Tom Mabe is by far the internet’s most successful prankster.
Born and raised in Louisville, Mabe still lives here and raises his children among our hallowed streets. And this weekend Mabe is going to be returning to Louisville for a homecoming weekend of shows at The Laughing Derby.
Mabe has been doing comedy for over two decades, even during a period where he ran a recording studio with aspirations in the music industry. Fast forward twenty years, and the music thing didn’t so much work out, but he has carved out a storied career in the comedy business.
It all began when he reached his boiling point with unwanted phone calls from telemarketers – and recorded with his $30 answering machine his debut album, “Revenge on the Telemarketers.” Where he hassled the operators on the other end of the phone with a string of outrageous sketches, including one where he actually convinced one they accidentally called into a crime scene.
The album released on Virgin Records was a massive success, perhaps due to a burgeoning web culture and repeated plays on Bob & Tom in the morning. Since YouTube came along, Mabe has taken his pranks viral and to video, where he has sent a flying, remote control ghost through a public park, pretended to be a hitman and faked a prison break. All of which has led to over a billion views on his YouTube channel.
Mabe was the star of CMT’s “Mabe in America," has appeared on ABC and CNN and has been performing stand-up in clubs and corporate gigs all over the country.
Don’t miss one of Mabe’s shows this weekend when he returns to Louisville to perform at The Laughing Derby June 25-27. Show times vary, and tickets are available for $12-$15.
Photo courtesy of Mabe
