[Editor’s Note: Today we welcome Michele “Wojo” Wojciechowski to our Reel Life With Jane family! Wojo will be interviewing comedians for a brand new column called “The Comedy Corner,” and we’re super happy to have her voice on the site … Jane]
Each week, we ask someone in the comedy world three questions. Today’s guinea p… um, subject, is comedian, actor, bestselling author, and Grammy winner Lewis Black.
What’s one of your favorite childhood memories?
One of my favorite childhood memories was when my friends and I, we’d go hang at the Hot Shoppes on a Friday or Saturday night. They served Mighty Mo’s [he chuckles] and French fries with gravy. It was the initial group of restaurants that Marriott had in Washington and Maryland. [Black grew up in Maryland.]
Who’s your comedy hero or inspiration?
There are a few. George Carlin, who was very instrumental in terms of getting people to see me because he would talk about me, which was kind of extraordinary. That really was huge for me. Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, and most of the comics who appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” but especially Bob Newhart, Shelley Berman, Lily Tomlin, and Jonathan Winters.
If you had to have a completely different career, what would you do and why?
I’d be teaching. Because I’ve always liked it. I mean, even though it’s an audience that’s forced to be there, it’s fun. [he laughs]. And I probably would have taught theater, but as it is, I teach through the experience of doing stand-up comedy, and I enjoy doing that.
Read more about Lewis Black, his start in theater, and his upcoming Pay-Per-View and Video on Demand live comedy special at Parade.com.
I read the answers in Lewis’ voice.
Strangely, none of it was screaming….
me too
He is great!
I will hug him and bring him home…someday <3
Funniest man in the world.
no one would have to force me go to a class taught by Lewis Black
Road Rage
I love this guy, you are the best Lewis Black!
I noticed whenever a modern comic is asked “who is your comic inspiration or hero” no one ever says Red Skelton or Jackie Gleeson….those folks my generation grew up with every Sunday nite. They didnt say FUCK or “the N word”,..they didnt insult every other person to get a laugh…and after the show…you felt a little better about the world. I love Lewis, and Pryor, and Sam Kinison…but it would be a nice change to honor those who came before without saying FUCK You every 5 lines…
Lewis, You could still teach theater! I bet you’d be great!
nice picture Lewis!
nice picture Lewis!
Every time I watch him (and many times it’s a repeat) I laugh until I cry !
Thanks for the comments, everyone. Lewis is a great interview. He’s so funny, but smart and really kind as well.
I think if he ever taught anything, anywhere, the place would be packed!
Lewis, you’re adorable…and cuddly…..sigh…..
My daughter is the nicest person I know. She met him i coincidentally a the scummy fat pigschit bastard was very rude to her.
If ever I cross his path it won’t be humorous.
😀 Love him!