the Internets.

Kreyolicious: As a native New Yorker, how do you personally view the creative scene there?
Papa Jean: Like the saying goes, ‘If you make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.” I feel like that saying is so true because of how cut throat NY is. If you look at entertainment as a whole. There are so many collaborations down south or on the west coast compared to NYC. Entertainment in NYC feels like getting on a train in NYC during rush hour…Everyone for themselves..Step and knock over anyone in the way…who cares if it’s a baby or senior citizen…and no, I will not give up my seat to help you in any way. But, I still love my home New York.

Kreyolicious: You been to Haiti yet?
Papa Jean: I have been to Haiti one time in my life. The spring of 2007. Before the Earthquake. I haven’t been back yet, but I plan to visit in the winter or spring 2018. Maybe even bring Les Boîtes Noires over there.

Kreyolicious: Besides your play going to production and the obvious major fan love, what are some of the best things that have happened to you since you launched your brand?
Papa Jean: Some great things have definitely happened to me since I’ve launched my brand. One…Definitely I’ve learned so much more about my culture and picked up more of the language. Two…I’ve discovered so many people that basically lived the same life that I have. Three…after my play, some relationships within my own family have grown stronger.
Four, I am turning down opportunities. I have reach a certain level where I can choose what opportunities I will roll with. Five, I have met so many new and great people. Including the majority of my cast. They are so soulful, talented, and Godly people.

Kreyolicious: You’ve used the media space to solidify the Papa Jean brand. What trends do you see happening in the next two years?
Papa Jean: I don’t know about trends, but I definitely know about transitions that I would love to happen…Into TV and film God willing.

Kreyolicious: What do you have in store for your fans following Les Boîtes Noires?
Papa Jean: Well, I give everything I do my all. I like to try to take everything I do to the next level. I’d like to solidify myself as an actor, writer…comedian…Not just to people in my culture, but to everyone in the world and then…Give the people something that will blow their minds away.

CLICK HERE to visit comedian Papa Jean’s website.