Learie Joseph

Some recognise him for his roles as 'Andrew the school boy' and the 'police officer who got horned', whilst he refers to himself as the 'comedic dramatist', but to his many loyal fans across international borders, he is Learie Joseph, the King of Comedy.

For over 30 years he has left audiences gasping for breath and holding on to the edges of their seats with his distinctive comedic acts and hilarious gimmicks, but it was not always all fun and games for this vibrant entertainer.

Born in San Fernando, south Trinidad, Learie Joseph was left at the Belmont Orphanage (now the St Dominic's Children's Home) when he was almost two years old. Since then, he has faced several hardships, including seeking shelter in gas stations and abandoned buildings after being left homeless for some time. Though he attended Belmont Boys as a child, Joseph only received a secondary school education as an adult since he opted to work rather than complete his studies during his adolescent years. He later attended the Trinidad Theatre Workshop where he shaped his comedic abilities.

At the beginning of his career, Joseph juggled working as a fulltime salesman by day and a comedian by night. When the chairman of his retail company found out about his side job, Joseph was given an ultimatum: forego comedy or else, and so, Joseph bid farewell to his career as a salesman and has not had any regrets since.