10 QUESTIONS
with Margaret Cho

by Brad Binkley

Drop Dead Diva, Dancing with the Stars, the Grammy-nominated Cho Dependant… these are just a few of the things Margaret Cho has recently been working on. The controversial comedienne, who started working in standup comedy at age 14, is just as hard-working as she is funny. And because Drop Dead Diva films in Georgia’s Peachtree City, Cho is occasionally spotted at local comedy venues working on new standup material and leaving unsuspected audience members thrilled. We recently had the chance to ask the charming Cho a few quick questions.

Who were your comedic inspirations?

I love Richard Pryor and Joan Rivers. They were my role models. Also I am a big fan of SCTV (Second City TV) and Steve Martin. Growing up in San Francisco, there was a lot of live comedy happening, so I got to see amazing people like Paula Poundstone all the time. It was a great education in comedy.

How did you come to find your comedic style? Was there a particular moment of realizing, "yes, this is how I want to do my comedy”?

I don't know. This is very elusive to me still. I haven't figured out why or how it happens, but it just does. This is what keeps me interested and coming back to the art form - I still don't fully understand it.

What is your joke creation process/writing style like? 

I usually will take an idea and try to write it out or talk it out onstage. This is usually the most successful method. There's something that I am trying to wring out and it almost always takes an audience and a mike. It's not going to happen when I am sitting down and writing.

Do you prefer comedy or acting?

I like both. They present very different challenges.

Is it difficult to balance acting and standup comedy? 

Only when it comes to finding time to do everything. 

What has your experience on Drop Dead Diva been like?

It's a great show, and I get to do different things with my character. I have been playing this role for 3 years now, so it's very exciting to get to know who she is on a very deep level and find new ways to approach acting. I love it.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career? 

I can't remember!

What was it like when you first started? What was the hardest part about deciding to do standup comedy?

The hardest part was getting stage time, because I was really young and not supposed to be in clubs anyway! I don't know how I got away with it. I was doing open mikes at 14 and actually getting paid gigs by 16. It was thrilling and amazing but I remember having to lie all the time about my age and at some point I lost track of how old I actually was.

What do you think about the Atlanta comedy scene, specifically The Laughing Skull and Relapse Theatre?

I love it! Atlanta comics are really amazing– it reminds me of when I was coming up in San Francisco. There's a lot of genius and creativity happening here and I love to watch everyone really go for it.
The Skull and Relapse are great venues for comics!!

What advice would you give up and coming comics?

Just keep doing it, no matter what! Bombing is not a big deal.

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