John Oliver brings British class to Quincy Market
Daily Show correspondent riffs on being Helen Mirren, getting deported and other bloody things
Gabrielle Dunn
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Arts and Entertainment
How intimidating was it being in the Footlights?
It really wasn't that intimidating. We were all just 18-year-old students. Also, it was an honor to be part of an organization, which produced such incredible people. If anything, the pressure and expectation that comes from that is a good thing.
How do you respond to people who say you shouldn't be criticizing America on television because you're English? In light of this administration's policies, do you fear being deported?
As a world citizen, I am seriously affected by American foreign policy, so I think that gives me one right. A second right comes from the fact that I am now an American taxpayer, so am extra distressed to see where my money is going. I haven't actually been aware of anyone claiming that as an English person I shouldn't be criticizing America; I'll have to take your word for it. In terms of worrying about deportation that is actually something that crosses my mind every now and then. I'm at the mercy of U.S. immigration, which is not the most secure place to be.
What advice would you give aspiring comedians at Emerson?
Just keep doing it. There is no other way to learn than on the job. This is true in virtually no other profession, and is what can occasionally make watching comedy similar to watching a car crash. And only marginally funnier.
Did you aim for America in terms of your career or was coming here a pleasant surprise? Do you think America and England "get" each other's senses of humor?
I had never been to America before when I was offered this job so it was certainly a pleasant surprise. I always wanted to come and do stand-up here, but certainly never dreamt that I'd be asked to appear on what was my favorite show. I think America and Britain do have a similar sense of humor, which is proven by the amount of cross-pollination which takes place.
Boston is a college town, so what were you like in college? Are you looking to relive it while you're here?
It really wasn't that intimidating. We were all just 18-year-old students. Also, it was an honor to be part of an organization, which produced such incredible people. If anything, the pressure and expectation that comes from that is a good thing.
How do you respond to people who say you shouldn't be criticizing America on television because you're English? In light of this administration's policies, do you fear being deported?
As a world citizen, I am seriously affected by American foreign policy, so I think that gives me one right. A second right comes from the fact that I am now an American taxpayer, so am extra distressed to see where my money is going. I haven't actually been aware of anyone claiming that as an English person I shouldn't be criticizing America; I'll have to take your word for it. In terms of worrying about deportation that is actually something that crosses my mind every now and then. I'm at the mercy of U.S. immigration, which is not the most secure place to be.
What advice would you give aspiring comedians at Emerson?
Just keep doing it. There is no other way to learn than on the job. This is true in virtually no other profession, and is what can occasionally make watching comedy similar to watching a car crash. And only marginally funnier.
Did you aim for America in terms of your career or was coming here a pleasant surprise? Do you think America and England "get" each other's senses of humor?
I had never been to America before when I was offered this job so it was certainly a pleasant surprise. I always wanted to come and do stand-up here, but certainly never dreamt that I'd be asked to appear on what was my favorite show. I think America and Britain do have a similar sense of humor, which is proven by the amount of cross-pollination which takes place.
Boston is a college town, so what were you like in college? Are you looking to relive it while you're here?
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