As I delve deeper into Byron Bowers‘ captivating journey, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by his unique blend of storytelling prowess and comedic versatility. He’s a performer who masterfully navigates the intricate dance between laughter and tears, light and dark, making him a truly mesmerizing artist.
Around 8:15 in the morning, on a particularly warm midsummer Friday, approximately 40 miles northeast of the bustling TMZ area in Hollywood, I’m making every effort to match the speed of a chocolate-hued Porsche 911 leading the way.
As we navigate through the secluded gorges along Angeles Crest Highway within Angeles National Forest, en route to Newcomb’s Ranch for the Good Vibes Breakfast Club, I grab the handheld radio in the Hyundai Elantra N, its sporty edition, from the front seat. I transmit, “Carry on without me, proceed ahead.”
Just moments after, the chocolate-hued 911, affectionately dubbed “Rolling Coffee Bean” by its owner, comedian Byron Bowers, roars off, weaving through the straightaways and curves of Little Tujunga Canyon until it disappears as a speck in the horizon. (as a gamer, I could imagine myself riding along in that speedy machine)
The Good Vibes Breakfast Club isn’t about automobiles gathering or exhibiting; instead, it offers an opportunity for car enthusiasts to start their day over coffee, share stories about their vehicles, and, in a town that demands constant vigilance, find a moment of relaxation amidst like-minded individuals who share the same passion for cars.
Initially, I met Bowers through car events and recognizing him around Los Angeles’ automotive scene. However, it’s become challenging to avoid recognizing him now, given his extensive career as a comedian and recent FX special titled “Byron Bowers: Spiritual N***a” (a name he humorously chose due to its off-limits nature for some). As an actor, he’s appeared in shows like The Chi, Honey Boy, and Concrete Cowboy, and now, playing Slappy Johnson in the Apple TV+ series Lady in the Lake (produced by Alma Har’el), he’s really made a name for himself, especially as an unemployed husband pursuing stand-up comedy.
As a dedicated automobile enthusiast, I found myself immersed in car gatherings since 2011. However, life took a turn, and I became less active for a while. But the allure of the open road and my passion for the iconic Porsche 911 rekindled during the pandemic. When I made my comeback at Good Vibes, it was clear that my presence was not just noticed – it was remembered.
Good Vibes, as its name suggests, is a unique car community founded by Jay Ryan and his late wife Nicole. This community, in response to the hardship of Nicole’s illness, has shown an incredible outpouring of love and compassion towards Jay. Actor Phil Morris, renowned for his role as Jackie Chiles on Seinfeld, expresses this sentiment: “I immediately felt a sense of belonging within this community,” he says. “I had friends who were already part of it, and they introduced me to Jay and Nicole, who played significant roles in this community. Being recognized mainly for my work on Seinfeld, I was warmly welcomed and supported by the fans, who are avid Seinfeld enthusiasts.”
Bowers, with his engineering background from Southern Polytechnic State University, has always had a passion for cars and enjoys modifying them. He says, “For me, driving a stock car is not an option; I have to customize it. My 911, for instance, boasts unique modifications that enhance its handling, along with some internal and external updates to give it a classic look.”
As I chat with Bowers and witness his craft, I can’t help but ponder if he’s an exceptionally skilled dramatic actor with a knack for humor, or perhaps a comedian capable of delving into the most serious roles.
When prompted about his self-perception, Bowers, after a moment’s reflection, states: “I consider myself a storyteller. Perhaps this is the dilemma I face within the game. I alleviate tension, if you will, in a spiritual sense – I generate tension and then I relieve it. That’s what I excel at. Imagine dualism as a person. So if it’s light, I can make it dark, and if it’s dark, I can make it light. This is why I sometimes find comedy challenging, because I tend to take it in a more serious direction.”
Beginning his career as a stand-up comedian back in 2005, Bowers relocated to Los Angeles in 2008. Initially, he followed a more conventional approach to comedy. However, over time, he evolved into a unique style of humor that serves as a therapeutic outlet, addressing topics such as mental health struggles, schizophrenia, family dynamics, drug abuse, and racial issues in the U.S., all while maintaining a consistently humorous tone.
When asked about the evolution of his audience this year, Bowers expresses that he believes they are individuals who have come to terms with life. They’ve likely experienced some form of traumatic event, and they’re not shy about finding humor in those experiences. Bowers continues to perform stand-up, honing his comedic skills at the Comedy Store in West Hollywood, and is looking forward to touring, focusing now on which story he wants to share.
Bowers, who has collaborated with directors such as Steven Soderbergh and Olivier Assayas, and creatives like Lena Waithe and Donald Glover, shares that his journey from behind the scenes wasn’t always straightforward. “What significantly aided my transition to acting was encountering individuals who recognized my potential beyond what the authorities did. For instance, meeting casting director Carmen Cuba, whose influence was instrumental in my shift towards dramatic acting – she trusted me to excel in any role she championed for me. It’s essential not just that people believe in you but also that they are prepared to advocate for you. You must then prove your worth by delivering exceptional performances.”
Har’el, whom Bowers began dating after they worked together on the set of “Honey Boy” starring Shia LaBeouf, played a significant role in his personal evolution. As Bowers put it, “Dating a filmmaker offers me insights into the entertainment industry beyond comedy.” He further explained, “The Hollywood industry often tries to pigeonhole me, but when I don’t fit their mold, they tend to discard you. That’s why Alma created Slappy, a character not found in the original “Lady in the Lake” book. Alma wrote that part specifically for me to perform, showcasing my diverse range of talents – comedy, drama, and storytelling.”
Bowers shared with me how he developed the stand-up scenes for the 1960s period piece, Slappy Johnson. Originally, it was meant to last just a minute, but after they called ‘cut’ and said ‘let’s do it again’, the extras arrived. As you know, jokes can be like that – once you land one, it feels like the ground has been taken out from beneath you, and you have to keep going. So, I ended up extending the scene, and as they pushed me harder and harder, the audience kept laughing more and more. This is how the performance eventually grew to around 20 minutes.
As I depart from Good Vibes and look out my vehicle’s window, I can’t help but be reminded of the story, as I witness Bowers, accompanied by a cluster of auto enthusiasts, chuckling heartily, seemingly oblivious to any tomorrow.
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2024-08-24 00:26