From Algebra to LOL: Chinedu Unaka‘s Unconventional Path to Comedy Success
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Comedian Chinedu Unaka’s journey to the stage wasn’t a direct one. It began in a South Los Angeles classroom, where he honed skills in connecting with audiences while teaching algebra to students with special needs – a training ground he credits with shaping his comedic voice. His latest special, “LOL Live With Chinedu Unaka,” now streaming on Hulu, showcases the fast wit and observational humor that have propelled him to success in both comedy and acting, with roles in shows like “Insecure” and “Abbott Elementary.”
the Unexpected Classroom Catalyst
Unaka’s foray into education stemmed from a desire to help others, a trait he recognized in himself from a young age. “I was always that kid in school who was trying to help my friends understand the material better,” he explained.While pursuing stand-up comedy in college at UC Santa Barbara, he sought a way to fund his passion. A Teach for America program offered a solution: a teaching position that would allow him to work during the day and pursue comedy at night.
He quickly discovered that teaching, particularly with students facing learning challenges, was far more demanding then performing at a comedy club. “Teaching mild to moderate special education students algebra and trying to make that entertaining was a lot harder than performing at a comedy club,” he noted.
Though,the experience proved invaluable. He learned to adapt his communication style, read a room, and think on his feet – skills directly transferable to stand-up. “It really taught me how to connect with people, how to be patient, and how to explain things in a way that makes sense,” he said. He also found early performance opportunities at venues like the Comedy Union and the Laugh Factory, historically supportive of Black entertainers. “Those were huge for me, because when I moved back to L.A., they were the first places to let me onstage,” he stated.
Interestingly, Unaka has encountered former students in his audiences, some of whom were children during his teaching years. “I’ll be like walking down the street sometimes and I’ll hear, ‘Mr. Unaka!'” he laughed.
From “Insecure” to “abbott Elementary” and Beyond
Unaka’s talents extend beyond stand-up, with acting credits including appearances on critically acclaimed shows like “Insecure” and “Abbott Elementary.” He considers both roles highlights of his career, particularly “Abbott Elementary” due to his passion for education. “Just as an educator, to be on that show was really cool,” he said, adding that he enjoyed meeting the show’s creator, Quinta Brunson, and director Justin Halpern. His friendship with Yvonne Orji, a fellow Nigerian American and star of “Insecure,” provided a unique sense of camaraderie.
The pair often discussed the challenges and rewards of navigating the comedy world as children of Nigerian immigrants. “Oftentimes you’re going to be the only person within your immediate family that kind of went that route [of doing comedy],” Unaka explained. Having someone who understood his cultural background and unconventional career path was invaluable.
A Hulu Special & Future Projects
Landing his own special on Hulu through Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and hartbeat represents a important milestone for Unaka. He praised Hart for creating opportunities for emerging comedians. “Shout-out to kevin for even putting vehicles like this out there,” he said. The production process was collaborative and supportive, allowing Unaka to deliver a performance he felt confident in.
looking ahead, Unaka plans to focus on producing his own television show ideas and launching a podcast with his freind, James Davis, titled “Mostly Kidding,” inspired by his first album. He remains committed to creating comedy that resonates with audiences and reflects his unique perspective. “Comedy definitely found me. I wasn’t searching for it, but when it did find me, it felt like home,” Unaka concluded. “I just genuinely always love making people laugh and then to get paid for that still feels crazy to me.”
Chinedu Unaka performs at 9:45 p.m. Thursday at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.
