Who is Erica Rhodes? ‘AGT’ Season 19 standup comedian appeared on iconic long-running sitcom
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Erica Rhodes, set to make an appearance on the upcoming episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19, is a talented American actress and comedian. Rhodes, who hails from Newton, Massachusetts, completed her studies at Boston University College of Fine Arts before earning her degree from the Atlantic Theater Conservatory.
From a young age, Erica showcased her skills on 'A Prairie Home Companion' and has since expanded her resume with roles in various films and television series, including 'Plague Town', '1000 Ways to Die', and 'The Consultants'.
Erica has also made guest appearances on popular shows like 'New Girl', 'At Midnight with Chris Hardwick', and 'Modern Family', where she portrayed the character Marianne in an episode of Season 7 titled 'I Don't Know How She Does It'.
The 41-year-old comic participated in the humorous reality TV competition show 'Bring the Funny.' The show featured various comedic acts vying for the top spot in a battle of wit and humor. She showcased her talents and comedic skills in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, aiming to make a lasting impression and ultimately win the competition.
Her journey on the show was filled with laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments as she navigated the ups and downs of the competition. Through her performances, she entertained viewers and proved herself to be a strong contender in the world of comedy. She ended her run in the competition in 12th place.
Who are Erica Rhodes's parents?
In a recent interview with WSJ, Erica Rhodes delved into her upbringing and family background, revealing that both of her parents were accomplished classical musicians.
"My mom and dad were professional classical musicians. My father, Dean, was a clarinetist. My mother, Kristina, was a violinist with the Boston Pops and played under conductors Arthur Fiedler, John Williams and Keith Lockhart," she told the publication.
Erica also revealed that her mother Kristina had the opportunity to perform on John Williams's iconic movie soundtracks for 'Schindler's List' and 'Saving Private Ryan,' highlighting her musical talents.
"When Dad came down with Multiple Sclerosis before I was born, his pinky couldn’t hit the right notes and he had to stop. Instead, he became a CPA and worked his way up to a top position in the firm. He kept working, even when he was in a wheelchair," she added.
Erica mentioned that both she and her sister Hillary were enrolled in ballet classes, and Erica herself was skilled at playing the cello. Their family dinners were far from typical, as their mom would often not return home until midnight, and their dad would go to bed by 8. In the absence of her mother's cooking, she resorted to surviving on a diet of ramen noodles and cereal.
When did Erica Rhodes start doing standup comedy?
After completing her training at the Atlantic Theater Conservatory, Erica found herself immersed in the world of acting, performing in plays and indie films for two years. However, her career took a turn when she made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles.
In the bustling entertainment capital, Erica faced numerous challenges and setbacks as she navigated the unpredictable nature of the industry, taking on various acting gigs to make ends meet.
After initially being signed by a manager for acting, he eventually convinced her to try her hand at stand-up comedy. It took her two years to take his advice, but once she did, she never looked back. Erica honed her craft by performing at local clubs for several years before eventually taking her act on the road and starting to tour.
Following her decision to pursue stand-up comedy, Erica's career quickly skyrocketed as she landed numerous television roles and invitations to perform at various prestigious comedy festivals. "Instagram has also helped to increase my visibility. I now feel bigger things are on the horizon," she continued.
Erica went on to say, "Today, I live in an apartment in the Los Feliz section of L.A., which has a small-town vibe. I moved in about a year ago. I love that I can walk outside and see people, unlike in most areas of the city."
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'AGT' Season 19 contestant Erica Rhodes is currently on her 'Get Out of Bed' tour
Currently, Erica Rhodes is on her 'Get Out of Bed' tour, with upcoming performances scheduled in various cities. On 12-13 July, she will be taking the stage at Juke Box Comedy Club in Peoria, Illinois, followed by a four-night run at Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota from July 17-20.
The blonde beauty will also be performing alongside Jim Norton on July 25 at Belly Up Tavern in San Diego, California, and on July 26 at Marque Theater in Tempe, Arizona. Tickets for her shows can be purchased through her official website.
'AGT' Season 19 releases new episodes every Tuesday at 8 pm ET only on NBC.