Pasadena’s Ice House Hosts Humor and Heart with Ahmed Ahmed

Ahmed Ahmed. – Courtesy photo

The Ice House comedy Club welcomes actor and comedian Ahmed Ahmed when he headlines on Saturday, April 27.

Egyptian-American actor, comedian, producer, and director Ahmed Ahmed is one of the most diverse, multi-faceted talents in the entertainment industry today. Born in Helwan, Egypt and raised in Riverside, California Ahmed immigrated to the US when he was one month old with his family. When he was 19 years old he made the move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His first big break was in the suspense, action film Executive Decision alongside Kurt Russell, Steven Segal, and Halle Berry in 1996. Ahmed went on to appear in a handful of blockbuster and cult hit features including “Swingers”, “Iron Man”, and “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan.” On the television front, Ahmed has appeared on top series such as “Tracy Takes On”, “Weeds”, and “Roseanne” to name a few. He starred as “Ahmed” on TBS’ hit comedy series “Sullivan & Son” and was one of the few Arab-American actors playing a non-stereotypical role on a comedy sitcom.

In 2011, Ahmed made his directorial debut with his groundbreaking documentary “Just Like Us”. The film premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, and went on to be selected at 30 international film festivals, winning several “Best Director” and “Best Documentary” awards. The documentary, a celebration of culture and comedy, follows Ahmed and ten American comedians through Dubai, Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, performing in front of over 20,000 Arabs and Muslims across the region. “Just Like Us” garnered Ahmed attention on the political front, and he was invited to The White House to have dinner with President Obama, and was also invited to The State Department to have dinner with Hilary Clinton—as they commended him on creating a project that made an effort to break down barriers and encourage cross-cultural dialogue. Ahmed is currently in post-production on “Just Like Us Too”, which takes place in Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Oman.

While working in film and television Ahmed’s profile in comedy continues to rise, including being handpicked by Vince Vaughn for his “Wild West Comedy Tour”. In 2005, Ahmed cofounded and performed in the “Axis of Evil Comedy Tour” which aired on Comedy Central as the first ever Middle Eastern stand-up comedy special. Ahmed is also the winner of the first annual Richard Pryor Award for Ethnic Comedy at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival in Scotland.

Ahmed Ahmed will headline two shows on April 27. There is a two-drink minimum and patrons must be at least 21 to attend. The Ice House is located at 24 N. Mentor Ave. in Pasadena. For more info or to purchase tickets, call (626) 577-1894 or visit icehousecomedy.com.