What makes comedians cry and how do they overcome sadness?

Robin Williams’ death shocked the world. Many wondered how a funny person can be so sad and end his life.  But comedians are humans too like all of us — they have happy moments and experience sadness too.  I admire how, during their sad moments, they can still put on a happy face to make their audience laugh. Here are some of our top and well-loved comedians as they share with us what makes them cry. 

Gary Lising

The first time I cried so hard was when my dog Elvis died when I was about 12 years old. I loved that dog so much, he was run over by a car. I cried so much you could see tears running down my legs.  But actually I cry only when something happens to my family especially when my son Bugsy was topnotcher at the Optometrist board exam. I cried out of happiness when he was topnotcher. I have so many sad events into my life. But nothing compared to this when I put all my savings, all my money in this new business venture. I had a discount massage parlor which was very cheap for only P150 per massage.  But I was very sad when I had to close down this business. Siguro it didn’t make money because it’s the only massage parlor that’s self-service. Another sad event was when a policeman was running after me. When he finally caught me he asked me why I was speeding. I told him I thought he was the police who ran away with my girlfriend before. I explained to him that I had to speed up because I was afraid he was going to return her to me.

Arnel Ignacio

I get depressed when I get a load of betrayal from people who made me believe I could comfortably be who I am in their company. But depression is always a passing thing. Take the pain head on! Cry on the first day cry on the second day and before you know it there‘s not much to cry about on the third day. Nakakatawa na kung malakas pa rin iyak mo sa pang apat na araw at lalo sa pang lima!  It helps treasuring an inventory of happiness of what you have and checking them out when you feel down and deprived. Let me see, I have a weird cat, an obsessive-compulsive maid and a most loving daughter named Sofia who cooks hot soup when I have a cold. But if depression still catches on, an expensive watch or a fast sleek car can certainly turn things around quite instantly.

Vice Ganda

Missing my lolo Gonzalo and the thought of losing him makes me cry. I’m just so scared to lose him. He’s the most important man in my life. He’s also my source of happiness. By just hearing his voice on the phone takes away all my stress and instantly puts a big smile on my face. His “I love you” is music to my ears. His presence erases all my fears.

Ogie Alcasid

I cry when I think of how great and good God is to all of us. I especially get emotional especially in church when I sing. To overcome sadness or disappointment, I just pray and ask for God’s wisdom.

Tessie Tomas

I cry about tragic events like the death of Robin Williams, the crash of MH17, families still living in tents due to typhoon Yolanda, the raging war in countries like Syria and Palestine. The corruption among government officials also makes me cry. Parang hindi ko na alam kung sino pa ang pwedeng pagtiwalaan. I overcome sadness or disappointment first by humbly accepting that I am sad. Staying in a state of denial only makes things worst. When I am sad and I have a live performance in which I am a supposed to make people laugh, I pray very hard to God and tell Him: “Lord, suspend this sadness. Strengthen me so that I may be able to spread joy and entertain people”. It always works!

The trouble is as comedians we are always expected to be happy, and incapable of being sad. Some of the best comedians brood a lot. There’s a very thin line between tragedy and comedy. The fact is that comedians are vulnerable too — we may hide behind the mask of  comedy but deep inside we could be hurting a lot.

Nanette Inventor

Just about anything can get my waterworks flowing. If I see a sad movie, I cry; happy endings make me cry; if I’m angry, I’ll cry; my depleted hormones make me cry; laughter makes me cry. Either I just have really active tear ducts or I’m quite...liquid! How do I overcome sadness? Something special happens the moment the paper meets the pen.....I count my blessings and before I finish the list the day is done and the sadness is gone. Another thing I do, something that I really enjoy, is I keep the line busy...eat!

Ramon Bautista

It doesn’t take much to make me sad. Just going on Twitter and switching on the TV and seeing what’s happening in the country and all over the world make me want to cry. But I can’t cry much even if I try because I’m dehydrated most of the time. There are no tears but it feels terrible and I just pray and hope for the best.