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SALT LAKE CITY — BYU alumnus and successful comedian Ryan Hamilton will be featured on Netflix’s original stand-up comedy special on Aug. 29, which features a new stand-up comic act each Tuesday.
Hamilton’s one-hour routine is called “Happy Face” and will feature jokes both old and new, which he will use to try to garner a bigger audience.
“The bulk of it is me talking about what’s going on in my life and introducing myself to people who may not know me,” Hamilton said in an interview with KSL. “I have some stuff that is a little bit topical, which is a new area for me.”
In early spring, Netflix approached Hamilton about taking part in the special. He described the process of creating the show as “a whirlwind.” They had six weeks to put something together, and for two of those weeks he was performing comedy in Australia.
Hamilton first started doing stand-up routines about 15 years ago and has since seen small successes, including comedy acts on "Conan," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and other late-night talk shows.
“Doing late-night television was an amazing experience for me and personally very validating,” Hamilton said. “Becoming a regular comedian in New York City and working regularly here was a big stepping stone and meant a lot.”
This is the first time Hamilton has had his work published.
“I’ve never released an album, I’ve never released another special … the only thing I’ve ever released is short TV spots,” Hamilton said. “This is the best-of-the-best of what I’ve developed over the course of me starting comedy, up to this point.”
Hamilton said he is excited to reach a broader audience with the Netflix special than he has with any of his previous acts.
“I was very grateful for the opportunity,” Hamilton said. “(This is) something I had wanted to do for a long time.”
Utahns can see Hamilton live in Salt Lake City on Sept. 28-30 at the Wiseguys Comedy Club, 194 S. 400 West. Tickets can be purchased here.
Hamilton grew up in a small town in southeastern Idaho before attending Ricks College and transferring to BYU to receive his bachelor's degree. He now lives in New York City.
The comedian's special will air on Netflix Aug. 29. The teaser to his special can be viewed here.
Camilla Stimpson enjoys reporting on politics, crimes and her own awkward moments on 50shadesofawkward.com. When not writing, she can be found watching "30 Rock" or "The Office," napping, planning trips she can't afford and googling dogs.
