The Duke City Comedy Jam Series Featuring: Honest John

Honest John: 10 Questions About His Rise in the Comedy World

Sometimes life gives you a wake-up call. For Honest John, that moment came in 1987.

You might know him from Def Comedy Jam. Or maybe you saw him on ComicView. Or maybe you remember him from one of his movie roles. But before all of that, he was simply John Basinger, working as a nurse and living a steady life.

Something inside him wanted more. So he took a chance. He chose the name Honest John and began going on stage anywhere he could. Bars, coffee shops, small clubs – it did not matter. He just wanted time with the mic.

One open mic night at the Comedy Act Theater changed everything. After that, people started to notice him. Soon he was touring across the country and even overseas. His rise did not happen overnight. It came from courage and hard work. In this article, Honest John answers 10 questions about his journey in comedy.

10 questions about his journey in comedy

1. What made you leave nursing and step into comedy?

In 1987, I felt like something was missing in my life. Nursing was meaningful work, and I was proud of it, but I kept feeling pulled toward the stage. I always enjoyed making people laugh, even at work. One day, I decided to take a chance on myself. It was not an easy choice, but I knew I had to try. That decision changed everything and opened the door to a whole new path.

2. Do you remember your very first time on stage?

Yes, I remember it clearly. I was nervous, but I was also excited. My heart was beating fast, and I did not know what to expect. When I heard the first real laugh from the crowd, something clicked inside me. That moment gave me confidence and made me want more. I realized that being on stage felt natural. It was scary, but it was also the most alive I had ever felt.

3. How did performing at the Comedy Act Theater impact your career?

Performing at the Comedy Act Theater was a turning point for me. It was one of those nights where everything just worked. The audience was engaged, and I felt completely in control of my set. After that show, more people in the comedy scene started noticing me. Opportunities began to open up, and my name started to spread. That night gave me momentum and showed me that I truly belonged on that stage.

4. What was it like appearing on shows like Def Comedy Jam and ComicView?

Being on Def Comedy Jam and ComicView was a huge moment in my career. Those shows gave comedians a national platform, and the energy was powerful. Walking onto that stage felt big and exciting. I knew millions of people could be watching. It pushed me to give my best performance. Those appearances helped me reach a wider audience and brought new opportunities that I had only dreamed about before.

5. What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career?

One of the most memorable moments was performing for the military overseas. It was an emotional experience. Many of those men and women were far from home, and laughter meant something different in that setting. Seeing them relax and enjoy the show meant a lot to me. It reminded me why I love comedy. It is not just about jokes. It is about connection, comfort, and shared moments.

6. You have toured across the country and even overseas. How has traveling shaped your comedy?

Traveling showed me that people are more alike than different. No matter where I go, people just want to laugh and forget their problems for a while. Every city feels different, though. Some crowds are loud, some are quiet. You learn to read the room fast. That keeps you sharp. Being on the road also gave me a lot of new stories. And as a comic, new stories are gold.

7. How has your comedy changed over the years?

When I first started, I was all about quick jokes and getting laughs fast. I just wanted to prove myself. Over time, I slowed down a bit. I started telling more stories. I became more comfortable being real on stage. Now it’s less about just punchlines and more about the whole experience. I still want big laughs, of course. But I also want people to walk away feeling something.

8. What challenges did you face when building your career?

There were many challenges. At the beginning, I performed anywhere that would let me on stage. Some nights were great, and some were tough. Not every joke lands, and you have to learn from that. There were also moments of doubt. But I stayed focused and kept working. I believed in myself even when things were slow. Hard work and consistency helped me push through the difficult times.

9. How would you describe your comedy style?

My comedy is really about real life. I talk about things we all go through – family stuff, work, random moments that just happen. I’m not trying to shock people. I just want them to feel like, “Yeah, I’ve been there.” I like when people laugh because they recognize something in the story. That’s what matters to me. I just try to keep it honest and be myself on stage. That’s how I’ve always connected with people.

10. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in comedy?

First, get on stage as much as you can. Do not wait for the perfect moment. Just start. You will learn more from performing than from thinking about it. Second, stay patient. Success does not happen overnight. There will be ups and downs. Most importantly, be yourself. Audiences can tell when you are real. If you stay true to who you are and keep working hard, the right opportunities will come.

Don’t Just Read About Him – See Him Live

Honest John’s journey shows that it is never too late to follow what is in your heart. He went from working as a nurse to standing on big stages across the country. It was not easy. It took courage, faith, and a lot of hard work. But he kept going. He kept believing. And most of all, he kept making people laugh.