Rising Stars: Meet Irene Bremis

Hi Irene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.

I was raised by a Greek immigrant Mother and a Boston-bred Father who was very kind but had many challenges because he was on the autistic spectrum. Growing up with my sister, my rock, and my older brother, who is low-functioning autistic at a time before “autism could speak,” was very trying for me during my childhood because both my father and brother were the subject of ridicule and targeted by bullies.

My only outlet was humor. I diffused all of life’s devastating and traumatic moments with laughter. My sister- who is a formidable singer/songwriter, and I moved to NYC early on to pursue her singing career, and I pursued acting, which later appropriately became a life-long career as a standup comedian. It wasn’t easy because I always put my family first. They were financially in need, my father passed away, and my sister’s mental health derailed considerably. My mother and I shouldered a lot at that time, and I had to put comedy on the back burner.

It was hard to see everyone surpassing me. However, my solace was that my sister’s mental health was restored – because I never dropped the ball on her. I advocated hard for my family. This is my proudest and most significant achievement. I always continued pursuing comedy (on and off stage) but never had a breakout moment. I realized that I have the power to make or break my career. I wanted to shoot a comedy special. I’m not a known comic- however, I’m a veteran comic of 22 years. And there are no deals on the table for me. However, this lit a fire up my ass. I decided to assemble my loyal team and shoot my own Special. I shot my Special, SWEETIE – directed by filmmaker Onur Tukel and Executive Producer Rachel Dratch.

It will be dropping in the fall on multiple streaming platforms. I openly talk about mental health, autism, and life through the lens of comedy because laughter has an immeasurable healing capacity that brought me to this point. I’m so grateful to be here, and I’m also thrilled to be cohosting a podcast called The Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch- dropping where you find your podcasts on October 18th! I’ve learned to trust myself and commit to action. I truly believe taking the first step is the most important initiative. I’m so honored to be spotlighted in this very inspiring underdog success series. I hope Netflix sees this and buys my special! Give a small fish a shot! I want to thank you so much for this opportunity.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Dealing and grappling with my father’s high-functioning autism and my brother’s low-functioning autism was a financial and emotional strain. I always had my sister to help me, but her mental health declined, which affected my ability to function productively.

It was a long 13-year stretch – which vastly affected my comedy career. I had to support my mother financially and emotionally at that time because my mother is my shero, and she still cares for my 58-year-old autistic brother.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I can combat negativity with humor because I’ve been doing it all my life to diffuse ridicule and sadness. I easily connect to the audience because I love them. My absolute favorite part of comedy is being in the moment and candidly talking to the audience- who, by the way, often crack me up just as much as I’m making them laugh. It’s such a healing environment for all of us.

I think I’m mostly known for being audacious and kind. I love that I just gifted myself with a compliment! I think the thing that sets me apart from other comics is my story. That’s why it’s ironic that this business often makes me feel like an “extra” in my own story. The thing I am most proud of as a comedian is making my autistic brother laugh and others who are hurting. I hate to brag, but I have done shows in bowling alleys (and when someone bowls a strike, it sounds like an applause break) and laundromats. But my crowning achievement was/is performing in nursing homes, hospitals, and other unique places with special people who need laughter the most.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

Absolutely! There is a LONG LIST of marginalized comics, and they are brilliant. In terms of well-established comics, Joan Rivers was my most significant impetus. Even when I was young, I heard the story about Johnny Carson blackballing, alleging she was an anti-loyalist because she pursued her career, I realized what a DICK he was. I admired her courage and bravery. I wanted that.

One of the highlights of my career is when I co-hosted John Fugelsang’s show “Tell Me Everything” on SiriusXM, and Carol Burnett (also a tremendous mentor) was his illustrious guest. When she found out I was a female comedian – she walked over and kissed me, so I tugged my ear at her.

My most considerable influence was my Father – he was an extraordinary storyteller. He told these hyperbolic “big-fish” stories that were hilariously engaging. My Mother was also a towering inspiration. She taught me to be intrepid. She is fearless and unfiltered but always in sync with her big heart. My sister, as aforementioned, is my rock. She is a herculean talent- dedicated and fierce.

She had her band, Leslie Presley, and they performed on the NYC circuit in the 90’s-2000s. My brother was the one who taught me to be kind and (still working on patience) and, of course, my husband, who is a retired NYC firefighter and lost many of his friends in 911. He is undyingly dedicated to his friends/family. However, I draw inspiration from everyone, everywhere, all at once! Hey, that’s an excellent title for a movie!