Punchline: Todd Barry

Interview with a Daniel Day-Lewis look-alike

Comments (0) By Libby Molyneaux Wednesday, Jan 7 2009

L.A. WEEKLY: Who do people say you look like?

TODD BARRY: My joke answer is usually “Daniel Day-Lewis,” but that’s also my serious answer. Actually, I get Michael Stipe and John Malkovich a lot. And someone once said I looked like Joel Grey. I think that person was 100.

Matthew Rodgers

Todd Barry funny

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What’s your favorite thing about L.A.?

I like that place that serves the waffles with the syrup. We don’t have that in New York.

If you had your own reality TV show, what would we learn about you?

I can’t even imagine a reality show about me. I mean, does America really want to watch a show about a comedian who does volunteer work up until the minute he hits the stage?

Your Largo show is called Todd Barry and Friends. Are the other comics on the Largo bill — Andy Kindler, Bob Odenkirk, Natasha Leggero — actually friends with you? Can unfunny people be your friend?

Those are actual friends of mine. I think I’ve even talked to two of them on the phone. Well, maybe not Bob. Hey, how did he get on the show? But seriously, these are some of my favorites, so it should be a good show, even if/when I cancel at the last minute.

They say comedy comes from pain. Is this the case with you?

[Read in intense Matt Dillon voice.] I’m afraid it is, Libby. I’m afraid it is.

Do you have groupies?

I have tons of groupies. Recruiters for Portland strip clubs come to my shows to recruit new talent.

Anything else you would like to say to L.A. Weekly readers?

Yes, I believe this Largo show will be the first time I’ve actually headlined a show in L.A. Yes, I’m headlining. The other people on the show are opening for me, and yes, they will be treated like shit. I hope to see you there. And to my Facebook friends, I hope to “c u” there.

Largo, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., W. Hlywd.; Mon., Jan. 12, 9 p.m.; $20. (310) 855-0350.