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How being ‘Unstable’ on Netflix helped Aaron Branch find his footing in comedy

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How being 'Unstable' on Netflix helped Aaron Branch find his footing in comedy

In this captivating exchange, it’s evident that the comedian is carving out a niche for himself in the vibrant Los Angeles comedy scene, much like a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble. His journey mirrors the rhythmic pulse of a city where dreams are forged and ambitions realized.

You might not know him by name, or at least by his real name, but Aaron Branch’s career in comedy has gotten a lot more stable lately. Thanks to his character “Malcolm” on the Netflix show “Unstable” starring Rob Lowe as eccentric biotech entrepreneur Ellis Dragon, Branch’s unique look and quirky, deadpan delivery beams into homes all over the country. On the show his role as Dragon’s assistant and best friend to Lowe’s co-star and real-life son John Owen Lowe (who plays Jackson Dragon) is a less funny version of a lot of real-life assistant gigs that helped him pay the bills. Now in its recently debuted second season, Branch says he’s in a spot in his career where his opportunities in Hollywood, both on screen and the comedy stage, have given him more drive to see where things can go pursuing his dream of being funny on stage and screen full time.

Originally hailing from Kansas City, this comedian broke onto the comedy circuit in Chicago in 2019 and has since been entertaining crowds nationwide with his humor. Every place he’s visited along his journey has a tale to tell, and on Tuesday night at 8 p.m., you can hear his story firsthand as he performs at the Roosevelt Hotel as part of Can’t Even Comedy’s Interview Series. This event features both a live stand-up set and an audience Q&A session. In a recent conversation, we learned about what attracted him to his role on “Unstable,” his experiences in the Chicago comedy scene, and how his career is now taking off in L.A.

After spending many years honing your skills as a stand-up comedian and achieving success with a popular Netflix series such as “Unstable,” would you say that more individuals recognize you on the street or during your live performances?

It’s intriguing as I recently came to notice that it might occur more frequently than I initially thought. Many people seem to be silent about it, and at times, the stares I receive can feel a bit awkward. The most memorable instance was in San Diego, following a performance at the Laugh Factory. Afterward, I went across the street to grab some tacos, and suddenly, a whole group of people began shouting “Malcolm! Malcolm!” This was an unusual experience for me.

Did the character of Malcolm in “Unstable” resonate with you so much that it seemed like a part you’d love to try out for?

I found myself drawn to the opportunity because it seemed familiar, as if I’d previously played a supporting role in a couple’s life. As soon as I perused the pilot script, I thought, “Wow, this part is perfect for me, I crave it intensely.” There’s just something about its comedic aspect that appealed to me deeply. Moreover, I could sense that the cast would be outstanding.

I love that there’s a lot of comics on the show.

In this season, they’ve certainly made an impressive casting choice – bringing in Iris Apatow and, not forgetting, the hilarious Lamorne Morris who charmed us on “New Girl”. Having worked with him, I can vouch for his comedic prowess. On set, he was a learning experience, but off-stage, his humor just went beyond expectations, especially when combined with his talent this season. To me, it feels like he’s added a comical dimension to the show that was previously missing.

How being 'Unstable' on Netflix helped Aaron Branch find his footing in comedy ×

Is it essential for maintaining a balance between acting and comedy to seek guidance from professionals within your industry? Do you happen to have such individuals who have provided valuable advice, helping you chart your course in the world of comedy?

One of the early influential figures in my life was Dave Coulier from Full House, who is both an actor and a comedian. He provided significant guidance for me during my younger years. Later on, as I grew older, I encountered Mary Lindsey, a highly intelligent, kind, and sweet legend from Chicago. She offered me valuable advice during my early twenties and has been associated with the careers of performers like Bernie Mac and Deon Cole. I was discovered by her at a comedy venue in Chicago, close to the University of Chicago campus named Revival. She took me under her wing, offering me numerous experiences, connections, and opportunities simply by being part of her circle. Many Chicago comedians currently working in Los Angeles refer to themselves as “Mary’s Kids,” for she has given us countless opportunities.

Over the course of my lifetime, my mother has consistently shown unwavering support, while my cousin Kristen, who’s had a career in entertainment for many years, has served as both a mentor and a wonderful older sibling-like figure since I was around 15.

What are the main differences between the Chicago comedy scene versus L.A. comedy?

The primary distinction lies in the abundance of stages for presentation. Chicago, to me, is almost like a boot camp. You can perform multiple times per night, often before decent audiences, which enables you to develop a fresh three to five minutes act every week. It seems less about making it big or being noticed, and more about refining your storytelling skills or improving your performance. It feels like a superior training ground. On the other hand, Los Angeles appears to be more of a platform for displaying what you’ve learned, having already honed your craft in places like Chicago.

What’s a typical week night for you in terms of sort of balancing acting and comedy?

In my opinion, I’m still working on striking the right balance, particularly during Season 1 of “Unstable,” when we were still grappling with the pandemic. Consequently, I couldn’t perform live at all. However, it wasn’t until this recent season that things began to settle a bit more, and I managed to establish a regular routine. Our director, Claire Scanlon, was exceptional in ensuring we wrapped up filming early each day, allowing for quality work without overworking us. This usually meant I could finish by 5 or 6 p.m., even if I had to arrive much earlier. As a result, I could squeeze in a quick set at the Laugh Factory, return home, rest, and repeat. It was almost like everything fell into place effortlessly, as if the challenges were tailored just for me.

Do you know any comedian friends you often socialize with who, in your opinion, embody the current state of Los Angeles’ comedy scene?

Participating in the Kevin Langue show has been a strong base for me, similar to a fraternity that I’ve found here in Los Angeles. I had something similar in Chicago, and that’s essentially how Denny [Love] and I became friends. I was part of a group called the Martin Luther Kings of Comedy, which was like a tightly-knit group of young, talented Black comedians trying to make a big impact on the Chicago comedy scene. When I moved to L.A., I still had connections from that time, like my friend Joel Boyd and Denny, and I’ve mostly stayed close with them ever since. However, now that I have this YouTube show, I also have Kevin Langue, Herman Wrice, and of course, my best friend, Denny, who I stick with closely.

How being 'Unstable' on Netflix helped Aaron Branch find his footing in comedy ×

Can you point out some significant moments in your comedy career that make you feel like you’re consistently growing within the stand-up scene?

As a stand-up comedian who relocated to Los Angeles in 2019, I can honestly say that the entertainment scene here was sparse at best during those early days. Juggling three jobs seven days a week left little room for comedy, and then the pandemic hit, making things even tougher. But now, looking back from where we are today, I’m incredibly grateful for how much L.A. has opened up for me as a comedian. These days, I often get the chance to perform multiple sets in a single night – something that many of my peers can only dream of. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that my hard work and dedication have earned me such opportunities. I’ve been able to grow and establish myself within the L.A. comedy community, and it’s all thanks to the support and recognition of those who value my work ethic and appreciate my unique style. Overall, Los Angeles has become a lot like New York for me – a thriving hub for comedians seeking their big break.

As a movie critic, I often find myself engaging in insightful conversations with my colleagues like Rob Lowe during our talk shows. These opportunities not only provide me with valuable insights into his illustrious career but also allow us to delve into our shared passion for comedy and discuss potential projects we’d love to tackle together.

In terms of working in Hollywood, I must say that Lamorne, Rob, and Fred [Armisen] have been incredibly generous with their advice during this past season. The experienced cast members on the show have provided me with invaluable insights that I believe greatly contributed to my growth. There’s a certain humility among them that I didn’t anticipate but found genuinely refreshing. Being surrounded by these individuals whom I admire so much, and who are so down-to-earth, made it easy for me to approach them with questions. I was able to ask Lamorne about his thoughts on various situations, and Fred, with his unique blend of talents, even invited me to his show at the Largo after a day’s work. It was an amazing experience to see someone so accomplished in acting still actively engaged in live performances, as well as DJ sets. The overall atmosphere of entertainment I encountered was one of pure enjoyment and passion, which is exactly what I find captivating.

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2024-08-06 19:32

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