In the world of comedy, there are few performers who can blend humor with heart as seamlessly as Corey O’Brien. Known for his sharp wit, outlandish humor, and a style that pushes boundaries, Corey has become a standout performer in both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider entertainment world. From his viral TikTok videos to his groundbreaking Red Tour, Corey’s career has been anything but conventional. However ,at the heart of his success lies one unshakeable truth—Laughter can unite us all no matter our differences.
Corey’s journey to comedy wasn’t a dramatic shift but a natural progression. As a professional dancer for many years, Corey had already honed his craft in front of audiences. His love for making people laugh always held a special place in his heart.”I’ve always been a performer. Ever since I was young, I loved making people laugh,” Corey shares.”It just felt like a natural progression to transition into comedy, especially since I still incorporate dance into my stand-up.”
For Corey, comedy isn’t about telling jokes—It’s about creating moments that people can relate to. His background in dance, where timing and physicality are paramount, plays a huge role in shaping his comedy approach.
“My dance background gives me a natural command over movement and timing, which translates seamlessly into my comedy,” Corey explains. “Whether it’s a subtle gesture or a full-body act-out, physicality plays a huge role in delivering a joke.” As social media began to take center stage during the pandemic, Corey saw an opportunity to stay creative and sane. He started creating viral re-creation videos of major pop stars like Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake, and more. What began as a fun outlet for creativity quickly turned into something much larger.”I did a recreation of Dua Lipa’s ‘hip’ dance on TikTok, and it took off,” Corey recalls. “From there, I started getting bigger and more elaborate with my costumes ands characters. What was amazing was how these artists, like sam Smith and JoJo, supported my videos and even made cameos that blew me away.” These viral moments opened doors for Corey, allowing him to connect with some of the biggest names in the industry while expanding his audience.
Corey’s Red Tour is one of the most ambitious projects of his career, aiming to bring laughter to “red states” and find common ground in politically divided spaces. Growing up in a conservative town, Corey learned early on that humor could disarm even the most stubborn minds.” The Red Tour isn’t about changing anyone’s politics; it’s about reminding people that laughter is universal,” he explains. ” If we share a joke, maybe we can share a little understanding, too.” Corey sees humor as a powerful too for bridging divides especially in a time of heightened political tension. He’s unapologetically himself, using his platform to challenge perspectives while still making people laugh. For Corey, it’s about finding the balance between boundary pushing comedy and respect. “My goals is to create a space where we can laugh at the chaos together, no matter where we are coming from,” he says. “If I’m making fun of something, it’s to open a door, not slam one shut. Laughter is one of the last things that can bring us together.”
Beyond his Red Tour, Corey is an advocate for using comedy to drive social change especially within the LGBTQ+ community. As a vocal advocate, he believes that comedy can shine a light on prejudice and discrimination while breaking down barriers.”Comedy can challenge harmful stereotypes, open minds and encourage empathy,” Corey says. “For the LGBTQ+ community, it’s especially important because it allows us to be visible in a way that’s relatable and approachable.”
Corey’s humor doesn’t just entertain but also educates. By putting LGBTQ+ stories at the forefront in a way that’s humorous yet meaningful, he allows audiences for all background to connect with experiences they may not fully understand. With accolades from outlets like Buzzfeed and Forbes, Corey’s rise to recognition has been meteoric, but with such high praise comes a certain level of pressure and you may find yourself wondering how does he manage it all ?. “I am definitely my biggest critic,” Corey admits. “Any pressure I feel comes from myself and my desire to give a better performance every time I step on stage.” Despite the recognition, Corey remains focused on one thing, connecting with his audience. His comedic success isn’t about fame but about creating a shared experience where people can laugh, learn and grow together.
Looking ahead, Corey is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s socially acceptable in comedy. As a risk-taker and a boundary pusher, he’s committed to making people laugh while also making them think. ” My goal is to continue shaking things up both in comedy and in the world,”Corey says. “There’s nothing off limits, and of course ruffling a few feathers along the way.”
Corey’s career is a testament to the power of comedy to bring about change, challenge norms, and unite us all through laughter. As the Red Tour continues to tour across the country, Corey is on a mission to create a space where everyone no matter their background can come together, laugh and leave with a little more understanding than they arrived.
Photographed By : Devin Dygert
