This summer, however, Gavin hit one of the most difficult traditional hallmarks incomedy.
She successfully mounted a buzzy show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Extra shows were added and those sold out too.
Ashley Gavin.Alex Gallucki.
The show chronicles how an anxiety-ridden Gavin deals with finding out her long-time therapist has been diagnosed with cancer.
Her podcastWere Having Gay Sexhas a substantial following and has had guests like Jojo Siwa and comedian Hannah Berner.
Gavin is also Carnival Cruise lines first openly gay performer.
DEADLINE: How was your Fringe experience?
Have you been before?
ASHLEY GAVIN:No, it was my first time.
I went in having no idea what to expect.
As an American, I know we have our own style.
I dont know much about the style in the UK.
So I just tried to clear my mind, so I wouldnt mess with my approach to the show.
So everything after that was a real pleasant surprise.
We sold out, which I didnt think was possible.
Thats how I went to see shows.
So it was nice to just really have it be about the shows.
Everything is dedicated to the art that youre making as opposed to social media and all this other stuff.
DEADLINE: Is it rare for Americans to perform at Fringe?
GAVIN:I dont know if its rare but it is within my friendship groups.
I think only two or three of the traditional stand-ups I know have been.
DEADLINE: The set has such a strong narrative, which is rare for comedy in the UK.
Did you notice any differences between how it landed at Fringe compared with the U.S.?
GAVIN:Im very lucky because I got to rehearse my set.
When American comedians usually go over they dont always have a platform or an audience to rehearse their set.
There are pool tables in the back, foosball, and a fan that turns on every 15 minutes.
It is not good.
I had to just keep telling myself that it would work at the Fringe.
DEADLINE: Where do you run your weekly show?
GAVIN:I love the venue.
Its called Sour Mouse on the Lower East Side.
Theres a giant neon green Mouse on the building.
Its just not a great place to be talking about your dead father and your relationship with your therapist.
DEADLINE: Youre very popular on TikTok.
The path forward for comedians is now much more unconventional thanks to social media.
Previously people would tour the live comedy scene and then maybe graduate to a Comedy Central gig.
Whats the path forward these days?
GAVIN:I feel so lucky that I started stand-up before all this happened.
When I started, I just wanted to be good.
Now people have to be good and also go viral.
People dont look at those steps, you know, the late-night set, the Comedy Central gig.
Those were eroding when I was coming up in comedy, but we didnt know they were eroding.
DEADLINE: So what is comedy now?
GAVIN:I think its like everything else happening in culture right now.
We are becoming fragmented into our little bubbles and theyre becoming more and more refined.
Thats another reason why the Fringe was so awesome.
Fringe is the only remaining event that is slightly untouched by social media.
DEADLINE: During the set, I couldnt help but think about the story as a TV show.
It really has that structure.
Are you working on an adaptation?
GAVIN:Let everyone know!
I have a couple of irons in the fire with TV and film.
Its a crazy industry, but we hope one of them works out.
People were attempting to cancel you online.
How did that whole experience affect you?
GAVIN:Yeah, it was difficult.
Im not gonna lie.
But after getting through it you have to learn something.
If you are a good comedian, youre learning something every time you go on stage.
That reframed my understanding of my own brand and how I introduce it to people.
All you might really do as a comedian is keep on understanding who your audience is.
DEADLINE: Did the situation hurt any opportunities or gigs you had lined up?
GAVIN: No, not really.
DEADLINE: Your performance is so theatrical.
It is really acting.
Do you have plans to act formally?
Ive done a little.
Ive been lucky enough to do some small things and hopefully can do more.
DEADLINE: What are you working on next?
GAVIN: My new special.
I have no dates for that yet.
Thats more traditional stand-up.
Im also going on tour.
Definitely in the US and probably Australia.
And my podcast, which is still going great.
DEADLINE: Comedy specials used to be these very grand events.
What are they today?
I know many comedians like Andrew Schultz have found great success putting their work online.
GAVIN: I put my first special on YouTube.
It did well and got a million views which was super cool.
Now, the special has totally changed.
Its now really short-form videos where fans can come and see your work.
Its a gift to the fans.
But its not like back in the day when the only place you could discover Chris Rock was live.
Comedy specials were how America was introduced to Chris Rock.
Now its the total opposite.
America is introduced to you online and then the special follows.
So the idea of creating a groundbreaking special is way more difficult because youre inundated with choice.
And were in such a fractured time, so what is a groundbreaking special anymore?
I dont even know the answer to that.
Its an interesting time for sure.
DEADLINE: Youre a queer comedian and you talk about queer experiences in your show.
Do you ever find it hard to perform in front of largely straight audiences?
GAVIN: I have the opposite problem.
I struggle with queer audiences and I do better with straight audiences.
Here lies the Ashley Gavin branding problem.
Im just gay enough to look like its a gay show.
But Im not that stereotypical queer comedian.
Im not that guy.
You cant truly be for everyone and be a good stand-up.
Its just not possible.
You have to just try and stay true to your point of view.
You want to try and invite everybody in.
That is my job as a comedian.
Thats what Im supposed to do.
Im supposed to talk about different cultures.
And thats what I love about Chris Rock.
He made Black culture interesting and accessible to white people.
If I can hit that level I will be thrilled with my career.
I dont think weve had a gay comedian really do that.
