Chris Gethard

In late 2004, I left my much-maligned home state of New Jersey for the supposedly greener pastures of Astoria, Queens. I'd finally be in the mix, living off the subway line, able to go from audition to audition during the day and from late night show to late night show in the wee hours of the morning. ”

By August of 2003, I had graduated from Rutgers, gone through a stretch of living at my parents' house, and wound up sharing an apartment with a college friend of mine in Montclair, New Jersey. ”

It's a fun uphill struggle, making health insurance as a comedian, actor, and author. But it's hard to explain to people how I make a living. In New York, most people know enough creative types that I make some sense. But when I'm talking to someone like my suburban cousins or my mom's friends, it doesn't always go smoothly. ”

I grew up a loser, and I always felt like one, but I turned out pretty okay. I may be living proof that you can spend your whole life feeling like you're falling down a set of steps and still maybe land on your feet at the bottom. ”

In 2002, I was taking an improv class because, as a white male with glasses who was born between 1978 and 1994, it's legally required that I take at least one improv class in my life. ”

I think there's too many gay jokes in comedy and not enough honest explorations of sexuality. ”

I get to do comedy for a living. ”

As far as comedy goes, I'm endlessly inspired by Jo Firestone. ”

I have no desire to get on a soapbox or be preachy. I don't think comedy needs to be 'brave' or 'important.' ”

The UCB has long been known as a hub of the best comedy in New York City, but it's never been the most well organized or cared for place in the world. ”