Comedian Mohammed Amer On His Guiltiest Pleasure, The Power Of Perseverance And His Priceless Possessions

He’s performed in 27 countries, had televised stand-up specials and garnered countless rave reviews thanks to his award-winning Netflix series, Mo. In anticipation of his October 9th show as part of the Dubai Comedy Festival at Dubai Opera, Kuwaiti-born comedian Mohammed, who now calls Los Angeles home, shares what makes him tick

Is it more important to be liked or respected?

Both, because life is about balance. But if I had to choose, I’d rather be respected and loved. Respect carries more weight, but it’s important to be adored. They go hand in hand. I would just much rather be loved than liked. ‘Like’ is such a regular word. It’s like saying “I love you,” but the girl says, “Aww, I like you too.” That’s not the answer I was looking for…

What book changed your life and why?

The Alchemy of Happiness.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Stubbornness and definitely, definitely, definitely if I could stop spilling things on my shirt.

What is your motto?

Listen, who lives by one motto? You think I wake up every morning and read sticky notes by my mirror? That’s not how this works. You learn along the way and your mottos are adjusted. But one of my favourites is, “What you resist shall persist.”

Who are your heroes?

My family – especially my mother. I know that might sound cliché, but the people I truly look up to are the elders in my life: my mom, dad, grandparents, and sister. What they endured, the way they persevered, and the strength they’ve shown – those are qualities I admire deeply. Outside of my family, one person who stands out is Muhammad Ali. What he faced, overcame, and the fact that he was willing to put it all on the line to do what was right is something to be admired. That’s just who I look up to in modern history. There are many more examples.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

If we’re talking core virtues – honesty, integrity, courage, humility – I don’t think any one of them is overrated. The real problem is when people lean too hard into one and forget the rest. Honesty without kindness? That’s just being a jerk. Humility without courage? That’s hiding. It’s all about balance. These virtues are supposed to work in harmony, not in isolation. That’s where people mess it up.

If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Rolex. I’m very conscious of my time.

What are you proudest of?

There are different buckets. On the personal side, having my son and being present for my loved ones. Those things bring me a sense of gratitude greater than pride. On a career level, I’m proud of every step it took to get here. There were so many obstacles along the way, and none of it came easy. Creating my own Netflix series – and being especially proud of season two – was a real milestone. That sense of accomplishment, after everything it took to get there, is something to be proud over.

What trait do you admire most in others?

Look, it’s about balance. Everyone loves to throw out “honesty,” but what good is honesty if you’re arrogant? “Hey, he’s an honest guy.” Sure, but he’s kind of a snobby p***k. What I admire are people who try to be decent across the board. Loyal, kind, empathetic, tactful. No one’s perfect and bats a thousand, but at least they’re trying their best to be balanced in all things.

What does success mean to you?

Success means I didn’t quit. I was told many years ago, “The moment you quit is when you won’t make it. And you have to be honest with yourself along the way.” So, success is not quitting.”

What’s your most treasured possession?

My family. And before someone jumps in like, “Ohhh, so he owns his family?”– nah, relax. I’m saying the most treasured things in life are the most priceless. Old recordings, family photos – those are sacred. You can look at a picture of a place in time where you existed and can reflect on all those moments. That’s what it’s all about. Not material possessions.

If you could be anyone else, who would it be?

Tony Soprano.

What experience taught you most about life?

Not one specific experience but I learned most from personal pain, struggle, tragedy and love. When you’re humbled and brought to your knees, it forces you into a place of deep self-reflection and understanding in the frailty of time. And that humility leads to gratitude. That gratitude leads to persistence. And persistence leads to overcoming.

What inspires you most about your job?

As a comedian, certainly the audience inspires me. I can’t do what I do as a stand-up in the absence of an audience. But when it comes to film and television what inspires me most is telling great stories. Whether it’s making people laugh or cry, it’s about eliciting an emotion.

What would you tell your younger self?

It’s gonna get worse. But you’ll become successful. Though when you do, it’ll be the most horrendous time in history. You already imagine something special – but it’s going to be even more than you think, and it’s still being written. And when it hits… it’ll be wilder than you ever expected. So just be ready. Be nimble. Be thoughtful. Be grounded. Buckle up.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Ice cream, shawarma, kanefeh. #Food

What do you most value in your friends?

They don’t ask me for money and they’re all successful. We all believed in each other from a very young age… Now please stop asking questions.

Photos courtesy of Netflix

From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia September 2025 Issue