Comedian Zach Noe Towers has released his debut comedy special, “Twink Death,” now available for streaming on YouTube. Filmed at the Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, California, the special was produced and encouraged by Bob the Drag Queen, who has served as a mentor to Towers. The hour-long set features candid storytelling about Towers’ upbringing in the Midwest, his experiences with sobriety, and reflections on his identity as a gay man.
“Twink Death” offers a mix of humor and personal insight, touching on topics such as the evolving meaning of Pride and the comedian’s journey to embrace his sexuality openly. Towers described his early life as a "scared little Midwestern gay boy in the closet," contrasting it with his current pride in his identity, which he says he celebrates year-round. The special distills key elements of his story into a concise performance, a process that Towers credits to Bob the Drag Queen’s guidance, particularly in helping him meet production deadlines and focus his material.
The comedian emphasized the liberating nature of completing his first special, noting how it allowed him to refine his work amid the usual challenges of comedy writing, such as constantly revising jokes and themes. He views the special as a "sampler platter," intended to introduce audiences to fundamental aspects of his life, including being sober yet still making imperfect choices, and his sex-positive outlook.
Towers also highlighted the importance of producing more material in the future. Drawing on an analogy shared by a friend, he compared a comedian’s body of work to a library, where multiple specials serve as books that allow audiences to discover and engage with different stages of an artist’s career.
In addition to his special, Towers has gained visibility as a frequent guest on “Jeff Lewis Live” on SiriusXM. His association with Lewis began through comedian Fortune Feimster, who recommended him to the show. Towers described their on-air interactions as spirited and mutually enjoyable, with both comedians exchanging playful banter.
Sobriety is another significant theme in Towers’ narrative. He credits Bob the Drag Queen, who is publicly sober, with inspiring him to pursue his own path to recovery. Their friendship began around 12 years ago during performances on a gay-themed cruise. Towers noted the supportive environment offered by Los Angeles’s numerous recovery meetings and the strong presence of sober individuals within the comedy community. He acknowledged that the toll of prolonged hangovers and personal struggles ultimately motivated his decision to stop drinking shortly after turning 30.
Maintaining an unfiltered approach to his comedy and podcasting remains a priority for Towers. While acknowledging the risks of being overly candid, he expressed a commitment to honesty and bravery in sharing his experiences. He emphasized the importance of taking personal responsibility for the truths he presents, without exposing others’ vulnerabilities. Reflecting on his career and future, Towers suggested that his forthright style may continue to define his work in years to come.