Feast Is One Club’s Holiday Headliner

Angelenos who ventured to the Laugh Factory on Thursday got more than a laugh.

In addition to healthy helpings of humor, they were treated to ample portions of hospitality and a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings.

For nearly 20 years, the comedy club’s owner, Jamie Masada has invited the homeless, plus comedians and actors awaiting their big break, to celebrate turkey day with him.

Thursday, a smiling Masada once again stood in front of the main door and welcomed visitors.

Walk-ins recognized him and greeted the host with handshakes and hugs.

Some guests, such as 28-year-old Mike Gabriel, even tried giving something back to Masada.

“Hey, man, I tried giving a present to show my appreciation and you would not take it,” said Gabriel as the host turned down a gift offer.

“This means a lot for comedians like me, man,” Gabriel said, running his fingers through hair that reached his elbows. “I have no family or . . . anyone here.”

Masada only smiled.

“No, no presents,” he said as he handed out disposable plates and utensils.

Masada came to the United States in 1979, and--as with many of those he entertained this Thanksgiving--his only worldly possessions were the contents of an old suitcase. He worked hard as a comedian and a few years later opened the Laugh Factory.

Ever since, he has felt the need to help others along the way, Masada said.

“I have a car, a house. I’m grateful for what I have,” he said. “Giving back makes me feel good.”

Long lines of guests, almost 2,000 in four seatings by the end of the day, queued up and then filled the club, which is about the size of a tennis court.

Most of them dressed up for the occasion, applying makeup and wearing evening gowns, suits and fancy hats. Others, like Rebecca Williams, who said she is homeless, brought little but their sense of humor.

“You looking for a homeless comedian?” Williams shouted as she waited in line. “I have been coming here, to perform, since 1984. This is like family.”

Other comedians such as Harland Williams, Paul Money and Martina Jones helped serve the 36 turkeys and side dishes: 500 pounds of breast, 100 pounds of dark meat, 50 gallons of gravy, 100 pounds of potatoes, 100 pounds of stuffing, 175 apple pies and 175 pumpkin pies, said Family Affairs restaurant chef Darryl Johnson.

Comedians were not the only ones taking time from their holidays to help the needy. Johnson, his wife, Denise, and a handful of volunteers spent four days preparing the big meal.

The payoff came when the guests tasted the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

“I am a chef,” Johnson said. “I love seeing people enjoy my food.”

The celebration was to end at 10 p.m., but every year when Masada leaves the club, he feels he needs to do more.

Driving home, he sees some of the homeless and the comedians whom he invites every year sitting on the streets, facing the dirty sidewalks and staring at the sky, the traffic and the busy people rushing by.

Masada will again open the doors of his club at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Christmas Day to welcome old and new friends with a similar meal.

‘We all are part of a big family, celebrating together,” he said.