If you have never experienced the stand-up comedy of Jim Gaffigan, you are missing out. He's a comic the entire family can listen to without uncomfortable pauses or awkward moments between generations; he's a master at the running parallel conversation in falsetto whisper as the confused, annoyed audience member critiquing Gaffigan's act in real time.
Gaffigan is also an actor and Sierra Mist fan too, but his stand-up specials on Comedy Central made his bones. He has a performance DVD and CD titled "Beyond the Pale," and NBC has him performing regular segments on Conan promoting the very funny and demented animated series, "Pale Force."
Gaffigan revels in themes of food; fruit=good, cake=good, fruitcake=nasty crap, take-out ordering, pie versus cake and a pretty solid case against Cinnabons all covered in his latest, "Beyond the Pale."
A grateful Gaffigan even writes a hilarious and thorough "thank you" summary that entertains too.
Jim Gaffigan is touring right now and will be spending New Year's Eve December 28th, at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Palm Springs, and kids are welcome: Gaffigan does an all-ages show. Full tour dates are below the interview. Don't miss him.
How did you connect with Conan and Paul Noth for putting together the "Pale Force" shorts?
I met Conan through doing his show. Initially I appeared in couple sketches on the show and then started doing stand up spots. Conan would comment on my paleness whenever he introduced me. Occassionally, I would reference his paleness during my sets. Paul, a cartoonist for the New Yorker, had come to a couple tapings of my appearances and came up with the idea for Pale Force. I met Paul through my wife Jeannie, his sister.
Are you doing all the voice overs for the animated series? Is there any other voice over work you are doing as well?
I do all the voices but Patrick Noth, Flytalker.com, does all the singing though. Patrick writes/performs all the songs.
When I interviewed Steven Wright he mentioned he admired your work. How does the Indiana sense of humor jibe with the Boston comedy mind?
Wow it's always flattering to hear stuff like that. I started and developed in New York City. I think the Conan connection is our pale skin, self-effacing comedic styles and upbringing. We both come from big catholic families.
Your episode of "Miss Massachusetts" was very funny to me. Why do so many "great white North" states stink at beauty contests, in your estimation?
I never really considered that. To be honest i think it's funny those pageants still exist really.
How involved is the production for the animation, storyboards, scripting and everything it takes to produce one of the 'Pale Force' episodes?
It is certainly no easy task. A large chunk of the heavy lifting is done by Paul. We start with idea/writing sessions which will include Paul, Patrick, Jeannie Gaffigan (my wife) and myself.
Eventually, we'll come up with a script and record the audio. Then Paul will sketch the characters and do an animatic. After notes Paul will direct the animators . We all give notes along the way to final animation and sound mix.
Where do you want to take "Pale Force" - feature, tv series, or just keep it a web phenomenon?
Well that's not really up to me. Paul and I really just want to make sure whatever we do is funny and original.
Who would "Pale Force" stump for in the upcoming presidential race?
Pale Force would support Jim Gaffigan for president of course.
At what age were your aware of your unique paleness, and how did that affect you growing up?
As child I thought it was a curse. The suncreen application seemed to never end. As teenager I dreaded summer. I think I went out of my way to add an adjective to preceed 'that pale guy.'
Will Conan still be thrown under the "Pale Force" bus, his effeminate, weak constitution and general uselessness?
Most definitely. I think there is something really funny about going on someone's show and making fun of the host. In reality Conan only cares if it's funny. He knows I have enormous respect for him. We are both very self-effacing comedians, so it works well on his show.
When I cook, my sons sing the "Hot Pockets" in Gaffiganese chorus, and it really hurts. Does the Hot Pocket company try to lobby you to sing their praises or are they just resigned at this point?
I've had no direct contact with the Hot Pockets company. People who work for the company have come to some of my theater shows however. I think secretly the Hot Pocket people love the attention. They realize they are not selling caviar.
What nefarious forces are in the nipple laser sights for "Pale Force" in the new season?
There is magic in my nipples.
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Tour dates coming up:
Dec 07 Penn State University - Erie - The Behrend College - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Erie, PA
Dec 15 Beyond The Pale - One Hour Special Airs The Comedy Network - 10PM
Jan 11 Centerpointe Theater - SPECIAL PASSWORD IS: BACON Ottawa
Jan 26 Jack Singer Concert Hall - SPECIAL PASSWORD IS: BACON Calgary
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