Local Realtor turns real-life experiences into comedy career

by Dan Holland

For Nancy Abraham, a Realtor for Russell Real Estate Services and mother of four, a dare from her co-workers seven years ago ended up spawning a new side-career in comedy.

“Never in my life did I think that I would do stand-up comedy,” said Abraham, who recently performed in the Brecksville Human Services dining hall at a Jan. 31 Coffee, Cake and Comedy event. “But as a Realtor, there was a contest seven years ago called ‘Last Realtor Standing,’ and my office nominated me. I thought I may be funny around the office but not up on a stage.

“I entered the contest and came in second place out of nine Realtors, and it was so much fun and really exhilarating, but I thought, ‘where do I go with comedy?’” she added. “Although it was exhilarating, it was also terrifying. I was a nervous wreck on the days leading up to it, and I didn’t think I could ever do that again – and I didn’t for almost four years.”

The Jan. 31 event included a short presentation on real estate and related services for seniors by several organizations prior to the comedy act. Abraham is a senior real estate specialist.

“I love the senior community,” said Abraham, who previously worked as a private home healthcare provider and nursing assistant. “I learned how difficult it is for seniors when they need to sell their home. So, I got my senior real estate specialist designation in knowing how hard that is for them to downsize or move in with their kids.”

The unique program has opened a number of doors for presentations at area senior centers, said Abraham. “Last year in May was the birth of ‘Coffee, Cake and Comedy,’ where we can come in and tell people what we do, have a panel tell them about what we offer, and then have a free comedy show,” she explained. “We can help them not just with real estate, but if they need an attorney, mortgage specialist or other services.”

When her youngest of four children went away to school a few years back, it freed up time for Abraham to pursue comedy.

“I became a Realtor in my 40s and a comedian in my 50s, and I’m loving life,” said Abraham. “It’s been a real blessing for me to be able to combine both of my careers together, and I’m so blessed to have two careers that I really enjoy that are both about meeting and helping people. I’ve gone through a lot in life, but God has been very good to me.”

Abraham’s first comedy showcase appearance at The Improv in downtown Cleveland ended up being canceled when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. After performing comedy online for a year, she began to produce a number of comedy showcases around Northeast Ohio.

“A friend of a friend, who managed Front Street Social in Berea, told me they were looking for entertainment, and that they might want to have me host a comedy night,” Abraham recalled. “So, I not only became a comedian, but I also became a show producer at the same time. Beginning with that show in Berea, I’ve run five different comedy shows around Northeast Ohio, and they’ve all been very successful.”

Ongoing monthly showcase venues include The Cleveland Winery, Parma Pit Stop and The Eastland Inn.

Abraham, who typically performs six to eight times per month, draws much of her material from everyday life experiences. “My material comes from real life experiences – usually the things that are near and dear to me, especially my four grown children,” said Abraham. “I like to talk about real life happenings that people can relate to. I tell people that there’s always hope in life, and that it’s never too late to do what you love. God gave me this vessel to help people, to make them laugh and to help myself, and I’m really enjoying it.” 

Photo Caption: Brecksville’s Nancy Abraham uses the humor she finds in everyday life to build a second career as a comedian. Photo submitted.