In the show, you worry that there’s not enough angst, so you create a 12-step program for fictitious problems. But in reality, you lost a brother when you were 12 and both parents before you were 20. Do comedians have to have a tough life in order to be funny?
I don’t think that’s why I’m funny. I think I’m funny because my family, my siblings were funny. I think that kind of loss can fuel how you lead your whole life. It would be more why I’ve chosen to treat my life more like a party than something to stress about.
The show touches on everyone thinking that you’re Jewish.
“He’s Jewish on his manager’s side"--that’s the line. People do think I’m Jewish. But we’re Irish Catholic. My father had a brogue.
Where does the inspiration for the characters you create come from?
Usually they are based around an attitude. Years ago, a friend of mine was flying to L.A., and his girlfriend hadn’t flown much. I remember her saying, “I was so excited. I was trying to figure out what I was going to wear on the plane, and I changed my outfit three times.” I was 26, and I found that being that excited about something that was so commonplace was kind of engaging. That kind of spirit becomes Ed Grimley [on Saturday Night Live]. If the phone rang, before he answered it, he’d turn to the camera and say, “Gee, I love the phone. There’s always such a sense of mystery.” It’s the ultimate glass-half-full approach.
You can join Martin Short for a more in-depth conversation with Dick Cavett at the Y on September 17.
