2024 John Henton

Bio:

Born and raised in Cleveland, John Henton never entertained the thought of a career in comedy. In 1982, while working during the day and studying computer science at night, Henton was urged by a co-worker to try his jokes at a local comedy club’s amateur night. By his second night, Henton won the amateur night contest and began stand-up part time. Henton made the move to Los Angeles in 1985 and by 1988 started his stand-up career full time.
After taking his comedy on the road for a year and winning the 1991 Johnny Walker National Comedy Search, Henton was spotted by “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” comedy executive, the late Jim McCawley, who booked him for a performance on the show. As he finished his set, Henton looked to Carson for his approval and received much more. Henton was called over to take a seat on the coveted couch where Carson asked him if he had an agent. To Henton’s reply of “no,” Carson mugged, “Well, you will after tonight.” It was a performance that Henton says gave his career a “serious jump-start.”