Phil DiTommaso travels all over the country to perform at various clubs churches, radio and television stations, and even a one-man show off-Broadway. He delivers a unique look at marriage (what is potpourri?), raising children (adults are the ones who need the time-out!), getting older(receiving mail from the AARP), and living in Orlando, Florida (The Olive Garden is NOT an Italian restaurant!). He continues to fly across these great United States wondering, Why do we have to put our seats in the upright position?
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Phil DiTommaso was a natural comedian since birth. In the maternity ward, instead of all the babies crying, Phil had them laughing. They were a great crowd!
Over the past 20 years, Phil DiTommaso has traveled all over the country to various clubs such as The Improv in New York and L.A., Caroline's and The Gotham Comedy Club in New York City, and Bonkerz in Orlando. He's headlined at Stand-Up New York's Clean Comedy Night and performed his one-man show off-Broadway in New York. He's also co-hosted Orlando's WTLN morning radio show and has done many other radio and television spots.
While performing throughout New York City, God touched Phil's life. He literally cleaned up Phil's act. Phil went from being a foul-mouthed, angry comic to the clean, mature professional he is today. This Italian–American will clear up all the stereotypes you may have about Italian–Americans and the Mafia. Growing up surrounded by people who always "knew a guy," Phil feels that we, as Christians, are the ones who really "know a Guy!"
Phil has performed at churches of all denominations across the country. Phil has also performed at the National Outreach Convention in San Diego and the National Religious Broadcasters Association Convention in Dallas, Texas. Phil's latest video is a one-hour Family Network Television special called "Bananas."
Phil is currently hosting a half-hour television show on WTGL Channel 45's "The Good Life." He also produces "Kingdom Comedy" nights in Orlando, FL and teaches Comedy/Improv at LifeQuest Academy in Lake Mary, Florida. And, through it all, he continues to fly across these great United States wondering why we have to put our seats in the upright position!
"Although comedy has always been a passion of mine, it has not always been centered around or glorified Jesus Christ. While I was pursuing a career in comedy in New York in the early part of my life, the loss of someone very close to me caused me to step out of the fast pace of New York and take a personal evaluation of my life; where it was going and where would I spend eternity when it ended. I didn't know where to turn, so I felt that if there were any answers to spiritual questions, no one could tell me better than if I read it myself. I went to look for a Bible. I was never one to take someone's word on any matter. I had to search it out myself. I never really had a relationship with God as a child, things were always tough and I guess I blamed him for all the bad stuff instead of trusting him through it.
"After casually starting to read the Gospel of Matthew, the words started to jump off the page. I knew I needed a Savior and Jesus was the man. I found a Spirit-filled church that preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ and soon, God's Holy Spirit started to do His work. Can I say that God literally "cleaned up my act." I gradually went from a foul-mouthed abusive comedian to the performer/minister that I am today. God has taken me a long way and is still working in me. That was about 14 years ago, but now when I do a show I try to slip in something about my testimony in a light hearted, casual way. Some have called me a "Subliminal Evangelist." I have done as many outreaches and benefits as I have done "shows." That includes prisons, missions, homes for runaways and so on. I feel that the gift to make people laugh needs to be spread not only "in" the church, but through the church walls and out into the community. Over the years I have frequently talked with pastors and leaders on what their goals or plans are for the evening so to be versatile in their program.
"Although many people quote proverbs 17:22 when dealing with comedians, the scripture that jumped out at me from the very beginning is Genesis 21:6. It talks about how God caused Sarah to laugh at the news of the birth of Isaac. I believe God wants us to laugh and be filled with joy. I know that this is a very important ministry because for that one evening, when you hear the laughter, no one has any problems, anxieties or concerns for that period of time."