With a height and frame that could be considered ‘towering’, comedian Marc Trinidad has a commanding persona, piercing eyes and the perfect humour that makes laugh your socks off. Born in Trinidad, his is a typical comic’s story of being the class clown, fully equipped with wit and great non-verbal skills that lighten up any dull situation. If that’s not enough, his bold eyes and ‘ratbat’ ears will certainly do the trick.
Marc recalls that his wit developed as a result of being teased. “When you are teased there are two ways to react, you either cry or rise above it,” he commented. Many kids who were teased in school end up with self-esteem issues, but for Marc, it was more of “ If you can’t beat them, join them”. He is actually the first to poke fun at himself and he also developed the skill of a killer ‘comeback’. After much encouragement, he saw comedy as something deeper than the enjoyment of making people laugh. It wasn’t easy having a serious conversation with Marc because he always found a way to loosen up the air when it seemed to get too solemn.
Comedians are not just jesters, they cultivate a healing within people, we play a vital role
in society
He explained how it all started: “Mum used to work for KFC; they had a mascot, Kentucky Jo Jo, and needed somebody to be the “character” He remembers vividly his Mum’s boss strongly suggesting, “Marguerite, how about your son? He’s a natural ass”- and ass he became and was damn good at it. Even though it was a non-speaking role he was very impressive and entertaining in his delivery. That then led to his discovery by Godfrey Sealy, a local playwright, who invited him to be a part of his production of plays. Even though plays are scripted, Marc points out that it was his body language and unique additions that made his roles more impactful.
Before moving to Canada, (circa 17 years ago) he was the other half of a comedy duo with Clifford Learmond. Through this collaboration they gained great popularity in Trinidad – Marc credits this platform as being instrumental in his desire to take comedy seriously. While in Canada, the creator of a comedy show, Nubian Disciples, conducted classes in which Marc was enrolled. After only one class, the notable comedian announced that he was ready to hit the stage – amazing!
Though he had experience from his stints in Trinidad, Marc was still in a new environment and was nervous about the response. But to his pleasant surprise, his debut received a standing ovation and the rest is history! Since then he has toured Canada, the UK, Amsterdam and several Caribbean islands. In fact, quite recently, Jamaica’s Comedy Café, produced by Ellis International and hosted by our local favourites Ity and Fancy Cat, was one of the many shows he has headlined.
Marc absolutely loves Jamaicans: “I love the pride that the people have in who they are – Jamaicans are the most proud people I have ever encountered…Jamaicans are so proud of being Jamaican that they have Jamaicans in Canada who who have never been on a plane outside of that country – it is amazing and enviable,” he remarked.
Quite a versatile comedian, Marc makes fun of anything and everything. He has the ability to do from Disney material for kids all the way to X-rated content. “I get hired for church shows and birthday parties and on the other hand even bachelor parties,” he explained. It’s a job he enjoys, not being just the class clown anymore, but a full time cheer-giver, “I have so much fun with what I do on stage, every time I am on stage I am making people forget about their trials and tribulations at that moment.”
He remembers one incident in London where he had an epiphany just after finishing a show. A couple came up to him and thanked him immensely for great entertainment because they were only passing by the arena and stopped after visiting their terminally ill child in the hospital. They expressed their appreciation because they had forgotten about their grief, for that short time.
There is wisdom in the saying, laughter is the best medicine” and Marc Trinidad has seen the value in his profession, “comedians are not just jesters, they cultivate a healing within people, we play a vital role in society,” he emphasized.
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With a height and frame that could be considered ‘towering’, comedian Marc Trinidad has a commanding persona, piercing eyes and the perfect humour that makes laugh your socks off. Born in Trinidad, his is a typical comic’s story of being the class clown, fully equipped with wit and great non-verbal skills that lighten up any dull situation. If that’s not enough, his bold eyes and ‘ratbat’ ears will certainly do the trick.
Marc recalls that his wit developed as a result of being teased. “When you are teased there are two ways to react, you either cry or rise above it,” he commented. Many kids who were teased in school end up with self-esteem issues, but for Marc, it was more of “ If you can’t beat them, join them”. He is actually the first to poke fun at himself and he also developed the skill of a killer ‘comeback’. After much encouragement, he saw comedy as something deeper than the enjoyment of making people laugh. It wasn’t easy having a serious conversation with Marc because he always found a way to loosen up the air when it seemed to get too solemn.
Comedians are not just jesters, they cultivate a healing within people, we play a vital role
in society
He explained how it all started: “Mum used to work for KFC; they had a mascot, Kentucky Jo Jo, and needed somebody to be the “character” He remembers vividly his Mum’s boss strongly suggesting, “Marguerite, how about your son? He’s a natural ass”- and ass he became and was damn good at it. Even though it was a non-speaking role he was very impressive and entertaining in his delivery. That then led to his discovery by Godfrey Sealy, a local playwright, who invited him to be a part of his production of plays. Even though plays are scripted, Marc points out that it was his body language and unique additions that made his roles more impactful.
Before moving to Canada, (circa 17 years ago) he was the other half of a comedy duo with Clifford Learmond. Through this collaboration they gained great popularity in Trinidad – Marc credits this platform as being instrumental in his desire to take comedy seriously. While in Canada, the creator of a comedy show, Nubian Disciples, conducted classes in which Marc was enrolled. After only one class, the notable comedian announced that he was ready to hit the stage – amazing!
Though he had experience from his stints in Trinidad, Marc was still in a new environment and was nervous about the response. But to his pleasant surprise, his debut received a standing ovation and the rest is history! Since then he has toured Canada, the UK, Amsterdam and several Caribbean islands. In fact, quite recently, Jamaica’s Comedy Café, produced by Ellis International and hosted by our local favourites Ity and Fancy Cat, was one of the many shows he has headlined.
Marc absolutely loves Jamaicans: “I love the pride that the people have in who they are – Jamaicans are the most proud people I have ever encountered…Jamaicans are so proud of being Jamaican that they have Jamaicans in Canada who who have never been on a plane outside of that country – it is amazing and enviable,” he remarked.
Quite a versatile comedian, Marc makes fun of anything and everything. He has the ability to do from Disney material for kids all the way to X-rated content. “I get hired for church shows and birthday parties and on the other hand even bachelor parties,” he explained. It’s a job he enjoys, not being just the class clown anymore, but a full time cheer-giver, “I have so much fun with what I do on stage, every time I am on stage I am making people forget about their trials and tribulations at that moment.”
He remembers one incident in London where he had an epiphany just after finishing a show. A couple came up to him and thanked him immensely for great entertainment because they were only passing by the arena and stopped after visiting their terminally ill child in the hospital. They expressed their appreciation because they had forgotten about their grief, for that short time.
There is wisdom in the saying, laughter is the best medicine” and Marc Trinidad has seen the value in his profession, “comedians are not just jesters, they cultivate a healing within people, we play a vital role in society,” he emphasized.
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