ISMO has been called “the most insightful comic in Finland” and as a new resident in the United States, Ismo continues to be the ultimate observer. His uniquely observational comedy makes people see familiar things differently through his new-to-America perspective.
In 2021, ISMO published the international edition of his bestselling book “US & us: Surviving Hollywood With Comedy”. One of the most listened to audiobooks in Finland, ISMO gave fans an honest behind the scenes glimpse of stand-up comedy in the United States and a comedic recounting of the differences between the Finnish and American cultures. Following the success of his first book, ISMO is slated to write a follow-up in 2023.
ISMO’s universally hilarious point of view has attracted fans like Gabriel Iglesias who recently asked ISMO to open for his groundbreaking special at Dodger Stadium in front of 60,000 fans.
ISMO started his comedy career in 2002 in his home country of Finland and is the top performing comedian in that country today. He wrote and starred in 2 seasons of his own sitcom, ISMO. While selling out theaters across Finland, he filmed four specials and continues to tour annually across Europe when he is not headlining in the U.S.
His U.S. debut was in 2014 at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood where ISMO won the title of “The Funniest Person in the World.” In December 2015, he relocated to Los Angeles, and now performs to sold-out crowds around the world including: the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Europe. He has also gained attention at the biggest comedy festivals including: Just For Laughs (Montreal, Toronto and Bermuda), Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, and The New Zealand International Comedy Festival. ISMO can be seen regularly performing in LA clubs and headlining across the US. This year he sold out ISMO & FRIENDS at his home club The Laugh Factory, for the inaugural Netflix Is a Joke Festival.
In 2018, ISMO was the first Finnish comedian to perform on Conan and the clip of his set has become one of the most viewed late-night sets with over 106 million views. In the fall of 2019, ISMO made his debut appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden with an overwhelming response. He has also been seen on NBC’s Bring The Funny, NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly and in January 2019, he teamed up with Merriam Webster to release a digital comedy series of videos roasting the English language.
