USC alum Mag Jackson returns to Columbia Friday for stand-up act

As a college student at the University of South Carolina, Mangum “Mag” Jackson spent many nights at The Comedy House in Columbia.

“I’ve been a fan of comedy since I was little,” he said.

Jackson grew up in the small town of Fort Myers, Fla.,which is known for producing professional athletes. He chose to be known for making people laugh, having long admired comedians Bill Burr, Louis C.K. and Jerrod Carmichael.

After graduating college in 2008, Jackson went to film school in Los Angeles and decided to pursue comedy full-time. He auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” season 3 and made it on the show for a short stint lasting three episodes.

On Friday, Jan. 22, he returns to Columbia to perform a standup act for the first time in the capital city.

Jackson will bring the jokes at Jillians, along with Atlanta comedians Neiko Smith, Dexter Fugerson, Anthony Driver and Thomas McDowell. The group is currently on a 25-city “LMAO” tour.

“We’re crammed on planes and packed in cars. It’s actually really fun,” Jackson said with a laugh. He said he sees himself as the dad figure in the group, because at 29, he has the most comedy experience. (He’s not, for example, jumping from roofs into hotel pools in Shreveport, La., like Fugerson.)

“I have to try to keep everyone in line,” he said.

On stage, Jackson is a cross between Dave Chappelle and Hannibal Buress. He’s laid-back and goofy, but with a dose of smart humor as well.

Jackson said his favorite joke material comes from the antics of his 2-year-old son and his college days.

In short: “There was so much partying.”

He wouldn’t give too much away, but do expect some Gamecock-themed jokes Friday.

After the comedy tour wraps up in March, Jackson can be seen on the big screen in a small role in “Barbershop: The Next Cut” starring Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer.

“It was cool,” he said, adding, “my first movie!”

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 3:58 PM.