San Francisco Comedy Blog

by Chad Lehrman

46 years into his show business career, Jay Wendell Walker lives up to his nickname as the “Heavy Weight Champion of Comedy,” taking home 1st place at the 31st Annual San Francisco International Comedy Competition.

What was your act like when you first started out doing comedy?

I did impressions of movie stars who are now dead. One liners in general, very badly. If we would have had TV, people would have gone home. I credit my start to the heavy use of alcohol by the audience. Also I would work three shows a night for $25.00 a week.

Can you tell us about your experience performing on the Ed Sullivan Show?

I don’t talk about it very much because it was nothing like what I do today. I was part of a comedy team. We were too young and it happened too fast. It had nothing to do with talent. We had an angel who knew the right people. My partner broke up the act soon after by disappearing. Leaving me with AGVA contracts I couldn’t fill. As for the show itself, the only thing that would frighten me more would be to lock me in a room with George Bush. Before each show I threw up the lining in my entire body.

You’re a sharp dressed comedian- what do you think of a lot of younger comedians performing in jeans and t-shirts?

I have mixed feelings. I think you should wear what you feel comfortable in. However I think out of respect for the audience you should dress sharp. That does not mean a suit or tux. It means nice sharp clothes.

What do you think of the current comedy scene? Is there a comedy boom happening?

Yes, I would call it a mini boom. Which is going to be getting stronger. Unlike the last one you will have to be good to work.

How long do you think it takes to become a good comedian?

Everyone is different, there is no set time. I have seen people who click right away. For most it takes a lot of stage time. For me, I am excited by knowing I will never live long enough to be as good as I could be. I keep learning and changing. The day I start phoning it in I will quit. I respect the audience too much to do that.

For more on Jay Wendell Walker, visit his website.

Leave a Reply | Trackback