Punch Lines

“There’s always a way to get to the funny.” That’s the maxim that guides Joyelle Nicole Johnson every time the sly stand-up comedian takes the stage—including for her recent Peacock special, Love Joy, in which she finds big laughs exploring topics like women’s rights, interracial relationships, and more. Johnson credits her public speaking course at BC for helping the shy communication major find her confident voice in political-skewing comedy. But what splits her side? Here’s what makes Johnson LOL. 

FILM: Coming to America. “My number-one comedy of all time. When I saw it when I was a kid, I didn’t realize I was watching a stand-up comedian ‘in his bag,’ as we would say. I know every word. I can do the whole movie.” 

TV SHOW: Abbott Elementary. “It’s a masterpiece. I’m so proud of how Black it is. I got to interview [creator] Quinta Brunson, and she said her goal was to make a show with as much heart and humor as The Office. Girl, you did it.” 

BOOK: Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. “It’s really, really funny! But he also talks about how the most successful time of his life was also his loneliest. It’s the most impactful book I’ve read.” ◽