Proud To Be a Philadelphian
Philadelphia skyline at sunset with the Liberty Bell and NO OUTSIDERS graffiti wall

The Founder

NICK COLLETTA

Actor. Comedian. Storyteller. Proud Philadelphian.

Biography

On Stage Since 1988

On Stage Since

1988

First Character

Nicky Addytood

Married

30+ Years

Hometown

Philadelphia

Nick Colletta is a Philadelphia actor, comedian and performer who has been working a stage since 1988, when he first walked out as his stand-up character Nicky Addytood.

Off stage, he's been married to his wife Cathy for over 30 years. She's been in the front row since the beginning and remains his biggest fan.

THEATRE

"Brothers and Sisters and Husbands and Wives"

"Really"

"The Justice of the Peace"

"The Eighth Fish of Christmas"

Screen

"Boss Man" — nominated, Best Comedic Actor, Playhouse West Film Festival

"18" — nominated, Best Comedic Actor, Playhouse West Film Festival

Training

Playhouse West Acting School

Atlantic Acting School, New York

Recognition

Two-time nominee for Best Comedic Actor at Playhouse West's Film Festival for his work in Boss Man and 18.

Nick's Story

Why I Started Proud To Be a Philadelphian

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

— Maya Angelou

At the end of 2022 I made myself a promise. I was finally going to tell Philadelphia's story.

I was tired of hearing people run their mouths about this city without ever setting foot in it. Tired of the same lazy jokes, the same tired stereotypes, repeated by people who couldn't name a single neighborhood past Center City.

So I decided to answer every one of them with facts. Not opinions, not attitude — facts. What we built here, who we built it for, and what it cost.

And more than that, I wanted to hand Philadelphians something they could hold onto. Something that says out loud what most of us already feel about where we're from.

That's what Proud To Be a Philadelphian became.

The Bottom Line

This isn't just a clothing line.

It's a tribe built for the locals, insiders, and people who call Philadelphia home.

The One Man Show

"PROUD TO BE A PHILADELPHIAN"

The show that started it all- Nick's one-man show first premiered at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in 2023, and it has been picking up steam ever since.

Over the course of a night, Nick delivers more than 150 facts about this city — the kind that celebrate Philadelphia and quietly dismantle every stereotype outsiders like to repeat.

It's an emotional ride through the history, the culture, the sports, the neighborhoods, the food, and the unforgettable people who made this place what it is. Audiences laugh, and then they leave knowing something they didn't walk in with.

Learn More
Nick Colletta in an Eagles jersey cradling a cheesesteak like a newborn

150+

FACTS. ONE NIGHT

In the Press

Comic Colletta: Proud to be a Philadelphian

Northeast Times · Mark Zimmaro · January 15, 2026

“I'm just happy when anybody talks good about Philadelphia because I'm so tired of hearing bad things about us.”

— NICK

We built Proud To Be a Philadelphian as a clap-back to every lazy stereotype he heard on the road. The show premiered at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in 2023 — an 80-minute ride through the people, places, and firsts that make this city undeniable.

  • “You don't have to like us but you have to respect us.”
  • “I offer this to the city and any organization in Philadelphia. Anybody that needs to make money, I want to help. This is my purpose in life now.”
Read the full article

Local Crew

Honorable Mentions

Every piece of Proud To Be A Philadelphian has a little bit of Philly behind it. We're proud to work with local people and businesses who helped bring our vision to life.

Nick and Cathy Colletta — Cathy in her Proud To Be A Philadelphian green sweatshirt

Production & Marketing

Cathy Colletta

Nick's wife and biggest supporter since 1994. A Jersey girl turned proud Philadelphian of 30 years, she's part of the show from day one — the first to hear new material, and the one behind its visuals, marketing, and social media.

Printing

Tee Vision Printing

We get all of our merch from Tee Vision Printing, right here in Philly. From screen printing and DTG to DTF and embroidery, they help bring our entire line to life. When we wanted merch that actually represented the city we're from, they delivered. Local, quality work — and it shows.

Photography

D'Mont Reese

Our photography is by D'Mont Reese, whose work helps capture the attitude, energy, and pride behind Proud To Be A Philadelphian.

Web Design

Roselient Designs

Website art direction and design is by Roselient Designs, an independent designer whose work shaped how this whole line looks and reads.

Proud to be Philadelphian, and proud to work with people who represent it.

Live Experience

Bring Proud To Be
A Philadelphian
To Your Event

One man, one microphone, and 150+ reasons this city deserves better than its reputation. Available for:

  • Community organizations
  • Schools
  • Fundraisers
  • Corporate events
  • Festivals
  • Theaters
BOOK A SHOW

Questions first? Email us.