Benny Harris

At Ellis Island I had to leave the ship. I stood in long lines and an official asked me where I had come from, what I did for a living back home, and what my plans were in America.I looked the official directly in the eye and told him:'I am an English Comedian born and raised to the east of the Majestic City of Londinium in the United Kingdom. My plan is simple kind Sir. I aim to create laughter and introduce America to the prowess of the International Legend that is I,........Benny Harris'.All newcomers had to answer those unanswerable questions about the future. Only then could you leave Ellis Island and take a ferry to New York — and finally set foot in America.Weeks turned into months and I was eventually thrown to the streets of Brooklyn. I had no more than a quarter in my pocket. With tears in my eyes and looking up at the stars I decided to take my chances and head to the famous Comedy city of Chicago, the city originally occupied by the Potawatomi people.I boarded a Greyhound bus to get the hell out of New York and head to Chicago, Laugh Riot Central, Illinois...............................................My time in Chicago was incredible, learning the dark arts of Improv Comedy to nest alongside my stand up and acting abilities. Once I felt the power of improv comedy grow inside me - like an ability known only to Mystics, Pagans and extremely good Pool players - another strange encounter in Chicago with a man called John Soule led my journey to a new direction.................. He simply looked at me and said "Go West, young man, and grow up with the country."Taking his advice and the improv experienced I gained in the city of Chicago I packed my suitcase and left with a smile. Los Angeles became my new home. Here I will test my resolve and see if I can present my comedy in a format many others could experience by using both stage and screen..........................So here I am in California watching the Pacific Ocean. I have gone west to its furthest point. Los Angeles, the City of Angels and very affordable Mexican food.