Exclusive Interview with Joseph Neibich – Comedian
Joseph Neibich, also known professionally as Joseph Nybyk, is a multifaceted talent with a wide-ranging background in Hollywood’s creative and business spheres. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1997, he has worked behind the scenes at Paramount Pictures in the marketing department and as a creative executive at Landmark Entertainment—initially under the direction of James Cameron on Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time, and later under Michael Jackson after the pop icon acquired the company. In 1998, Neibich transitioned into performance, landing a small role in Jerry Maguire. That move launched a successful career that included over 20 national commercials and roles in various film and television productions. Around the same time, he discovered a passion for stand-up comedy. Drawing from his experiences bartending at the iconic Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel, Neibich developed a sharp and hilarious routine filled with celebrity encounters, which he has since performed at clubs and colleges across the country. A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South, where he earned a degree in political theory and pre-law, Neibich is also a Gilbert, Arizona native and a former University of Arizona attendee. He began his comedy journey working the door at the legendary Comedy Store in Hollywood, a position held by many of the greats, and a formative experience that gave him firsthand exposure to comedic masters like Joe Rogan, Jay Leno, Andrew Dice Clay, and Richard Pryor. As a stand-up comedian, Neibich has built a national following, performing at casinos, clubs, cruises, corporate events, and colleges. He has served as house emcee at major venues including Laffs Comedy Caffé, the Laugh Factory, Stand Up Scottsdale, and the Comedy Spot in Scottsdale. In 2025, he was named “Best Comedian” by Tucson Weekly. In addition to his work in comedy, Neibich wrote, directed, and starred in his debut feature film, Ocean Front Property, and has already secured financing for his second feature, solidifying his role as an accomplished filmmaker.
NY Glam: What first drew you to the entertainment industry—was it the creative or the business side that pulled you in initially?
A couple friends pulled me along to an audition for Jerry Maguire and I was the only without any acting experience and wound up being only one out of 7 Arizona guys picked out of the 2000 people who showed up to audition. Not bad for a guy who only went along cause his friend needed a ride.
NY Glam: Tell us about your early experience working with industry legends like James Cameron and Michael Jackson. What did you learn during that time?
Working as a PA at Landmark for industry titans like Michael Jackson and James Cameron gave me a rare education in the pursuit of excellence across two very different worlds—music and film. From Michael, I learned the power of perfectionism and emotional connection: how every detail, from choreography to lighting, contributes to a larger story that moves people deeply. From James, I gained insight into the art of innovation, leadership under pressure, and the discipline it takes to build massive cinematic worlds from the ground up. In both experiences, I saw firsthand that greatness requires not just talent, but relentless vision, resilience, attention to detail, and the courage to push boundaries as well as your own limits.
NY Glam: How did your transition from executive to actor unfold after your role in Jerry Maguire?
I was always going back and forth. I started working full time at a very young age and basically put myself through college so my skills and work ethic were desperately needed in an industry full of talkers. When it comes to going back and forth between acting and working, it was just a matter of convincing my company I could do both. And If I couldn’t, I’d always take the acting job.
NY Glam: With over 20 national commercials and a variety of roles, what have been the most memorable moments in your acting career?
There have been so many. I’ve done spots with Tiger Woods, JJ Watt, Kurt Warner, and Larry Fitzgerald. And they were all class acts, but my favorites would have to be the artists I connected with that I later went on to collaborate with on projects large and small.
NY Glam: What inspired your shift into stand-up comedy, and how did your time at the Beverly Hills Hotel influence your material?
Funny, stand up was always my passion, but I booked so much work as a writer and an actor it drew me away from it. But it’s always been my first love and I love knowing that the stage will always take you back. When it comes to the Pink Palace, I loved working there. I thought it would be just another job, but it was an experience. The employees were a giant extended family with so many talented actors and musicians. I still miss it to this day. I also got to meet everyone who’s anyone while working there: from every US president to the Queen. The Saudi royal, the Kuwaiti royals, and the Sultan of Brunei. When it comes to material, I do a little run on the yahoos I served.
NY Glam: You’ve performed at top comedy venues and toured nationally—what do you love most about live performance?
There’s nothing like performing in front of a live audience. With acting the audience is pretty much just watching, but with stand up, it’s a dialogue. And their energy makes it feel like crowd surfing.
NY Glam: What was it like working the door at the Comedy Store early in your comedy journey, and how did that environment shape your approach to the craft?
The Comedy Store is a great proving ground. One, you get to see all the best guys and you how it’s done at it’s highest level from top guys like Joey Diaz and Andrew Dice Clay. You also get to see how it’s done the wrong way by guys at the Potluck shows on Sunday night.
NY Glam: Your first feature film Ocean Front Property marks a big milestone. What was it like to write, direct, and star in your own movie?
It was such a challenge. So many sleepless nights, but every day I kept telling myself, I can do this. I can really do this.
NY Glam: As both a filmmaker and a comedian, how do you balance the two creative identities?
It’s all the same art that we are all experiencing collectively.
NY Glam: Having also worked as a producer, what unique perspective do you bring to projects from behind the camera?
As a producer, I just want to be sure we hire the right people and do everything the right way. In order for that to happen, I have to make sure they have everything they need to be successful from the money to equipment and staff.
NY Glam: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in Hollywood, and how did you overcome it?
Like everyone else in Hollywood, my biggest challenge has always been parking. It’s impossible to find a spot in that town. Now I just Uber around to avoid the stress of traffic and $25 parking spots.
NY Glam: Who are the people who’ve had the biggest impact on your artistic journey?
Without fail the people who have the biggest impact on you are the ones you date. I’ve been blessed with some amazing relationships and I truly them all.
NY Glam: What’s next for you—any upcoming projects or performances our readers should look out for?
Right now I am excited about so many things. I’m putting together 5 separate features with some of the hottest up and coming directors in Hollywood. I can’t get into specifics, but you’ll be hearing about it in the trades soon. I’m just grateful to be surrounded by a cast of crazy, wonderful, supportive people. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I thank god for it everyday.
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