Brian Kachejian 28 seconds ago
Sebastian Maniscalco is no overnight sensation and his story is a fascinating one. This Chicago-born comedian, a product of the suburbs of Arlington Heights, Illinois, channels the unmistakable spirit of his Italian-American upbringing straight into his stand-up. His father, Salvatore Maniscalco, came from Cefalù, Sicily, arriving in the U.S. as a teen hairstylist, while his mother, Rose, traced her roots back to Naples and Sicily. Sebastian grew up in a household filled with the colorful quirks of old-world tradition and working-class pride, themes that continue to electrify his comedic routines.
After graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1995, where he earned a communication degree and led the Sigma Pi fraternity, Maniscalco headed west to Los Angeles. The transition was hardly glamorous—he spent nearly seven years serving upscale clientele at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills while grinding through open mic nights in bowling alleys and dive bars. It was this gritty persistence and keen observational humor, combined with influences like George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Burr, and the irreverent edge of Andrew Dice Clay, that finally landed him a regular slot at the legendary Comedy Store in 2005.
Maniscalco’s break came swiftly after, with the release of his first special, Sebastian Live, in 2009. Showtime soon took notice, showcasing his next three specials—What’s Wrong with People? in 2012, Aren’t You Embarrassed? in 2014, and Why Would You Do That? in 2016. Each special resonated deeply, earning him legions of fans drawn to his razor-sharp takes on human behavior and everyday absurdities. By 2019, Netflix entered the picture, premiering his hugely popular special, Stay Hungry, further solidifying his status as a comedy powerhouse. He has since followed it up with another Netflix hit, Is It Me?, released in late 2022, proving that his ability to skewer modern life’s frustrations shows no signs of fading.
Yet Maniscalco’s impact extends far beyond the comedy clubs and streaming platforms. Hollywood took note, and Sebastian made memorable appearances in major motion pictures like the Academy Award-winning Green Book (2018), alongside Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, and Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed epic The Irishman (2019), where he portrayed the volatile mobster “Crazy” Joe Gallo opposite legends Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino. Not content to rest on his laurels, Sebastian continued acting, voicing the character Spike in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and sharing the screen again with De Niro in About My Father (2023)—a film he co-wrote, inspired loosely by his own life and comedic voice.
Maniscalco’s comedy has become beloved because of its honest, no-holds-barred observations about everyday life—the universal irritations, family dynamics, and social faux pas we all quietly endure. His approach is animated, physical, and hilariously outraged, delivered with an intensity reminiscent of the great rock performers who dominate arenas night after night. It’s precisely why fans flock to venues like UBS Arena on Long Island, packing seats on a chilly March evening just to see him transform the annoyances of daily existence into uproarious comedy gold.
Beyond stand-up and film roles, Maniscalco has also embraced the podcast scene, co-hosting the highly entertaining The Pete and Sebastian Show alongside fellow comedian Pete Correale, a must-listen for fans of sharp banter and storytelling. His television ventures, such as hosting the MTV Video Music Awards in 2019 and starring in his own Discovery+ food and culture series, Well Done With Sebastian Maniscalco, have further amplified his unique brand of charm and humor. Most recently, audiences can catch him starring in Bookie, a series that premiered in late 2023, again proving his versatility and widespread appeal.
Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedic presence is magnetic—intense yet relatable, observational yet personal, brimming with authenticity and delivered with the timing and swagger of a seasoned frontman. He’s turned everyday grievances into comedic anthems, resonating profoundly with a generation eager to laugh at life’s little absurdities. Seeing him live, as we did at UBS Arena, confirms exactly why he’s at the top of his game, a comedian who commands the stage like a true rock-and-roll showman.
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Sebastian Maniscalco Rocks New York’s UBS Arena March 15, 2025 article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
About The Author
Brian Kachejian
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.