Laff House Reopens in AC, Honoring Legacy and Launching New Era of Comedy
The Laff House held a ribbon cutting and soft opening in front of the club as Millwood awaits final approvals.
ATLANTIC CITY – Legendary Laff House owner Roderick Millwood kept a promise he made to his wife, Mona, on her deathbed—he wouldn’t let their comedy club die with her.
Although Millwood closed the original Laff House on South Street in Philadelphia 13 years ago, the club had already launched the careers of comedy icons such as Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, and J.B. Smoove.
On April 1, 2025, Millwood fulfilled his promise by officially reopening The Laff House in Atlantic City at ACX1 Studios on The Pier at Caesars, formerly known as The Playground. ACX1 Studios Chief Operating Officer Dom Franklin has described the space as a unique mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, and educational space, created to welcome the music and film industries to the resort town.
Mark Tyler
"Tonight is very special to me because tonight was my wife’s birthday,” said Millwood. “When I had nothing she stayed with me, and believed in me, and we made the Laff House what it was, and what it is today, so we are celebrating her life and everything that we built.”
The Laff House held a ribbon cutting and soft opening in front of the club as Millwood awaits final approvals.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. commended Millwood for his commitment to Atlantic City and welcomed him to the resort. “People like that could go anywhere but he’s here in the great City of Atlantic City providing some comic relief and more, so we’re happy to have the Laff House here in Atlantic City,” the mayor said.
Millwood, affectionately known as “Mr. Rod,” honored Mona with a star-studded grand opening of The Laff House Atlantic City, powered by Java Monster Coffee & Energy.
“I’m reliving what I did on South Street right here, on the Atlantic City Boardwalk,” Millwood said. “This new chapter for the Laff House is deeply personal. It’s a tribute to Mona, who was not only my partner in life but the driving force behind our dream of creating a thriving, independent, Black-owned business.”
Comedy Royalty Headlined “Comedy Homecoming”
The grand opening, fittingly titled “Comedy Homecoming,” was hosted by comic David Raibon, known for his roles in Snowfall, Insecure, and Ballers.
Emmy Award-winning comedian Sheryl Underwood also made an appearance. The comedy show was held in the ACX1 Studios atrium.
“Reopening the club on Mona’s birthday with the incredible Sheryl Underwood and David Raibon was a meaningful way to honor her legacy,” Millwood said.
Underwood first performed at the original Laff House in Philadelphia in 1997. Clad in a little black dress, Underwood got all the comedians together for a photo after the show.
“Rod Millwood is the ideal owner for a comedy club,” Underwood has said. “He is deeply committed to supporting comedians and enriching the stand-up comedy community. I’m so excited he honored his beloved wife by continuing the legacy of the original Laff House Comedy Club in Atlantic City.”
Raibon echoed the sentiment. “As creators of humor, we need spaces where African-American comedians and others can perform and hone their craft to support their families," Raibon said. "The Laff House Atlantic City is just that kind of venue, and I was honored to be part of its revival.”
Grand opening guests were treated to performances by various stand-up comedians from near and far.
A New Generation of Comedians
Millwood expressed hope that the next breakout comedian would walk through the doors of his new Boardwalk venue.
“Comedy has changed, somewhat, and there are a lot of talented people who are here tonight who I promised that I would help,” Millwood said. “If you’re funny, I’ll put you on.”
An Affordable Night Out
Millwood’s vision for the Laff House Atlantic City included affordability and accessibility. There is a lounge and gift shop.
“The average Joe will have someplace to come,” Millwood has said. “I try to do something that the average Joe can afford."
Millwood partnered with Celebrity Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson—better known as Chef Patrick—who recently opened a restaurant and sports bar at ACX1 Studios to provide food for patrons.
Mark Tyler
The club has implemented a dress code and full security to ensure a high-quality experience. .
Full Comedy Lineup Announced
Millwood unveiled a tentative weekly lineup that will include:
- Wednesday – Open Mic Night
- Thursday – Laugh Therapy
- Friday & Saturday – Comics from Def Jam, Comic View, and Comedy Central
- Sunday – Christian Comedy Show
"Even though I used to be in Philly, this is my new home now. That’s why I named it the Laff House Atlantic City," Millwood said. “My job is to make sure that the people of Atlantic City have a place to call their own, where they can come and enjoy themselves."
The Laff House Atlantic City is ushering in a new era of laughter, legacy, and Black excellence on the Boardwalk.
“My idea was to build a venue that people can come to every weekend,” Millwood said. "We’re going to have some fun."
Please enjoy this gallery from The Laff House Atlantic City grand opening.
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