Jay Lawrence
21-year retired U.S. Army combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and stand-up comedian bringing a soldier's truth to the stage.
Biography
Jay Lawrence is a New York-based stand-up comedian, 21-year retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient who has turned a lifetime of experiences into comedy. Known for his relatable storytelling, quick wit, and straight-to-the-point delivery, Jay finds the funny in military life, marriage, family, getting older, and the everyday situations that somehow become great stories once you survive them. In 2026, Jay created and led the United We Stand-Up Veteran Comedy Tour, a multi-city comedy tour that brought Veteran and Veteran-affiliated comedians to stages throughout the East Coast. Jay has performed at comedy venues across the country, including Carolines on Broadway, The Stand, Comic Strip Live, Broadway Comedy Club, EastVille Comedy Club, DC Comedy Loft, Flappers Comedy Club, and Punchline Comedy Club Atlanta. Whether he's talking about surviving 21 years in the Army, marriage, middle age, or everyday life, Jay brings an authentic voice, natural stage presence, and a unique perspective to every performance.