By Noah Sebourn
Matteo Lane is not your average soon-to-be household name. He’s an actor, painter, opera singer, cook, author, and, of course, stand-up comedian — essentially, a one-man Renaissance.
So, what can’t this jack-of-all-trades do? When asked, he’s quick to show just how down to earth he is. “Well, when it comes to swimming,” Lane admits, “I wish I could, but I’d probably just drown.”
While he may not be an Olympic swimmer, Lane has certainly made a splash in the world of comedy. With over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers and a few comedy specials and viral social media clips under his belt, he’s bring his unique blend of humor and wit to the Paramount Theatre in Seattle on Saturday, March 13 and back by popular demand on Saturday, April 12 in his brand-new show, Can’t Stop Talking. I was lucky to get to chat with him about what we can expect from the gay icon.
An Artist, Not a Politician
In his new tour, Lane’s goal isn’t to complain about who won the election. “Expect to laugh and have a good time. Just hakuna matata yourself for an hour!” he said. He encourages his audience to unwind and laugh without worrying about what’s trending.
Lane wants his comedy to offer relief. “Everybody and their best friend can talk current topics,” he quipped, acknowledging the political climate. He doesn’t want to add to the noise, though; instead, his mission is to provide a space where people can take a break from it all. “Comedy should be an escape,” he said, underscoring his belief that laughter is a way to reconnect with others without the weight of the world’s issues pressing down. His humor offers a temporary getaway through which the audience can forget about their worries and simply enjoy the moment.
He describes his style as “evergreen,” emphasizing that his comedy reflects his experiences rather than current events. “Topical jokes… only serve you for the week that that joke or that topic is of interest,” Lane said, explaining that while many comedians dive into politics, his approach allows his material to remain relevant for a long time.
For those who don’t know, he worked as an oil painter, storyboard artist, and fashion illustrator for years before taking up comedy and likens his approach to that of an artist, saying, “Every artist expresses themselves very differently.” Just as artists have their own style, Lane believes comedians should express themselves through their unique experiences.
Lane’s comedy is deeply rooted in authenticity. “The best comedy comes from what’s authentic to the comedian,” he stated. For Lane, that lies in connecting through shared, relatable experiences, not political agendas. His aim is not to divide, but to unite: “Comedy is about connecting, not about separating,” he said.
Despite his intention to stay away from political topics, Lane is not blind to the world around him. “People think that I’m not politically aware or active. I mean, that’s also not true,” he clarified, acknowledging that he’s aware of the current climate but chooses not to focus on it in his comedy. His decision to steer clear of politics doesn’t mean he’s indifferent — it’s simply a conscious choice to prioritize humor over division.
Being a Queer Comedian
Lane’s 17 years in the comedy world have given him a unique perspective on equality and the importance of representation. As a gay comic, Lane’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s been an empowering one, defined by respect from fellow comics rather than by his sexual orientation. “In the world of comedy, comedians respect more than anything a hard work ethic, how funny you are, how nice you are to work with,” he said.
Lane spoke candidly about the early days, recalling how he and other gay comedians like Joel Kim Booster, Tim Dillon, and Julio Torres worked their way up in the gritty world of stand-up. “We were in the trenches… performing in basements in Brooklyn for three people,” he said with a laugh. Despite being a minority in the comedy scene, Lane found solidarity with other queer comics: “There was always… not a ton, but there [were] always queer comics working with open mics and… at shows.”
The comedy industry itself, however, posed a different kind of challenge. Lane described how decisions made by “untalented people” behind the scenes often shaped opportunities for LGBT comics. For Lane, the most significant struggles with equality stemmed from decision-makers who “stereotype” and create fewer opportunities for queer voices in TV and media.
Nevertheless, in the stand-up scene itself, Lane’s experience has been largely positive. He pointed to the respect he and his peers earned through their hard work, despite the occasional side-eye from less successful comics. “Your only currency in the beginning… is the respect of other comics in the room,” he explained. This camaraderie among queer comedians gave him the support and space to thrive, even though the outside world of TV and network booking still has a long way to go when it comes to equality.
Lane’s career also shines a light on the importance of representation in comedy. He started his career at 23, but when he was growing up, the visibility of openly gay comedians was minimal. “I had not seen a gay man do stand-up,” he said. While he had access to influential queer women comics like Ellen DeGeneres, Margaret Cho, and Wanda Sykes, an openly gay male comedian performing stand-up was almost nonexistent for him. “It was not that they didn’t exist. It was what was accessible to me,” Lane said, reflecting on the era before social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram allowed for widespread exposure.
Lane’s first real inspiration came from Bill Cruz, whom he saw in Chicago. “He was the very first openly gay man I saw do stand-up comedy,” Lane recalled. Looking back, Lane now appreciates icons like Mario Cantone, who worked tirelessly in the face of adversity, helping pave the way for others like him. “The older I get, I have a huge respect for someone like Mario Cantone,” he said, recognizing the challenges faced by those who came before him.
Matteo Lane’s journey is a testament to the power of laughter and authenticity. From late-night sets at The Comedy Cellar to nationwide tours and viral cooking videos, his versatility shines through. Whether cracking jokes or sharing Italian recipes from his deliciously hilarious Your Pasta Sucks: A “Cookbook,” Lane remains a true Renaissance man.
Catch Lane live at the Paramount Theatre on March 13 or April 12 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.matteolanecomedy.com or check out his hilarious YouTube channel @matteolanecomedy.
