What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received? Early in my career, I often found myself consumed by worry, particularly during the challenging times when job opportunities were scarce. My mother would remind me, “Don’t borrow trouble; face challenges as they come.” This perspective has significantly liberated me and shaped the latter part of my professional journey.
Who were your role models in the early days of your comedy career? I was a tremendous admirer of Carol Burnett. My grandmother frequently watched reruns of her show, and I was captivated by her playful nature and the authentic person she was both on and off the screen.
You lend your voice to Nibbles the beaver in Zootropolis 2. What was your experience with voice acting like? For this particular film, I didn’t receive a script in advance due to its confidential nature. I had no insight into the complete story; instead, I would enter the recording booth, and the director, Jared Bush, would explain the context of each scene. As I recorded my lines, I remained unaware of the extent of my character’s role, assuming I would be making only brief appearances!
Can you share a performance that was so bad it’s now amusing? I once performed at a charity event in Virginia, held in a biker bar, which was a poor setting for comedy. The stage consisted of a crate, the lighting was akin to construction site illumination, and a karaoke machine served as the sound system. The audience, including myself, did not enjoy the performance at all.
Do you have any pre-show rituals? Not really; I tend to be quite laid-back. Tom Papa, my co-host on a radio show, often jokes about how relaxed I am before a performance. I usually chat with people and arrive at the venue just 15 minutes beforehand, treating it like an ordinary day.
What’s the most memorable heckle you’ve experienced? While filming my first special, Sweet & Salty, an audience member shouted “lesbian,” which could be considered offensive in some southern areas. However, in that context, I understood it came from a place of affection.
What inspired your current show, Takin’ Care of Biscuits? I’ve been focusing on my childhood experiences, as that aspect resonated well with audiences in Sweet & Salty. I am revisiting those stories, with my mother often serving as a rich source of comedic material.
Is there a joke you believe is brilliant but fails to resonate with audiences? I have a story about attempting to discreetly use a restaurant gift card without letting my friends know, but the waitress kept loudly announcing it. It was hilariously embarrassing in real life, but for some reason, it doesn’t translate well on stage.
Do you have any pet peeves in the comedy world? While this job is a dream come true, the travel can be incredibly taxing. Many comedians joke that they perform for free, as their real compensation is the travel itself. Additionally, the continuous need to write new material can be daunting. After completing a special, starting from scratch feels overwhelming. You often wonder, “What more can I share about my life?” But this challenge ultimately motivates us to improve continuously.
In your role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Fubar, what was the experience like? Arnold has an impressive background, having been a movie star, governor, and world-class bodybuilder. On set, he often took the lead, and we would listen intently. Each day spent with him was a learning opportunity, as he exudes inspiration.
What type of role would you like to pursue next? I recently completed two major comedy projects for Netflix, one featuring Will Ferrell as a former professional golfer reliving his past, with me as his caddie, and another with Kim Kardashian, Nikki Glaser, and Brenda Song. In the future, I would love to explore a more serious character in a film that requires me to step outside my usual persona.
Fortune Feimster’s Takin’ Care of Biscuits is touring North America and Europe until August 9, with a scheduled performance at Hackney Empire in London on June 3.
