"I think I can make you laugh at stuff you had no idea you thought was funny." This quote encapsulates the essence of Darryl Lenox, a comedian whose journey has been defined by his determination to carve out his own path in the comedy world. Fed up with waiting for opportunities to come his way, Lenox took matters into his own hands. He decided to pour all his creative energy into producing and releasing his own hour-long special, "Darryl Lenox: Blind Ambition."
The gamble paid off. The special caught the attention of Starz Networks, becoming the first hour-long standup special to air on the network. Following its release, the critical reception was overwhelmingly positive. Stagetime Magazine named his CD "Blind Ambition" as one of the Top 5 Comedy Albums of 2012, placing Lenox in the esteemed company of comedians like Louis CK, Reggie Watts, Tig Notaro, and the late Patrice O’Neal. He soon appeared on "Conan" and was featured on Marc Maron's popular podcast, "WTF," where his unique comedic voice resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The title "Blind Ambition" is emblematic of Lenox's journey. Despite his visual impairment, he has never let it become a barrier to his comedic brilliance. His standup material is deeply introspective, often drawing on his personal experiences, including a risky eye surgery that could have rendered him completely blind. This experience pushed him to take bold steps toward producing his special. As he explained, "The risk we had to take to do my major eye surgery—it propelled me to take the risk on Blind Ambition."
Lenox's comedy is a roller coaster of emotions, filled with the highs and lows that come from a life richly lived. His visual impairment refined his perspective, allowing him to engage with audiences in a way that cuts through preconceptions and delivers poignant humor devoid of self-pity. Critics have been quick to laud his insightful approach. Chris Milea noted that while Lenox delves into introspective themes, his set is laden with expertly crafted jokes. Similarly, Ed Placencia described Lenox as a breath of fresh air, likening his work to a Woody Allen composition amidst a world of flashy, effects-driven comedy.
Born in Las Vegas, Lenox's comedic journey took him across the U.S. and Canada, where he spent years in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Vancouver before ultimately making New York City his home. With more than 15 years of touring experience behind him, Lenox is anything but an overnight success. However, his recent work has brought him new levels of exposure in the mainstream media, drawing attention to his innovative comedic style.
Darryl Lenox credits a diverse range of influences for shaping his craft. While he admires comedy legends such as Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx, he also draws inspiration from various art forms. He studies music from icons like Jay-Z to classical and opera, and he analyzes storytelling in series like "The Sopranos" to hone his own narrative skills.
Before his Starz debut, Lenox had already graced television screens on A&E’s "Evening at the Improv," BET’s "Comic View," and Comedy Central's "Live at Gotham." His festival appearances include prominent events like the Montreal's Just for Laughs, HBO Comedy Arts Festival, Boston Comedy Festival, and Vancouver Comedy Festival. He has achieved significant accolades, such as winning the Seattle Comedy Competition and Best New Play at the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
Now, with his newfound acclaim propelling him to greater heights, Darryl Lenox is tireless in his pursuit of new opportunities. With a full touring schedule and several projects in development, he remains more ambitious than ever. "I don’t think I’m anywhere near my capabilities," he reflects. "There is so much I want to do. I’ve been at this for a long time, but in many ways, I feel like I’m just getting started."
Stagetime Magazine Top 5 Comedy Albums of 2012
Winner of Seattle Comedy Competition
Winner of Best New Play at Vancouver Fringe Festival