The former TV executive on life lessons from Joan Rivers, paper-plane heckles and a ‘perfect day’ doing Live at the Apollo
Before becoming a full-time comedian, you were a high-profile TV exec and producer. Are there any transferable skills from this world to standup?
In both cases you make a living out of talking a good game. I was mainly in the business of TV formats – ideas rather than finished shows – so then, as now, you’re selling hot air. I don’t think you can be good at many things without knowing how to connect with your fellow human. That’s about the only skill I have and luckily it’s a superpower.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
There are two … To help with impostor syndrome: “Everyone shits, showers and shaves.” To help with online dating: “The odds are good, but the goods are odd.”
