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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHe joked that sharing a last name with child star Gary Coleman made childhood even more entertaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish I had a dime for every time I had to hear \u2018What chu talk\u2019n bout Willis?\u2019 while I was growing up! It was crazy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Comedy Career That Started by Accident<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coleman began performing stand-up in 2002 while working in insurance. His manager had encouraged him to find ways to talk to more people, which led him to an open mic night at a Cleveland comedy and jazz club called The Robins Nest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI went down intending to do jokes about insurance and ended up having the most fun I had ever had in my life!\u201d Coleman said. \u201cTaking the stage was like riding a roller coaster! The butterflies before getting on stage, the thrill of having people laugh at a joke, the feeling of having people compliment you after a good set! The comedy \u2018bug\u2019 bit me and I have been getting on stages ever since!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added with a laugh: \u201cI never sold an insurance policy though!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many years, Coleman balanced comedy with a full-time career, performing what comedians call a \u201cweekend warrior\u201d schedule. After his father passed away in 2016, he stepped away from performing for a time. But during the pandemic, he rediscovered his love of writing and performing through Zoom comedy shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shortly after live events returned, Coleman\u2019s life took another turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His job of 16 years was gone in just 16 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI got a call from a manager half my age saying \u2018Sorry\u2014please turn in your computer!\u2019 (16 seconds!). Comedy was the only path I had left!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winning the World Series of Comedy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coleman first learned about the World Series of Comedy in 2022 while hosting shows at a club in Ohio. The national competition\u2014founded by veteran comedian Joe Lowers\u2014features comedians competing at clubs across the country for a spot in the finals in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After entering in 2023 and learning from the experience, Coleman returned in 2024 and unexpectedly reached the finals. However, he had already made travel plans and couldn\u2019t stay to compete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Determined to finish what he started, he came back in 2025 with a new mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI entered the contest with new confidence and energy! I still wasn\u2019t expecting to win but knew I was going to leave nothing to chance,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the love and support of my family and friends I brought home the title!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comedians Who Inspire Him<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coleman says he admires comedians who use their success to help others, including Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, and Katt Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey give other comedians work and, more importantly opportunity,\u201d Coleman said. \u201cThey give back to their communities, provide funding for social causes and so much more. That\u2019s my ultimate goal: to not only make people laugh but to make a difference in people\u2019s lives as much as I am able.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upcoming Shows in Winter Haven<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coleman will perform four shows at Laugh Out Lounge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Friday, April 3 \u2013 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Saturday, April 4 \u2013 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doors open at 7 p.m. for each show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.winterhavendaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/qs1_1676.jpg?resize=696%2C1043&ssl=1\")
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