Les Long: the Gospel Funny Man

I've had the pleasure of working with Les in the pass. I Was interviewed on his show "The Les Long Show" twice.
Check out his show ( me on his shows) on local tv networks or catch one of his many live shows!

There is a new age of funny rising from the underground, and making its way to mainstream comedy. Comedians, who used to only be found in nightclubs, are still bringing down the house, but have taken the show into the house of God. While most are aware of the works of such comedians as Steve Harvey, there happens to be a more local celebrity bringing humor to the church. Halbert Cisco Long, known simply as “Les Long”, is a North Carolina native who found his passion in bringing a smile to people’s faces with his Gospel comedy acts.

“It’s not new, but it’s new to comedy,” said Long in a phone interview. “There’s far more churches than nightclubs in an area, so it’s good for business.”

While getting paid for his acts, Long does not reach out the good people of the church for financial gain. He finds more satisfaction in entertaining God’s people in the Lord’s house. Now, you may be able to catch him doing a few nightclub stand-up acts every blue moon or so, but his passion can be found with the church. “I grew up going to church; I’m very God-fearing,” said Long in a phone interview.

Long not only serves as a funny man, but he has produced two stand-up comedy shows. The first being “3 Fools for the Lord” inspired by a biblical quote. He along with D. L. Henry and Tim Shrop, tour across the state speaking about trying to do the right things in life and maintaining a relationship with God.

“’We are fools for Christ sake, but ye are wise in Christ’,” Long quoted, “We’ve been fools over material things; why not God?”

Because his acts are clean, and 60% of the acts are based on his Christian faith, he can identify with all ages from pre-teens to the elderly. His shows mainly focus on the everyday life of the average person, and the struggles that are met while traveling the proverbial road. Long says that a lot of the jokes that he makes for others to enjoy are reflections of his self. Thus came the inspiration for his comedy show “Who’s A Raggedy Christian?”

“A ‘raggedy Christian’ is defined as someone whose faith is strong, but actions aren’t Christian-like all the time,” said Long, “I’m no saint by a long shot. I’m cool with the person I used to be, but I appreciate the man I am now. I’m just trying to get it right. I’m the same as the people I talk to: flawed.”

Les long grew up in Louisburg, NC, and made a name for himself as a comic at a young age. “At a young age, I had a drive to be an entertainer,” said Long, “I was always in front of friends and family clowning.”

After grabbing people’s attention at an open mic event, Long was approached with the idea of doing an act for a local church. The rest became history. Not only has Les Long had the opportunity to travel and make people laugh, but also his comedy has caught a lot of people’s attention, and has opened many doors for him including a radio and television show.

“I don’t let any door in my face stop me from pressing on,” said Long, “I’m truly blessed.”