This week on Here’s What We Know, Jonathan Kite joins us for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. You may know him as Oleg from “2 Broke Girls,” but today he pulls the curtain back on the real craft of comedy and the unexpected moments that shaped his journey.
We dig into what it takes to build a stand-up set, how crowd work has changed, and why impressions are more than funny voices. Jonathan shares stories from the road, reflections on early influences like Abbott and Costello, and a beautiful moment involving a phone call from a friend he thought he had lost forever.
We also talk about the energy it takes to perform at a Jim Carrey level, the kindness behind Tom Hanks’s gift of earnestness, and why laughter still feels like one of the most meaningful ways to lift someone’s spirit.
Tune in and enjoy this warm and wonderfully unexpected ride with Jonathan Kite.
This episode is sponsored by:
In this Episode:
- • How stand-up comedy evolves with every audience
• The art and heart behind great impressions
• A life-changing call that arrived at the exact right moment
• What Jonathan learned from Robin Williams, Norm Macdonald, and others
• Why laughter matters more than ever
Quotations:
“I really want to be there, like when I do standup, to be a good time, because that’s a lot of people’s night off. It’s like a date night; it’s their first time being at a comedy show. And I really, even when the audience is light work, you know, even if they’re energy is low, I’m always going to give it 110% because I’m performing for the people that are there, not for the people that aren’t. And so I always admired that I never felt like my heroes; I could tell that it felt like they were performing to the best of their ability just because they loved it. And for that person in the front row who was enjoying it.” ~ Jonathan Kite
“It’s hard. Life is up and down for a lot of people. We all have our own stuff going on. And I just think if you can give someone a break for a minute, you know, I think that’s why social media is so popular, right? It’s sort of like the devil, but it’s the idea that, like, you just need a break sometimes.” ~ Jonathan Kite
Bio:
Jonathan Kite is a versatile actor, comedian, and master impressionist, famous for his role as Oleg the Ukrainian cook on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.
Known for his quick wit and over 250 celebrity impressions, Jonathan has built a diverse career across television, film, voice acting, and stand-up comedy. His notable credits include starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and voicing characters in animated films like The Addams Family 2, as well as shows like Family Guy and American Dad.
An alumnus of Second City and The Groundlings, he tours nationally with his stand-up and is currently producing his feature screenwriting debut. Jonathan is celebrated as one of today’s most versatile comedic talents.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://www.jonathankitecomedy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathankite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjonathankite/