LuminoMagazine.com - Say What with Jim Gaffigan

Say What with Jim Gaffigan

Written by NICK POWILLS

Saturday, 08 October 2005

I can’t take credit for discovering comedian Jim Gaffigan, but I can take credit for interviewing him before he, um, exploded.

Jim Gaffigan

Comedy Central One Hour Special
7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Oct. 7; 7:30 p.m.Oct. 8
Vic Theatre
Chicago, Ill.
Information: (773) 472-0449

Did you know?
• Was on Conan O’Brien last month
• Grew up in Indiana
• Is a reoccurring actor on “That '70s Show”
• Favorite food is Hot Pockets

The “hot” comedian is on his way. This weekend, Comedy Central will be in Chicago to document his funnies at the Vic, and he has been all over late night TV. Mark my words, this guy is about to go huge.

He has a style that seems pretty attractive to comedy fans – thus the reason
he sells out pretty much everywhere he performs.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of laughing out loud to Mr. Gaffigan, go buy some tix to this weekend’s performances.

What’s up Jim?

What’s happening Nick?

I swear, you are becoming one of the most difficult people to get in touch with. I mean, when I interviewed you back in May, you weren’t this big.

(Laughs) My life is just getting much busier.

Well, that’s not a bad thing. So, what have you been up to?

Doodling pictures of you.

That’s, um, kind of gross.

Well, you know.

(Laughs)

I have actually been getting ready for my big shows at the Vic on October 7and 8.

Yeah, it looks like that show will be pretty big, especially since it is turning into a one-hour special on Comedy Central. I don’t think Dave Chappelle even got to have that much time on the big CC.

(Laughs) Yeah, right. it’s going to be pretty cool.

Enough of it being cool, that’s a given. Tell me about the show.

Well, I'm taping two shows at the Vic October 8 and they recently added another show cause the taping is sold out. So, we added a 10:30 p.m. show on Saturday and another show on Friday.

Looks like no one will be disappointed.

(Laughs) Tell me that after the show.

(Laughs)

Can you hook me up with some tickets?

We can talk about that.

I guess the readers don’t want to hear about my connections, or that perhaps I can get a free seat.

(Laughs)

So, do you know when the show is airing on Comedy Central?

Yeah, sometime in January.

Sweet. I will have to keep pluggin’ you for that date. Time to make Jim Gaffigan even more famous.

(Laughs) Yeah, and Comedy Central is helping. They just released a DVD/CD of stuff I’ve done on Comedy Central called ‘Doing My Time.’

Sweet dude.

OK, I know you have selling points for why people should go see your show. Sell me on it Jimbo. Tell me exactly why I should go check you out this weekend?

You could see your beautiful face on Comedy Central. You can say, ‘Oh wait, I went to this show. Yep there I am. I should’ve been paid to be on TV.’

Kind of like you?

Exactly. But I can promise that it will be the least expensive $25 theater show you will go to.

I can’t argue with that.

Now that I have interviewed you twice, do you feel like we are friends?

Best friends. I'm doing this interview cause we are friends. Not to promote the shows at the Vic.

(Laughs) Sure. But, I guess I can take that.

(Laughs)

So, What do you look for in a friend?

Money.

That simple, huh?

Yup.

Well, what do you look for in a lady?

My wife.

Me too.

(Laughs) Sorry, she is off limits my friend.

Best friend.

How are the women doing on your current comedy tour?

My wife is doing well thanks.

Smart man. Stay true to your wife.

You are exploding, man. I am so happy for you. Are you famous?

Not really. I think I'm just like that guy you see in your neighborhood a lot but don’t know his name.

I know your name.

You don’t count.

What makes someone famous?

I suppose when you know their name and can recognize their face (laughs).

Well, like I said, I know your name, looks like you are on your way.
So, would you rather have love or money?

Love and food.

I guess that works. What about water?

That too.

So, would you rather have a hotdog or hamburger?

Some of these questions are hard.

I know, but they are funny. Don’t you think I’m on my way to being a comedian?

Probably not.

(Laughs) Thanks Jim. You are no longer my best friend.

(Laughs)

Do you find me funny though?

Very funny.

Then, shouldn’t I be a comedian.

Um, yeah sure. But, you are going to have to work very hard at it. I’m telling you Nick, it’s not as easy as it looks.

What's your favorite word?

Hot Pockets.

I said word.

Fine, Hot Pocket.

Whatever. You make it hard for me to interview you, but I still love you. And, I thought you may say hot pockets cause that’s all you talked about in our last interview.

They are such a funny thing. They must be talked about.

Why are they so great?

Cause it's the strangest name for a product and it's two words.

(Laughs) And this is why you got a one-hour special.

(Laughs)

Do you know what Hot Pockets mean?

Kinda.

Well, I’m looking for a Webster Dictionary type answer.

I don’t think I can help you on that one. Go to the grocery store.

Fair enough. But, can you at least spell Hot Pockets?

(Laughs) I can sound it out.

I guess I can settle for that.