Rachel Mac is a very funny lady from Wisconsin and Comedy Plex is excited she’s going to make the trek to Oak Park for a pair of shows January 3 and 4. We wanted to get to know Rachel better, so we sat down with her to talk about her past in both Wisconsin and Los Angeles, and her return to Wisconsin.
What was the funniest thing about growing up in Wisconsin?
My dad is probably the funniest person I know and was around growing up. When I was a kid, and we watched movies, I thought John Candy and my dad were the same person. My dad is named John, very jolly and very beloved.
Where do your sports loyalties lie? Now, be careful – Comedy Plex is based in the Chicago Area.
You know, I’ve never been a huge sports fan. I support the supporters, wherever they may lie. My dad grew up in Chicago, and he has a soft spot for the Bears. Obviously, I am surrounded by cheeseheads.
How did you get into comedy in the first place?
I knew I wanted to write comedy, so I moved to L.A. out of college to pursue screenwriting. I
didn’t grow up watching standup. My second week I had a friend who was going to a show at The Comedy Store with Chelsea Peretti. She was mean and abrasive, and I was so enamored with her and her ability to be in the moment. I felt like that is what I had to do. I tried 50 open mics. I was obsessed and kept going.
What advice would you give to young comics looking for their big break?
I would say don’t expect to make a big beak. If you love comedy, do it. If you can be happy
without doing it, then you should stop. It’s a sacrifice and a lot of talented people who don’t get the big break. Talent and hard work don’t equal success, so you have to be happy doing your shows locally.
What are your thoughts on the state of the comedy industry as a whole?
It’s unfortunate that it has changed. If I had been doing this 30 years ago, I’d be touring more. TikTok I think is not going away so there is an element of you have to roll with it. That’s how it is. People still go to live shows and I’m grateful for that.
Be sure to hit her up on Instagram and her Substack, A Star is
Dying.
Take 5: Rachel Mac