Ottawa-based comedian George Assily describes his comedy style in the simplest possible way: “An experience.” Known for his sharp wit, unpredictable energy, and unapologetic humour, Assily brings a chaotic charm to every set—whether he’s riffing on local absurdities or diving into the surreal. Influenced by everyone from Frank Zappa to Andy Kaufman and Louis CK, his approach fuses absurdism with biting social insight and pure mischief. A regular at venues like House of Jazz in Laval—which he jokingly calls his “Saddam Hussein palace”—Assily is also the co-host of the podcast Lebanese Weight Watchers, alongside Cesar Makhoul and Alex Awad.
How would you describe your comedy style?
An experience.
Who are some of your influences?
Sam Hyde, Frank Zappa, Nick Mullen, Shane Gillis, George Patton, Louis CK, Mike Dambra, Mike Bullard, Wafik Nasrallah, Cesar Makhoul, Ben Hagel, Suga Free, Dick Shawn, Andy Kaufman, Doug Stanhope, Emmett Morrison, Dustin Visser, Chris Paul, Jeffrey Davis, Mitch Muirhead, Sam Labun, Jake Daly, Mike Tymofie, Brent Weinbach.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
My favourite comedian growing up was Danny Bhoy. I don’t know why but watching him on the JFL reruns on TV really struck me.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I never have one, it’s always retrospective.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I jump around in the green room like a little autistic freak.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
House of Jazz in Laval. It’s a jazz club decorated like a palace. I feel like Saddam Hussein when I perform there.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
At this point, Instagram. I have a peanut squirrelled sized brain, and I no longer have patience to watch anything more than 20 minutes or listen to podcasts.
Tell us a joke about your city.
The Garlic King in Ottawa is actually a war criminal from Lebanon. Put me on record.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Lebanese Weight Watchers, my podcast with my co-stars Cesar Makhoul and Alex Awad.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Peter Bowen. He is black, and he heals a crowd. When you have got one incel or edgelord after another, Peter Bowen will come in and spiritually revive a crowd of middle-aged tourists by simply being the only charismatic black man in a 20-meter radius. We need him to clean up our messes a lot of the time, lol.
