Talking With Bill Dawes – May 18, 2026
The Laugh Factory at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, May 18-24
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with comedian Bill Dawes, performing in The Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas May 18–24.
In this engaging episode, Bill shares how he made the leap from acting to stand-up comedy after growing frustrated with the lack of collaboration in acting roles and constantly hearing, “just say your lines.” Encouraged by a college friend to try an open mic, Bill admits he bombed badly the first time—but that experience sparked something bigger. He realized failure wasn’t fatal, and he became determined to improve.
Bill reflects on more than 20 years in comedy, discussing why stand-up is one of the most unique and demanding art forms, the importance of strong writing, and how personal truth creates universal comedy. He also talks about being recruited by Wall Street after college, learning discipline through comedy, and how legendary comedy club owner Jamie Masada became one of his mentors.
The conversation also explores how social media has transformed comedy audiences, why certain jokes work everywhere, and how performing at The Laugh Factory became one of his biggest career goals.
It’s a funny, insightful, and honest conversation about persistence, creativity, and finding your authentic voice on stage.
ABOUT BILL:
Bill Dawes is an actor, comic and writer. As an actor, Bill has appeared in several award-winning independent films, as well as starring roles in two MGM Studio children’s films— “Just for Kicks” and “Recipe for Disaster”—and an acting role in the DVD cult hit “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell.” On TV, Bill has been on several hit shows, including “Law and Order,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “Sex and the City,” “OZ” and “Criminal Intent.” He’s also acted on stage in Broadways productions. He has more videos than any other comedian on the Laugh Factory YouTube channel and hosts a Laugh Factory podcast called “The After Laugh.”