Max Amini says comedy can bridge divide between Iran and America

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.

Set us as preferred When most comics walk on stage before a roaring audience at a sold-out show, as if they’re the star of their own movie, it is intoxicating for them.Especially if they’ve spent an untold number of years in the comedy trenches.

Though Max Amini has every right to carry himself with the air of a movie star and, indeed, looks the part on a recent afternoon decked out in shades and vintage cocktail party attire, he remains deeply humble about his career.His rise to becoming an arena-level act around the world happened seemingly under America’s nose, despite his roots coming up at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood and pounding the L.A.

comedy circuit for decades.His career reached a turning point in the last several years due to an overwhelming presence on social media (a combined 4.4 billion views across all platforms) that spiked with clips of his many huge shows around the globe, including the U.K., Australia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Austria and Turkey, to name a few.

Even with career markers like 200,000 tickets sold in 2025 alone and five comedy specials, with a sixth to be announced soon on a major streamer, Amini says making a room, be it big or small, erupt with laughter is still his main motivation.He’ll be shattering a Dolby Theatre record this week — by selling out an unprecedented consecutive multi-night run of stand-up comedy shows — when he begins his run of six shows Oct.

3, 4 and 10 (two shows per night).Recently he spoke about his role in comedy as a two-decade overnight success, being an Iranian American who can make people laugh in trying political times, and finding himself through comedy.This interview has been edited for clarity and length.You’ve been selling out arenas like the Forum, Madison Square Garden, the O2 Arena in London, and now you’re doing six ...