Gary Owen

Energy and honesty have made Gary into one of the most popular touring comics in America. He’s also a crossover act unlike any you’ve ever seen – he was the first Caucasian to star in a BET show, and he once won the title of “Funniest Black Comic in San Diego.” Gary is no stranger to concert halls, but this fall he’s coming back for another run at the DC Improv – so take advantage of this opportunity to get up close with a comedy superstar.

All sales are final. Refunds and exchanges are offered only when a show is canceled or rescheduled.

Admission Policies

• Please note: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting our establishment, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
• Patrons must be 18 or older to attend events or classes at the DC Improv. Any exceptions are clearly noted in the event descriptions.
• There is a two-item minimum per customer. This can be any combination of food items or beverages. Bottled water and soft drinks count as items. (The two-item minimum does not apply to comedy classes.)
• Coupons or passes for free admission cannot be used for a show listed as a "special event."

Seating Policies

• Matinees, the first show of any evening in our main showroom and all shows in our lounge showroom are seated by time of arrival. The earlier you arrive, the more options you'll have. Please note that the size of your party can affect what options are available to you, as certain tables and areas are designated for larger parties.
• "Late shows" in the main showroom have assigned seating. Assignments are made in order of ticket purchase. Generally speaking, the earlier you buy tickets, the closer you will be to the stage.
• If tickets are designated as being at a "reserved table," your party will have a table to itself. For general admission tickets, if your party does not fill an entire table, you may be sharing a table with other patrons.

Gary Owen has been entertaining American audiences for more than a decade with his side-splitting comedy. Having performed to sold-out audiences in clubs and theatres across the country, Owen is one of America’s most beloved comedians.

He is one of the stars of the box-office record-breaking Screen Gems’ franchise THINK LIKE A MAN (2012) and its sequel THINK LIKE A MAN TOO (2014). In additional to their commercial successes, both opening #1 at the box office, the films were warmly received by critics and fans alike. In 2014, he starred in the Universal comedy RIDE ALONG with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. Other film credits include LITTLE MAN (2016) opposite The Wayans Brothers and DADDY DAY CARE (2003) opposite Eddie Murphy. He is also widely known for his stealing role as “Bearcat” in the MGM film COLLEGE (2008). He can be seen in THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR which is the follow up to MEET THE BLACKS in which he starred with Mike Epps and Mike Tyson.

On the small screen, Owen had his own series on BET “The Gary Owen Show” and co-hosted TruTV’s sketch series “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal” (2013). After meeting Tyler Perry on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Owen was cast as the recurring role of Zach the barber in the fifth season of the TBS comedy series “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

In addition to his memorable series roles, Owen writes, produces, and performs his groundbreaking standup comedy specials most of which have aired on Showtime: BLACK FAMOUS, #DOIN’ WHAT I DO, I GOT MY ASSOCIATES, I AGREE WITH MYSELF, TRUE STORY, URBAN LEGEND, and BREAKIN’ OUT THE PARK.

In 2014, he served as the host of the hugely popular comedy special “Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam - Live from Orlando”. Other standout comedy performances include “Mike Epps Presents: Live from Club Nokia” He also starred in “Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment,” which aired on Starz in 2005.

In addition to his breadth of comedic work in films, television, and standup, Owen works closely with the nonprofit Facing Addiction, an organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis in America. Having lost his own brother to heroin addiction, Owen regularly speaks and performs to raise awareness and support for the organization’s mission.

Owen grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and has always had a passion for comedy. In fact, he enrolled in the US navy following high school as a way to get out to Hollywood and break into the business. While in the Navy, he was chosen for the prestigious Presidential Honor Guard. . During this time, he would drive to LA to perform standup comedy and he got his first break: two appearances on the multicultural comedy showcase, “BET's ComicView,” a competition which he won and so began his outstanding career.