“Okay, my name is Timmy, and I’m a fat, single dad who talks about his wiener on stage. Ladies… ,” said Timmy WIlliams in the opening for his comedy stand-up show, Oct. 15.

As a comedian, Williams claims he does not shy away from tackling what can be considered edgy humor, and that did not change for Williams when he performed stand-up in Jack’s Place at The Union.

Timmy Williams is a comedian from Watertown, S.D. He joined “The Whitest Kids U’Know,” a sketch-comedy group and television series in New York once he moved to the city in 2001.

“I kind of just fell into it,” Williams said. “I didn’t expect to be a part of it, but I just met so many people who did it in New York when I was there and became involved in it that way.”

Williams found experience through trial and error, performing from local bars and theaters. He honed his comedic skills by writing his own material.

“I never went to school for comedy. I think where I really got my comedy chops was through ‘Whitest Kids,’” Williams said. “With comedy, classes can definitely help you be good, but the best way to be a great comedian is to just get out there and do it.”

Before each stand-up event, Williams prepares a setlist of general topics that he wants to discuss for the show. He refers to this list and offers his comedic spin on these topics, ranging from gun control to religion.

“Timmy’s really funny. I’ve followed him since he was in ‘Whitest Kids.’ Everything he does jumps from topic to topic and it’s hilarious,” said Tyus Beeson who attended the show hosted by the University Program Council. “Especially with his show tonight, he really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.”

Williams’ stand-up sketch ran for about an hour, with the audience laughing throughout as he addressed complicated family issues, drug magazines and even how he wants to die.

UPC entertainment coordinator Brittney McClendon was pleased with the turnout from the event.

“We actually didn’t expect as many people as we had turn up. We had about 175 people cram in here. It was definitely a different vibe than the events we usually set up for,” McClendon said. 

The UPC advertised for the stand-up night in the weeks leading up to the Thursday event with posters and news bulletins around campus.

Williams performed at colleges around the country many times before with “White Kids,” but never stand-up independently.

“I’ve always wanted to do a college [stand-up] show. With stand-up, you get a kind of instant feedback and sometimes an instant gratification for the work you come up with,” Williams said. 

Williams wants aspiring comics to know, “There are a lot of places in the Midwest for comedy. Don’t worry about being edgy or memorable,” he said. “Be yourself. I know that sounds like a self-help book, but that’ll definitely make more you memorable.”