The Brad Sherwood Interview
Many moons ago, I (Ashley, your friendly web page creator) wrote to The Talented Mr. Sherwood (no copyright infringement intended) and asked him to kindly answer some questions I had for this very project. Kell souprees, he answered them all. So, read, enjoy. You'll love it. It's pretty funny stuff!
*Note: All answers are reproduced as received by me. So, don't ask me about all the monkey stuff - that's his emotional baggage, not mine!
Brad's autobiography:
Born in Chicago. Lived there 'til I was ten. Then moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I went to high school. Then off to college at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. I received my BFA in acting there. I then moved to L.A. where I've been since. Oh, and I was raised by monkeys.
How did you first hear about WLiiA? Had you seen the show before? If so, what did you think? How did you hear about the auditions?
Ryan told me about the auditions and I went.
Please tell me as much as you can about your audition. Was Dan Patterson present? What were you made to do? Did you feel it went well? I'm very interested in this aspect of the show.
In '92(?) Dan came out to L.A. looking for improvisers. Ryan was there to help out. Dan made us play a bunch of games. I guess I got a job out of it. Did I mention I was raised by monkeys?
How long after the audition did you hear that you had made it on the show? How long after that were you actually on the show?
I can't remember.
Tell me about your first show. What were you feeling? How did you think it went? Did anything really throw or stump you?
It could have been better, but one of our shows won a Cable Ace Award (I think) and the British equivalent of the Emmy.
What is going through your mind as you are performing?
"Don't let anyone know that I was raised by monkeys."
Who do you think is the funniest person on the show? That is, who makes you laugh the hardest?
Ryan, Colin, Greg & McShane are all great improvisers. They all have different strengths. Unfortunately none of them were raised by monkeys.
Did Clive or any of the "regulars" say anything to you or give you any advice before your first show?
No one would talk to me unless I paid them. Clive just kept asking me to dance with him naked.
What tips for improv would you give to a novice?
Listen, listen, listen! React to what is going on around you. Don't ignore your partner and get caught up in your head trying to think of something funny. Improv is the comedy of watching people react and adjust to what they've just heard.
Do you ever watch yourself on the show?
Sometimes. I look like a monkey.
How much are you paid for WLiiA??
Are the other guys getting paid?
Do you have any amusing stories from your years on the show?
No.
What is/are your favorite game/s? Are there any games you have never gotten a chance to try but would like to?
I like 'em all!
What would you say is the hardest game (whether you've played it or not)?
Backwards scene.
Do you have any control over what games you play?
No, Dan lets a trained gerbil choose the games written on strips of paper in his pants.
What is/are the easiest game/s for you?
Props.
Why do you think that WL is so incredibly popular? What do you think is the secret to its success?
Me. Me.
Who were your comedic influences in life and growing up?
Tim Conway
Don Knotts
Art Carney
Steve Martin
Walter Mathau
Richard Pryor
Ryan Stiles
What has been your least favorite superhero to be? Your favorite?
Maggot Boy.
What do you think of your fans?
The one in the living room works great when it is hot outside. The one over the stove is very useful when I burn something I am cooking.
What is your favorite or most memorable "fan" moment or incident?
Once I tossed my socks up into the ceiling fan and they flew all over the place.
Was is hard acting to British audiences? Did you have to adjust your humor?
Yes. Because their comedy is metric.
Were there any Britishisms that really threw you?
Just all the backrubs that Dan and Clive insisted I give them.
Has anything ever been used in a game that really threw you? A film/theater style, etc?
Just the name "Nuroshi" in a Make-a-song.
Do you ever get annoyed when your fellow improviser takes a scene in a different direction than you planned?
You never plan.
What goes on at rehearsals?
We run new games and play naked freeze tag in the studio.
Anything else you'd like to share?
It's a lot of fun. I get to do what I love, with my closest friends. And I get paid!
Have you ever had Twiglets? What do you think??
Yes. My doctor gave me some ointment and they quickly went away.
How often to you get recognized in the UK as opposed to the US?
I haven't been back since my new 12 shows aired. I'm sure I 'm quite famous there now.
What is your exact height?
Six foot, four inches
Ok, you've been kissed by Mike McShane. Any comments on that?
I just wish he'd stop calling me. I told him it would never work out.
You appeared on WLiiA? in 1992, then disappeared till 1997. Why the gap between appearances?
I was kidnapped by polar bears.
Boxers or briefs??
Calvin Klein Boxerbriefs
Do you make yourself laugh?
No, I do it accidentally.
Have you ever studied with a vocal coach?
In college.
The following questions are from Cindy Cherkowski:
Just wondering, if you have ever been asked to do a sitcom, or have you ever done one before, if so, which one?
I was on a show called "My Talk Show" in '91(?) with Colin Mochrie's wife.
Could you possibly tell me what you really think of the following:
Ryan Stiles? Nicest guy in the world
Colin Mochrie? Nicer than Ryan
Greg Proops? Incredibly smart guy
Clive Anderson?
Dan Patterson? Secret: They are the same person. Clive is actually Dan in a costume.
Drew Carey? Secret: Drew Carey is actually Mariah Carey.
What is you favorite type of music?
Elevator
What do you look for in a woman?
Sense of humor, honesty, nymphomania
The following questions are from Serena Albakri:
Where did he hone his skills as an improv artist? Which does he like better improv/singing or both the same?
Second City Comedy, L.A. Theatersports
I like both
What in his career would he like to achieve that he hasn't achieved yet....
Shoot more films
Has he ever performed in the theater?? Because he certainly has the voice for it! If he hasn't would he like to?
I was in dozens of musicals and plays in high school and college.
Did he have to re-audition after a 5yr absence?
No (I had to sleep with Dan Patterson)
And finally, from me - the question I know is on all your minds:
Why are you so gosh darn cute???
I am the end result of years of covert, government genetic breeding in which monkeys were crossbred with puppies until their DNA had reached the limits of cuteness. This "super-cute" DNA was then injected into the nucleus of an egg being carried by a woman. This woman (later to be known as "mother") was hand selected by a research team at the National Institute for Cute. After months of screening males, the institute selected my father. They were given a battery of compatibility tests. Then they were given bottle of vodka and a motel room. Nine months later, the result of years of genetic-cuteness perfection came to fruition and I was born. Days later, my parents were killed in a bizarre trapeze accident (they were in the circus), and I was raised by a family of monkeys.
I hope this answers your question.
And what did Brad have to impart in conclusion??
"I've got writer's cramp."
Brad sent along a picture I had sent him a while back of him at the May WLiiA? tapings in L.A. which I had taken while there. That's his artistry all over it!
Return to the WLiiA? Page
A big huge thank you to Mr. Brad Sherwood for me. Any questions of comments, please e-mail me, Ashley.