On this episode of It’s Not A Straight Line, I’m joined by Clayton Peters, producer, writer, and long-time manager of his brother, global comedy icon Russell Peters. For almost 20 years, Clayton has been at the helm of Russell’s remarkable career, managing one of the longest and most successful runs in comedy, with Russell selling out venues worldwide since 2005.
Clayton’s journey into management is rooted in a promise made to his father on his deathbed when he told Clayton to take care of and always look out for his younger brother. After years of working in corporate jobs where he felt like a “square peg in a round hole,” Clayton transitioned into the comedy and entertainment space around the age of 40. From early work in international business and managing other acts alongside his brother like Joe Koy, to focusing fully on Russell’s career, Clayton’s path to manage one of comedy’s stars has been anything but a “straight line”.
In this episode, Clayton shares thrilling stories about their successes and challenges—especially navigating the pandemic, while not spending time in person together—and the time they defied critics by filling the Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) despite being told they’d fail. Clayton’s insights are inspiring, and his advice to “not take it personally” is a lesson anyone can apply to life and career, and one he has learned in Entertainment.
We also discuss his thoughts on what would happen if Russell ever wanted to go with another manager and the life lessons Clayton now passes on to his own son. Recorded in-person in August 2024, this conversation is full of insights, honesty, and candid moments.
Plus, don’t miss seeing Russell’s upcoming Canadian and World Tour, Relax It’s Not That Serious, which hits Toronto this December 2024. For tour information, head to https://www.russellpeters.com/
