RESPECT. Interview: Philadelphia’s GheeFunny Talks Doing Comedy With His Son, Reaching A Million Followers & Future Goals

Left: Shawn (Son) – Right (GheeFunny)

Eric Lawton, also known as GheeFunny, stars alongside his son, Shawn, in comedic videos made for social media. He’s not trying to be the picture-perfect father. His image looks nothing like the dads in Norman Rockwell paintings, nor the stereotypical type often seen in television for teens. Eric writes one-minute sketches where he and his 9-year-old trade jabs laced with adult humor.

Fans of the pair appreciate the blend of subversive African American comedy traditions with father and son’s satiric ability to capture the challenges of everyday parenting, economic realities, and social commentary.

Unlike his on-screen persona, Eric is laid back with a calm tone of voice, his goals are positively ambitious: He wants Shawn to be able to make the leap from digital-shorts novice to professional actor. Lawton sees it as showing his son something other than playing ball.

After reaching a million followers on their Instagram page, Respect Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Eric about his journey and accomplishments.

How has living in Philadelphia influenced your comedy?

Well growing up in North Philly you had to be Funny or play basketball I felt like lol. Everybody respected someone that hooped or Could make them laugh. So growing up in philly made it easy to do comedy I would say.

Who are some of the comedians (if any) that inspired you?

My Favorite always has been Martin Lawrence. Watching his show coming up drove me to comedian. Also “IN LIVING COLOR” those comedies inspired me as well.

You started out posting comedic videos on Facebook, when did you know it was time to develop more content on Instagram?

Well I didn’t even know what it was to be honest. My girlfriend told that if I wanted to make something outta these videos I needed to be on instagram or YouTube making them. So she made me an account and it’s a rap after that lol

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced when creating skits? How often are you writing new skits?

Umm I would say Getting the timing Perfect. We be doing this for a while but sometimes the timing of our back and forth is tough to get on point Even now!

What was the first skit you did with Shawn? Obviously you have a father-son bond, but would you say you two had to develop a chemistry as a comedic duo – or were the skits always smooth?

Our first skit was the one when Shawn asked me “Where do baby’s come from” lol. Our Chemistry has grow over the last Year but it was rough at the start with Shawn only being 6 when we started.

You did a really funny skit with Shawn some weeks ago about your car getting repossessed, and dealing with struggle. However, this is also a serious topic. Can you talk about the importance of not only being there, but providing a better life for your son?

At the end of the day, that’s what this is all about right? My son’s future is very important to me. If I can use this platform to better positioning him to be successful then that’s what I do. Being there for you kid and is easy at least in my eyes. Doing comedy is my passion but the fact that I can share this passion with my son make it a dream

How does it feel to be recognized by stars like Paul George, Kevin Durant, Chris Brown and more?

It’s an unreal feeling. Those guys are superstars right? The fact that Im giving them the opportunity to be fans is awesome. They really appreciate what we do and not afraid to let us know it.

Now that you are over a million followers, how have you tried to broaden your comedy, if at all?

Umm yea, we’re looking to show the world how versatile we are in every aspect of comedy. So doing more of the YouTube skits longer skits coming soon.

Within the last two years, comedians have received more backlash for jokes than ever before. Are you more conscious of this when writing skits? If not, why?

Nah. Doesn’t affect me and I’ll tell you why. Negative energy is going be around every thing we do no matter if I conscious of it or not. So what I do is let my mind take over and whatever i come up with I go with it. Funny is Funny sometimes people doesn’t have the sense of humor for that type of comedy

When did you know your phrase #DoItLookLikeIGiveAF**k was catching on?

When I seen everyone mentioning it over and over in the comments lol. Then asking if there was any merchandise with this slogan on it.

Where do you see Shawn and yourself in five years? Movies, television?

TV and movies for sure. If not both of us definitely Shawn. My kid is extremely gifted and will get his shot someday I’m sure of it. As for me standup is also an option. Tv show is my number one goal not gone lie.

Thank you for your time. We wish you and Shawn nothing but the best!

Thanks Guys.

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