Transitioning from a 25-year military career to the unpredictable world of stand-up comedy might seem like an unlikely path, but for Kells Mort, it represents the fulfillment of a long-deferred dream. In our recent podcast episode, Kells shares her remarkable journey and offers insights into the world of comedy that both aspiring performers and comedy fans will find fascinating.
Kells reveals that before joining the military, she actually wanted to pursue entertainment. Her father’s pragmatic advice – “you can be broke or you can go in the military” – led her to what was supposed to be a four-year detour. Twenty-five years later, as she approaches retirement, she’s finally circling back to her original passion. This story of delayed dreams resonates deeply in a culture where many people find themselves pivoting careers midlife or returning to abandoned passions after fulfilling other responsibilities.
What makes Kells’ comedy perspective unique is precisely this rich life experience. From being a communications officer on a carrier to scrubbing toilets in her early military days, she brings authenticity and a well-developed point of view to her performances. When discussing her comedic influences, she pays homage to legends like Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, and contemporary greats like Dave Chappelle, whom she admires so much she flew to Charlotte just to see him perform. Her appreciation for female comedy trailblazers like Wanda Sykes and Luenell shows her respect for those who’ve made space for women in comedy.
Perhaps most surprising is Kells’ admission of having “horrible anxiety, like clinical” before performances. This revelation humanizes the confident persona we see on stage and reminds us that even talented performers struggle with nerves. Her candid discussion about being more nervous for bigger venues defies what some might expect – that experience eliminates stage fright. Instead, she describes not being able to eat before performing at larger theaters, revealing the very real psychological challenges that come with putting yourself in the spotlight.
The military influence on Kells’ comedy approach becomes evident when she discusses leadership and humor. She shares how making young sailors laugh was her technique for getting things done efficiently during deployments. “If they are having a good time, that is the persuasive rule to get somebody to work and not ask questions,” she explains. This blending of leadership skills with comedic timing illustrates how her military background enhances rather than hinders her comedy career.
Family life provides rich material for Kells’ comedy. From her five-year-old “bonus baby” who just graduated kindergarten to her college-age son, she draws inspiration from real-life moments that audience members can relate to. This authenticity in her material helps explain her rapid rise in the comedy scene – people connect with genuine experiences shared humorously.
Looking toward the future, Kells is expanding her entertainment horizons beyond stand-up. She’s already acted in a short film and has filmed a scene for “Deadly Obsession 2,” which will earn her IMDB credits. The conversation reveals her ambition to perform at comedy landmarks like Laugh Factory LA, Comedy Store, and Second City Chicago – “those are like superior imperial chef’s kiss names,” as she puts it. Her deliberate approach to building her career shows the same discipline that served her well in the military.
The episode concludes with an insightful discussion about the changing landscape of comedy, particularly how social media has created new pathways for comedians. Rather than resenting those who build followings online before transitioning to stand-up, Kells maintains a refreshingly positive outlook: “I’m not going to hate on anybody’s hustle because they’re doing something. They’re making a lane for themselves.” This generous perspective illuminates her character and suggests why she’s finding success – comedy requires not just talent but the ability to connect.
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