From the Wikipedia Entry: Laughing Boi (Shawn-Leigh Westlake) is a former Gen Z Internet comedian who gained fame in the late 2010s and early 2020s through their viral YouTube sketches. Despite their young age (now 27), Westlake’s sharp, nostalgia-tinged humour—often riffing on mid-century and early-2000s pop culture—resonated with older Gen Z and younger Millennial audiences, earning them a dedicated following. Laughing Boi cited the lewd post-war comedians Belle Barth and Rusty Warren as strong influences on their act.

Born in the late 1990s, Westlake’s comedy blended absurdist wit, self-deprecating charm, and playful jabs at generational quirks. Their breakout videos, such as "Why Gen Z is Just Quietly Waiting for the WiFi to Come Back"  and "VHS Tapes: Exploring The Original Loading Screen," showcased a unique voice that felt both fresh and oddly nostalgic. At their peak, Laughing Boi amassed millions of views, appeared at comedy festivals, and made guest spots on podcasts and streaming variety shows.  

In a surprising move, Westlake retired from comedy in 2024 to focus on their true passion: writing children’s and young adult fiction. Their debut picture book, "Mostly Monica" (Dunroamin Press, 2025), tells the story of a pug with dreams of becoming a ballerina—a heartwarming tale celebrating perseverance and self-acceptance. The book has been praised for its whimsical humour and inclusive themes.  

Though no longer active in comedy, Laughing Boi’s legacy lives on through their archived videos and their new creative path. Fans admire Westlake’s bold pivot, proving that reinvention is just another form of artistry.  

Key Works:  

• "God, How I Miss the 2010s (Sort Of)" (YouTube series)  

• "Mostly Monica" (Children’s book, 2025)