Question: Is 40 too old to try and make it as a stand up comedian? 

Answer: Absolutely not!  It will be difficult, but it is a difficult field for folks of ANY age to break into.  Think of all the experience you have had at life that you can use to pull material from?  Jobs, relationships, trips, housing situations.  If this is what you dream about doing, don't let age stop you.  That is just finding an excuse to not face your fears.  Think of how many stand up comedians have become "famous" within their first 5 years of working?  So you may be 45 when you are famous.  Big deal, you have a whole lot of life left.  You should spend it in a way that makes you happy.  Do you want to look back at 80 and wonder if that guy on Y! answers was right 40 years ago?
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