Jessica Holmes
Comedian, Author, and Mental Health Advocate
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: Please Inquire
TRAVELS FROM: Canada
Holmes has opened for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as hosted events for such visionaries as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey! Although a comedian at heart, having performed with the Second City and Just for Laughs, Holmes has recently delved into writing: penning the book I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life. Born and raised in Ottawa en Anglais et Francais, Holmes sat back and enjoyed the hilarity that was her family: a handful of older brothers, a mormon father and a feminist mother. Not a sitcom, just her family.
Holmes has opened for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as hosted events for such visionaries as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey! Although a comedian at heart, having performed with the Second City and Just for Laughs, Holmes has recently delved into writing: penning the book I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life. Born and raised in Ottawa en Anglais et Francais, Holmes sat back and enjoyed the hilarity that was her family: a handful of older brothers, a mormon father and a feminist mother. Not a sitcom, just her family.
She attended Canterbury High School for the Performing Arts, majoring in Drama. There, English teacher Jane Moore coached Jessica and her friends on the high school’s Improv Team. They won gold at the Canadian High School Improv Games, and Holmes has always incorporated Jane’s great teachings in her career.
Jessica majored in writing at Ryerson’s Radio & Television Arts BFA program, and again ended up spending her free time involved in comedy: acting in and then directing the annual sketch comedy show, titled RIOT. There, a few of the performers dared each other to try stand up. Four of them, Jessica included, performed at amateur night at The Laugh Resort. Jessica was hooked on the terrifying adrenaline ride that is stand up comedy, and decided to try it on as a career.
The Second City, Just for Laughs and TV shows like Little Big Kid and The Itch got her noticed as a funny, quirky presence in the comedy community. After her comedy special Holmes Alone taped, she was offered her own sketch series: The Holmes Show. A Carol Burnett style series with lots of characters & impressions, Holmes became known for her oddball personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minelli and Geri Halliwell. Holmes was delighted to join the cast of Royal Canadian Air Farce (having applied to be their secretary five years earlier, and been turned down…they still have her typing test!). There she played politicians and celebrities; including Michael Jackson and Jessica Simpson.
During her years on Air Farce, Jessica had two children, Alexa and Jordan, with her actor husband Scott. Having fallen in love with public speaking, Holmes decided to deepen the scope of her material by becoming a Life & Career Coach through San Diego’s Life Purpose Institute.
She attended Canterbury High School for the Performing Arts, majoring in Drama. There, English teacher Jane Moore coached Jessica and her friends on the high school’s Improv Team. They won gold at the Canadian High School Improv Games, and Holmes has always incorporated Jane’s great teachings in her career.
Jessica majored in writing at Ryerson’s Radio & Television Arts BFA program, and again ended up spending her free time involved in comedy: acting in and then directing the annual sketch comedy show, titled RIOT. There, a few of the performers dared each other to try stand up. Four of them, Jessica included, performed at amateur night at The Laugh Resort. Jessica was hooked on the terrifying adrenaline ride that is stand up comedy, and decided to try it on as a career.
The Second City, Just for Laughs and TV shows like Little Big Kid and The Itch got her noticed as a funny, quirky presence in the comedy community. After her comedy special Holmes Alone taped, she was offered her own sketch series: The Holmes Show. A Carol Burnett style series with lots of characters & impressions, Holmes became known for her oddball personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minelli and Geri Halliwell. Holmes was delighted to join the cast of Royal Canadian Air Farce (having applied to be their secretary five years earlier, and been turned down…they still have her typing test!). There she played politicians and celebrities; including Michael Jackson and Jessica Simpson.
During her years on Air Farce, Jessica had two children, Alexa and Jordan, with her actor husband Scott. Having fallen in love with public speaking, Holmes decided to deepen the scope of her material by becoming a Life & Career Coach through San Diego’s Life Purpose Institute.
- Master of Ceremonies
Whether in English, French, or a mix of the two, Holmes provides a memorable performance filled with great off the cuff moments and interactions with the audience. By researching your company in advance of the big day, she’s able to custom tailor the show and incorporate your companies’ values into her performance. Weaving comedy in and out, Holmes maintains a great pace throughout the event, never losing sight of the bottom line: it’s your special event, and it deserves to be extraordinary! - Depression: The Comedy
This is a frank and hilarious account of how it took Jessica Holmes two years to get diagnosed as depressed. It started small: she resented “fun stuff” like girls night out, developed a loathing for words like “wellness,” and avoided foods that promised to prolong her life. Even when she yawned her way through an emceeing job for Oprah Winfrey it didn’t sound any alarms for her. In the nearly two years that she transitioned from “cheerleader” to “zombie”, she hadn’t taken stock of how far she had veered from her ideal life of fulfillment and gratitude.
Jessica’s story, which has a deeply happy ending, relates to anyone who has ever been on a downhill trajectory, whether with health, relationships, or career, who forgot to stop and ask “where am I?” She weaves comedy, characters and music in and out of the presentation to bring levity to a serious subject. She has written about her experience with depression and anxiety in her humorous new book, also called Depression The Comedy. - Laugh It Off And Bring It On
A few years ago, inspired by her own recovery from depression, Jessica trained as a wellness coach and re-committed her life to discovering what creates lasting balance and fulfillment. In this funny and inspiring presentation, Jessica shares hilarious and meaningful personal anecdotes about career, family, stress and mental health to help others re-ignite their spark. Jessica presents her insights in a funny, interactive way, that is rarely seen on stage, complete with songs and impressions. She discusses the latest discoveries in the field of positive psychology, how to turn your embarrassments into punch lines, and measurable ways to achieve greater fulfillment and happiness in work and life. It’s the perfect mix of comedy and wellness. Audiences are motivated to set the bar higher for their personal happiness. - The 60-Minute Perspective Makeover: Proven Tips to Living an Awesome Life!
The secrets of success are the same no matter what business you’re in, and success begins with getting motivated. Inspiration and comedy unite in this 60-minute transformational presentation from “I should…” to “I will!”.
Energizing and funny, Jessica’s call to action combines her trademark character comedy with quirky anecdotes to deliver motivational insights into:
• finding greater meaning in your work
• using positive psychology to be happier day to day
• setting and reaching your goals
• learning to laugh at life’s shortcomings
Jessica gives quick, achievable “how to’s” about these topics and more, in a laugh-out-loud hour of fun. The audience receives introspective takeaways to guarantee that Jessica’s presentation makes a meaningful impact.
We can help ideate, source and book speakers that aren't on our website, too. Leave an inquiry or call us at