Funny Girl

Performing has always been a part of AMANDA GOODYEAR’s life. Originally from the south side of Chicago, she started acting in musical theater at eight years old.  

 “By junior year of high school, I landed an independent film role and that changed everything for me,” she says. When asked about the impact of that role, Amanda’s smile widens. “Just knowing that I could do it was huge because it seemed so far out there.” 

 Goodyear’s journey into comedy evolved naturally. “I’ve had less formal training in comedy,” she admits. “I attribute it to beginner’s luck and so many kind people.”  

 A bad date led Goodyear, who on Friday evening won the WILMA Women to Watch Award for the Arts category, to stand-up. “It was an open mic at a coffee house, and I thought, ‘Anything was better than this date.’ I ended up on stage and realized that was where I belonged.” 

 In 2013, Goodyear’s life took a significant turn when she moved to Wilmington. Her husband had secured a teaching position at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Goodyear wasn’t initially enthusiastic about the change. “I was doing a lot in Chicago – reality TV, auditioning, trying to fit theater in,” she says. “But I hit a limit. The idea of starting over was scary. But my husband showed me the film community here. He put all these pieces of paper with different shows filmed in Wilmington on the bed, and I said, ‘This is in North Carolina?’”  

 Her husband’s reassurance and her modeling agent’s encouragement, who called Wilmington “Hollywood of the South,” solidified her decision. “It turned out to be probably the smartest move I could make,” she says. 

 Her comedic path eventually led to a collaboration with SHANNON PEREZ, a fellow comedian and mom. Together, they created Momedy Comedy. “Shannon and I were lamenting how we couldn’t do the 1 a.m. open mics anymore,” Goodyear says. “We wanted something more mom-friendly and event-based. Our first comedy event in April of this year oversold out, and it’s been successful since.”  

 Material is based on parenting, but it’s also about getting people together. “Anybody’s welcome, as long as they play nice.” 

 Momedy Comedy is more than just comedy; it’s about community. Goodyear and Perez ensure everyone enjoys themselves without negative roasting. “We’re not going into politics, no swearing, no offensive jokes because we just want everybody to have a good time and there is a way to do that,” she says.  

 They enjoy audience participation, too – asking things like, ‘What’s the most expensive thing your child has broken?’ and give away prizes. “You can’t predict the answers,” Goodyear says. “One mom said her child broke her back. Another said her front teeth. So, thousands of dollars in medical bills!” 

 In addition to comedy, Goodyear is a radio host on Sunny 103.7 and Modern Rock 98.7.  

 “I knew when moving to Wilmington that I wanted to host my own show,” she says. “The position at Sunny felt like it was written for me.” Her radio career meshes with her comedic background seamlessly. “I think I’m naturally awkward, which people find funny. A lot of my background, comedically, is in improv. And improv helps a lot. It’s easier to work things out in an ensemble where you’re supported and there’s no judgment.” 

 Looking ahead, Momedy Comedy is hosting some private events and planning a Christmas event later this year. Weaving together the threads of comedy and community, Goodyear aims to continue spreading joy through humor. “The best compliment is when someone says, ‘I needed this,’” she says. “That’s exactly what we’re striving for.”

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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