Favourite local achiever under 30

1. Jimmy Skinner

2. Lauren Wittmann

3. Jelynn Dela Cruz

Favourite local comedian

1. Jimmy Skinner

2. Jesse Bercier

3. Sarah Jane Martin / Spencer Adamus (tie)

Favourite local social-media presence

1. Jimmy Skinner

2. Carter Chen (Ritzcracka)

3. Winnipeg Wildin

Eat your heart out, Secretariat. Here’s a triple crown of achievement that’s truly the first of its kind. Local funnyman Jimmy Skinner has been chosen by the people of Winnipeg as favourite local comedian and favourite social-media presence. And he’s done it all before 30, an award in itself. Just don’t ask him how he did it.

“If I’m being completely honest with you, this one was a pretty big shock to me. I really didn’t expect this to happen,” Skinner says, specifically referencing his social-media award.

“My Twitter (X) is mostly just used for testing material. Instagram is more for sharing what I’m going to be doing and my feelings about sports. It’s no Winnipeg Wildin. If I’m this popular, why aren’t people liking my tweets?”

The young comedian and Grand Beach native has been resolutely climbing the rungs of the ladder of laughs over the past five years, earning himself a residency at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club in the Fort Garry Hotel. He describes his style as a warmer brand of comedy, drawing inspiration from his day job.

“I’m not the kind of person that does edgy stage material. I think (my style) is endearing, and it keeps audiences wanting more,” Skinner says.

“Outside of comedy, I work in funeral supplies. Honestly, I get a lot of material out of that. I guess I bring light to normally tougher situations.”

Skinner has taken his rib-tickling abroad, performing in most major Western Canadian cities.

“I’ve done shows in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton (and) Saskatoon. I just haven’t been out east, which is where I’m hoping to go next.”

And when he’s not roaming the Prairies, he co-hosts the bimonthly program “Laughs at Gaff ’s” at Gaffer’s Restaurant & Lounge in Lockport, Man. He’s quick to chide those who make the pilgrimage solely for vintage diner the Half Moon Drive In.

“You go out to Skinner’s. You don’t go to Half Moon anymore.”

Published in Volume 78, Number 12 of The Uniter (November 30, 2023)