Sam Jay is known for her boundary-breaking and candid approach to comedy. From her writing for shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “That Damn Michael Che” to her own series “Bust Down” and “Pause With Sam Jay,” she always says what most people are thinking deep down inside. This fearless style also shines through in her first feature film, “You People,” where she plays the character Mo alongside Jonah Hill. And now, she is bringing this same energy to her upcoming stand-up special, “Salute Me or Shoot Me,” which will air on HBO and Max on September 23.
In her special, Jay tackles various polarizing topics such as gender roles, race, and policing language. She shares stories about being high and watching white people dance off-beat in a park, as well as discussing the ability to “let go” of certain racial issues. With this freewheeling comedic experience, Jay aims to break down barriers and create conversations.
When asked about how she prepared for this special compared to previous ones, Jay explained that it came together naturally through touring and working on her material. She wanted this special to have a driving force and an overall narrative, unlike her previous one. As she traveled and performed her bits, she realized the theme that emerged was empathy. Jay wanted to explore the many ways we can show empathy and the many ways we fail to do so.
Despite being past the point of anxiety, Jay acknowledges that people will always have something to say. In this special, she made a greater effort to show her work and walk the audience through her thought process. She aimed to leave fewer holes in her jokes and hopes that it opens up conversations and provides new perspectives, especially when it comes to race and other minority issues.
Jay’s choice to cover these topics in her comedy is influenced by her favorite comedians like Richard Pryor, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, and George Carlin. She has always been drawn to the heavier, more political side of comedy. However, she also believes that not all comedy needs to have a political comment. Some comedy can simply be fun and silly.
As for exploring other genres, Jay is open to all types of creativity. While comedy will always be a part of what she does because she loves it, she is excited to venture into other creative endeavors as well.
In conclusion, Sam Jay continues to push boundaries and break barriers with her unique brand of comedy. With her upcoming stand-up special, “Salute Me or Shoot Me,” she fearlessly tackles topics such as racism and empathy, creating a comedic experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. As she continues to grow as an artist, she remains open to exploring different genres while keeping comedy at the core of her creative pursuits.
