Stand-up comedian Dom Irrera has been making people laugh almost as long as some of his fans have been alive, but the sitcom and late-night talk show veteran isn’t anywhere near packing it up. Irrera, who got his break via Rodney Dangerfield’s “Nothing Goes Right” specials on HBO, has lately been providing voicework for Nickelodeon’s “Back to the Barnyard,” and, of course, hitting the road.
In advance of Irrera’s sets at Comedy Works on Friday and Saturday, we thought we’d send Irrera five questions about such random topics as being occasionally recognized, the differences between stage and screen and his favorite new comedian (hint: he’s biased as hell).
Here are his answers, transcribed by his friendly publicist…
The last time we talked you compared being a comedian to being a jazz musician, in that some people recognize you and others walk right past you. Not that you seek it out, but what’s a random thing that’s happened to you lately because someone recognized you?
One time I was in an airport and this guy goes, “Are you Dom Irrera? Wait here.” And I’m thinking, “I’m not waiting,” and I guess he was looking for his cell phone. Then he comes back and makes me talk to his friend on it. So I say, “Bada bing, bada boom” into the phone and then his friend says, “Are you really Dom Irrera?” I say, “I don’t know how else I could prove it.” He says, “I can’t believe it’s you” and I go “I can’t believe it’s me either.”
As a sitcom and talk show veteran, what have you learned about appearing on camera vs. appearing on stage?
Cameras pick up more. Cameras zoom in. The stage is different — you have to be more theatrical so the back row can get it. The camera can pick up a nose hair and I have plenty of them!
With all the economic gloom and doom, have you noticed the mood of audiences shifting at all the last few months?
I don’t notice much of a difference because most of the time the people are sleeping anyway. I lull them.
You’re originally from Philadelphia. What’s the best/worst thing about Philly in the winter time?
I haven’t lived in Philly since I started stand up. What’s the worst thing in Philly… you’re asking me this and you live in Denver?
Favorite new comedian(s) on the scene?
Doug Davidoff because he’s got his own style, he’s very funny and, by the way, I’m managing him.
More from Get Real Denver
Get Real Denver Recommends
- George Lopez @ Comedy Works (Reverb)
- Comedy Works opens down south (The Peek)
- Kevin Larson making a wish (The Peek)
