It’s always refreshing to find a celebrity who genuinely embraces skateboarding beyond a fleeting trend. Often, when big names like Bieber or Aquaman dabble in skating, it feels more like a passing hobby. But Whitmer Thomas is different. He’s a comedian who lives and breathes skateboarding, and that authenticity shines through in his work.
Whitmer Thomas, a comedian who openly admits he skates “like a 31-year-old,” has achieved the impressive feat of landing an HBO special, “The Golden One.” This accomplishment alone sets him apart. His humor, a blend of goofiness and unexpected sexuality, resonates with the skateboarding community, mirroring the personas many skaters adopt on dating apps.
We caught up with Whitmer during his visit to New York City, where he was promoting his HBO special. He shared stories about his time working at Active Ride Shop and the challenging journey he undertook to achieve mainstream success. We then headed to the Williamsburg Monument, meeting up with the Canal guys, before watching Whitmer test out new jokes at a couple of stand-up shows. After delving into his creative process, we walked away with a “My War” equivalent for comedy.
Whitmer Thomas leaning against a wall, smiling, wearing a black jacket and a beanie.
From Skate Shop Employee to HBO Special
Whitmer’s journey highlights the dedication required to succeed in both skateboarding and entertainment. His early experiences working at Active Ride Shop undoubtedly influenced his comedic style and provided a foundation for connecting with audiences. This grounding in skate culture sets him apart from other comedians who may only have a superficial understanding of the lifestyle.
Skateboarding and Comedy: A Unique Blend
What makes Whitmer Thomas particularly interesting is his ability to seamlessly integrate his skateboarding background into his comedy. He doesn’t just mention skating as a fun fact; it’s woven into the fabric of his humor, creating a relatable and authentic persona. This blend appeals to skateboarders who appreciate seeing their culture represented in mainstream media.
Whitmer Thomas holding a skateboard, looking at the camera with a slight smile.
The Grind: Honing Jokes Like Skate Tricks
The article draws a parallel between the dedication required to master skateboarding tricks and the process of refining jokes. This “My War” comparison speaks to the relentless effort and perseverance needed to excel in both domains. Just as skaters spend countless hours perfecting their skills, comedians like Whitmer tirelessly work on their material, testing and tweaking it until it lands perfectly.
Connecting with the Canal Crew
Meeting up with the Canal guys in Williamsburg further solidified Whitmer’s connection to the skateboarding community. The Canal crew is known for their raw, unfiltered approach to skating, embodying the rebellious spirit that defines the culture. By associating with them, Whitmer demonstrates his commitment to staying true to his roots.
A group of people standing and sitting at a skate spot, with skateboards visible.
Authenticity Matters
Whitmer Thomas’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not; he embraces his skateboarding background and incorporates it into his comedy. This genuine approach resonates with audiences who are tired of manufactured personas and crave real, relatable content.
In a world where many celebrities treat skateboarding as a fleeting trend, Whitmer Thomas stands out as a true representative of the culture. His journey from skate shop employee to HBO comedian is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of pursuing their passions while staying true to themselves.
