Staten Island Comedian Wellie Jackson Brings His New Film Damn Knicks to the 2025 Tribeca Festival
Staten Island’s own Wellie Jackson, a comedian known for his sharp humor and big-stage energy, is taking another major step in his entertainment career. The Mariners Harbor native, who has spent years making audiences laugh across the country, will star in the upcoming film “Damn Knicks,” set to premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.
Before the film’s debut, Jackson will perform live at Littlefield in Brooklyn on November 16, a venue that feels close to home for the performer who grew up just across the bridge. The show marks a full-circle moment in his comedy journey, bringing him back to New York City after years of performing in some of the biggest venues across the United States. Tickets for the Littlefield performance are available through Wellie Jackson’s official website.
Jackson’s rise in comedy began over a decade ago when he started touring with Tracy Morgan in 2011. He joined the “30 Rock” star’s “Picking Up the Pieces” comeback tour, performing at over 65 shows across the U.S. and Canada. The tour included stops at some of the most iconic stages in the country, such as Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Civic Opera House, and The Novo Theater in Los Angeles.
His work with Morgan didn’t end on stage. Jackson contributed as a writer to Tracy Morgan’s Netflix special “Staying Alive” and to TBS’s hit comedy series “The Last O.G.”, which remains one of the network’s top-rated shows. His television writing credits demonstrate the range and sharpness that have fueled his success in stand-up.
Over the years, Jackson has shared the stage with some of comedy’s biggest names. In 2017, he performed dates on Tiffany Haddish’s “She Ready” Tour, and by May 2018, he was headlining at The Apollo Theater, a career milestone for any New York performer.
Beyond stand-up, Jackson has built an impressive resume on screen. He co-starred in the final season of Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black” and appeared in Tina Fey’s “Girls5eva,” now streaming on Peacock TV. His recent projects also include an appearance on Amazon Prime Video’s “Gamebreakers,” where he brought his trademark humor to the sports world.
Outside television, Jackson’s voice reaches national audiences through “The Deja Vu Show,” a syndicated radio program broadcast in most major markets right after the Steve Harvey Morning Show.
Now, with “Damn Knicks,” Jackson is taking a new leap into film. The project, which has already generated buzz among fans and local media, will be premiering at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, one of New York City’s most prestigious events for filmmakers and creators. While detailed information about the movie’s plot and cast is still under wraps, the title hints at a connection to Jackson’s lifelong relationship with New York—and its basketball culture.
The film adds another major accomplishment to Jackson’s growing list of credits. With his comedy roots in Staten Island, extensive touring history with legends like Tracy Morgan, and a reputation for keeping audiences laughing on stage and on screen, Wellie Jackson continues to prove that his story—and his humor—are deeply connected to the city that raised him.
