KevOnStage Was Once Fired From A Bank For Admitting He Aspired To Become An Entertainer, But It Later Paid Off – AfroTech
Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredricks was fired for pursuing his dreams, and it’s paid off.
The comedian reflected on his journey in a post on X following his appearance at the 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors, where he served as a host. He stated, “I used to work at the bank. Now look at me.”
The initial post sparked mixed reactions, as some perceived that he was criticizing 9-to-5 workers. He clarified that he doesn’t look down on full-time jobs, pointing to several benefits that include financial and healthcare stability, 401(k)s, and holiday pay, but added further nuance that he had been fired from the bank for his desire to be in the entertainment industry.”
There is nothing wrong with working at the bank 9-to-5. I specifically got fired from that bank for specifically saying I want to be an entertainer. Now that wasn’t wise of me. I know that now,” he admitted in the video shared on X. “I kind of knew it when I told my wife, ‘They asked me what my dreams were at a one-on-one with my area retail lead manager. And I said my dream was to be an entertainer.’ And she asked me, ‘Well, what are you doing working here?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m just working here until I make it.’ That was on a Friday. On Monday, I was put on a performance improvement plan. 90 days from that Monday, I got fired … So when I say I used to work at the bank, I’m talking to old Kev who got fired for specifically dreaming to become an entertainer,” he added.
Those dreams are now a lived reality. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, Fredricks started out making $30 per comedy show, then the money kept rising to $50, $100, and $500. He was also part of a comedy group with his brother and friend called The Playmakers, which initially performed plays at churches and for Christian audiences in Seattle, WA. They later transitioned to YouTube and made skits.
KevOnStage Studios
Today, KevOnStage is an NAACP Image Award–winning comedian with more than 4 million followers across social media, according to Forbes.
He also launched KevOnStage Studios, a Los Angeles, CA-based broadcast media production and distribution company that serves as a “home for content creators outside of traditional Hollywood,” according to its LinkedIn profile.
Projects
Some of Fredricks’ projects include “Safe Space,” a comedic series that provides relief to struggling couples, according to information shared with AFROTECH™. His portfolio also includes “Bald Brothers,” a freestyle comedy show, which premiered in January 2026. Both of these shows can be viewed on Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service featuring a slew of digital-first creator series.
KevOnStage is also behind the BET+ comedy series “Churchy,” which he funded himself, per Forbes. He also has a podcast, launched in partnership with iHeartPodcasts and Unanimous Media, called “Not My Best Moment.” Featured guests have included Issa Rae, Tabitha Brown, Keith Lee, and Wale.
