Meet Sam Elliott. Sam is from Kingston but has lived in Kamloops for six years. He is a comedian who loves spending time with his wife and daughter.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm from Kingston, Ontario, and have lived in Kamloops for 6 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
It's a tie between my wife Stef, and my daughter Paisley. They are the best and we have the most fun together.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
The Art we Are, It's pretty laid back and fun, great food and coffee; my wife and I like to go there and pretend we're not boring parents.
Describe yourself in one word.
Funny?
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Holland, I lived there when I was 1 and I want to recreate all my baby pictures of me being confused in beautiful places.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Going to Lil' Monkey's Treehouse. My daughter loves it and she's young enough that I can play in the jungle gym and pretend I'm there helping her.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Telling my dad I do stand up comedy.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Meeting my wife, Stefanie Elliott. The only reason I'm following any of my dreams is because of her. She's also made me a dad, which is the most motivation I've ever had to not waste time and strive to be happy.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Singing to the Simpsons music album in the car with my brothers and sister.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We donate a lot of items to local non for profit thrift stores, we also support our local SPCA.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Take CNN off my mother in law's cable. I'm tired of pending breaking news.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
My home.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Kamloops has limited venues and resources for the performing arts. I personally would love to see a comedy club start up where people could regularly watch shows and try an open mic.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
It's beautiful. Its becoming incredibly artsy and fun. Its really embracing the local businesses.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Be on Just For Laughs.
Go to space.
Meet my long lost grandpa, the real Sam Elliott.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was just selected as one of the top 100 amateur Canadian comedians by CBC Comedy's Next Up competition. Trying to get votes to get to the top 10!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram and Twitter are @NewSamElliott, Facebook you can search Sam Elliott or newsamelliott.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sam Elliott - Comedian.
Why did you get into/start this business?
It's just what I've loved since I was a kid. I love jokes, its what makes me happy.
What is the goal of your business?
To write jokes for a living.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I am an introvert who doesnt deal well with attention or compliments. So doing stand up comedy and being open about my thoughts is incredibly difficult for me. It's like if I loved cooking, but also had to fight a tiger while I cooked.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I've been trying to be more present in my life recently, so I've been quoting Kurt Vonnegut Jr. when I notice I'm happy, I say "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live simple, you don't need things. If you love something, keep it. find what brings you joy and get rid of the rest.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Mike Birbiglia. He's my favourite comedian, and has given me a lot of life advice from just being open about his own life, and taught me you can be silly and weird and thats ok.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kamloops has a lot of amazing people doing amazing things. Lets help each other out.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My daughter cheered when I pooped last week. Might not seem like much, but the way she looked at me, I felt like a superhero.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
He's the reason we have amazing comedy shows in Kamloops. He's a great guy and super nice, and I wouldn't be able to do comedy in Kamloops without him. He helps out a lot of local comedians and other artists.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Drew McLean.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
