Top 5 Comic Crushes
I want to become a comedy writer… who knows when that goal will be achieved… but I wanted to share my “comic crushes”. These are the comedians that I love and respect because I hope to be as successful as them someday. They have inspired me to become a better writer and try harder to make others laugh.
5. Christian Finnegan– He is special to me because he is the first comedian I ever saw live at the Improv. It was an amazing experience to sit in the audience and see a skilled comedian on stage. He was hilarious with his cracks about playing videogames and farting in elevators. He takes shots at himself for comedy’s sake. That’s my style as well. He was incredibly nice when I met him in person, too. I signed up for his email list and we are friends on facebook… I’m sure that he has zero clue who I am but I am truely a fan. His new special and CD are amazing and i advise you all pick it up.
4. Jason Segel– You may know him from, “How I met your mother”… I don’t. I never watched the show. I know him from his film work. I have a new-found respect for him after watching “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (which he wrote and starred) and “I love you, man”. He has a “real guy” quality to him. He seems like one of those guys you could run into in line at Starbucks and strike up an amazingly hilarious conversation with. He is a skilled puppeteer and musician. Word is that he is writing the new Muppets movie. Keep your eye out for this guy… He is genuinely funny.
3. Joel McCale– He is the host of the “Soup” on E!. He is hands down the best host that show has ever had… I am talking about the soup and Talk soup. He is again a “real” guy. He isnt afraid to make a complete ass of himself dressing up as the male nurse or my personal favorite… Rainbow Bright. I was upset when I learned he wasn’t in the running to take the job at Late Night after Conan left (Jimmy Fallon is awful). But, last week I learned that Joel will be starring in a new NBC comedy this fall called “Community”… Looks amazing because it is all about being a student in Community College… Awesome. (I went to community college for two years before transferring to pitt). I think Joel is going to be a big star… I’m thinking EMMY???
2. Trey Parker– He is my idol… well, him and number one on my list. Trey was one of the reasons I wanted to become a writer. He dropped out of college and is now a multi-millionaire… who could ask for a better idol?! Seriously, he takes huge chances with his comedy and he succeeds… South Park is a huge success. I quote it at least once or twice a day. Now, Team America was a bit odd and a bit of a bust. But, everyone makes mistakes. Trey embraces his dorky, awkward side and gets nothing but comedic gold out of it. An Oscar nomination and multiple Emmy wins speak for themselves.
1. Conan O’Brien– he is taking over for the Tonight Show next month and I couldn’t be happier. I hope he keeps true to his Conan-style because I think he is a comedic genius. Conan is the reason I wanted to become a comedy writer. I wanted to be the one in the room cracking the jokes and making a complete ass of myself for laughs. But, the main reason I love Conan’s style is because he is a smart comedian. He does do some really stupid stuff on his show… but you have to admit.. the guy is a genius. He graduated from Harvard and he got a job right out of school. he worked on shows like the Simpsons and SNL. What a resume! I can only hope to achieve half of his success. He is an amazing role model.
