Margaret Cho is a hilarious, no-holds-barred, raunchy comic. Her latest DVD, Beautiful,
was so funny it brought tears to my eyes. From politics and
racism to gay marriage and threesomes, she has a comment or story about
everything. When the opportunity to interview her came up I jumped at
the chance. Unfortunately, she is currently unable to talk because her
doctor has requested she rest her voice so I had to conduct our
interview via email. Below is our correspondence.
BM: Is there anything off limits in your comedy routine?
MC:
I don't think so. I probably wouldn't bash celebrities too much, just
because that is mean and you always have to see them again. But in
general, I don't have too many limits when it comes to subject matter.
BM: What does being beautiful mean to you?
MC:
I think it means feeling free and being happy with yourself. It also
has a different meaning for everyone. But for me, beautiful is just a
constant state of being.
BM: After so many years in the business you're considered a pro. What inspires you to keep going?
MC:
I really enjoy the job. I also find ways to make it exciting for
myself, like learning how to play guitar and incorporating that, or
making an album or dancing. If there is something new and exciting it
makes it wonderful for everyone!
BM: Do you ever think you'll stop touring? Maybe settle down with a sitcom?
MC:
I don't think so. I really love to tour and it is the time where i feel
the most productive and the most creative. i live to tour. ideally i
would do half a year on a tv show and the other half on the road!
BM: How are Canadian audiences different than American audiences at your shows?
MC: I find that Canadian audiences are wonderfully enthusiastic and warm even though the weather can be very cold!
NOTE: Cho
was a huge supporter of President Obama during his election and was
also against the anti-gay marriage amendment to the California
Constitution Proposition 8, which was passed in November of 2008.
BM: Now that President Obama has been in office for a year how do you feel he's doing?
MC:
I think he had a really hard job correcting all the errors made by the
previous administration but he is doing a fantastic job and it's just
going to get better.
BM: Were you disappointed with the outcome of Prop 8?
MC:
Yes, that was the worst! I am amazed at the absolute stupidity of some
people. I feel that people hang onto their homophobic attitudes because
they are afraid of disappearing.
BM: Any young comedians the world should be watching?
MC: John Roberts, who opens for me on tour. He is also in my new band 'Fag and Hag'. He is a genius and one to watch for sure!
BM: Any other projects in the works you can speak of?
MC:
I'm making a comedy album with some amazing musicians - many from
Canada. I bet it qualifies for a Juno! I'm working with Tegan and Sara,
Kevin Drew from Broken Social Scene, A.C. Newman of the New
Pornographers, Lucas Silviera from The Cliks - and that's just the
Canadians! Andrew Bird, Jon Brion, Patty Griffin and Grant Lee Phillips
make up the rest of the record. It's great!
Margaret Cho: Beautiful is currently available on DVD.
brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com
Top image: Promo photo of Margaret Cho by Austin Young. Courtesy margaretcho.com.