Dante is one of the top stand-up comedians in the world. He has appeared on over 40 TV shows as a comedian. He was a cast member on season 5 of the NBC show Last Comic Standing. He holds the record for winning the most B.E.T. Comedy awards. Dante performs to sold out crowds all over the world 40 weeks a year. He has also performed for more US troops than any other comedian except Bob Hope. He was the Abbot at the Friars Club in Beverly Hills. That is a giant honor. It’s like being the president and you only get that position by being voted in by your peers.
As an actor, Dante has appeared in over 20 films and TV shows. He has been in many commercials and was the spokesman for Miller Beer. He had his own sitcom on B.E.T. called The Blackberry Inn. Dante wrote, directed and produced multiple films with big stars that have done very well. Currently he stars in the film Unfallen with Michael Madsen and James Hong on Amazon Prime.
He owns Golden Artists Entertainment with his wife, Rebekah Kochan. www.goldenartistsentertainment.com
FMM: You have performed to sold out crowds all over the world. Can you share a surprising moment on the road?
I can share a surprising moment on the road with you. It’s anytime that you go anywhere for the first time, you are always shocked how the place never looks like how you imagined. We are so full of stereotypes from the news or your phone telling us what’s happening in a town and it makes you think that the whole town is like that. And then when you finally show up and see how beautiful it is and peaceful you realize a lot of things are blown out of proportion when criticizing or stereotyping entire cities, towns or states.
FMM: What does it take to have a successful career in comedy?
The two most valuable lessons I have for stand-up are this.
When I’m on stage my advice is have fun. I learned that lesson from all of my mentors who were also my friends. People like Sam Kinison and Richard Pryor. When you are having fun on stage they said then the audience is also going to have fun.
And when it comes to business the best lesson that I have learned is remember that it’s called show/business. People forget about the business side of show. I’ve had a 36 your career as a standup comic because I remembered I needed to make money and not just art.
FMM: Where can we see you over the next few months?
Jan 5-8 2023
Reno Laugh Factory located inside the Silver Legacy casino.
January 21 in Los Angeles California at the Comedy Chanteau.
January 27 and 28 Alameda comedy club with my wife comedian Rebekah Kochan
And then I will be performing for my first time in Anchorage Alaska this year.
Oct 2023 19-23 Anchorage Alaska with Rebekah
FMM: Tell us about Golden Artists Entertainment.
My wife Rebekah Kochan and I own Golden Artists Entertainment. We are a full-service entertainment company. She is in charge of our production side. Currently we are in post-production of two comedy standup specials, we are currently filming a horror movie, we are in pre-production of an A-list documentary, and we have started a big podcast with celebrities. I am in charge of the management and booking side. We have over 250 actors, celebrities, and influencers. I now have 10 managers that work for my company and five booking agents. We have working actors. Some of our clients are currently on NBC.
FMM: You have a diverse portfolio of clients. What is unique about your company?
What’s unique about my company is me. And my wife. We are both actors and standup comedians who started an entertainment company. We know every aspect of this business from the ground up on both sides people take us very seriously and we are good at what we do. I am able to multitask and handle different types of clients. I can spend part of my day booking a celebrity DJ and part of my day submitting an influencer to sponsors. All the while submitting all of my clients on the breakdowns which are basically the big auditions here in Hollywood and around the world.
FMM: Who has impressed you the most?
My wife impresses me the most. She is not only the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life she’s also the most talented and funny. She makes me wanna laugh at everything she does every day because she exudes silliness. I love her more than anything in this world. She and my daughter are everything.
FMM: What can people expect from working with you and your wife, Rebekah Kochan?
I’m not sure what people can expect when working with us other than anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t lie to anyone. That my word is my bond. Also I am currently directing a movie. I just happened to have an afternoon off I have to work 8 PM until 8 AM filming tonight. But if this is any indication of what it’s like to work with us, the crew keeps walking up and telling us that it’s nice to work with professionals that don’t have to yell and can just ask people to do things. They said it’s the first movie said that they’ve ever been happy on.
FMM: Can you share advice for artists who want to reach superstardom?
Follow your dreams. Don’t just give yourself two years and see if I don’t make it then I leave. If I did that I would’ve never been where I am. I would’ve sat under fluorescent lights in my whole life wishing I was acting or telling jokes. Go follow your dreams.
www.goldenartistsentertainment.com
