May 1, 2020
MARYELLEN HOOPER joins us today on the School of Laughs podcast. A veteran in the world of stand-up, Maryellen Hooper’s comedy has taken her from clubs and colleges to theaters and television.
She’s appeared on many late night talk shows including several appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. Her half-hour special on Comedy Central called “Lounge Lizards” received rave reviews and was played on heavy rotation. In 1998, the comedy industry awarded Maryellen “Funniest Female Stand-Up Comic” at the American Comedy Awards. Recently, the Walt Disney Company has asked Maryellen to perform on all four of its beautiful cruise ships.
With the recent postponement of large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryellen has to adjust like all other comedians. The good news for us - she has time to join the podcast!
We cover a lot in this episode, including ...
Mary Ellen Hooper Show Notes:
- Adapting during COIVD-19
- Preparing financially for work interruptions
- Becoming a student of comedy
- How she started comedy in late 80’s
- Being an extra in Miami Vice
- Moving to New York
- Hanging with Adam Ferrara, Ray Romano, Kevin James
- The move from NYC to Los Angeles
- Moving from L.A. to Florida to raise family
- The showcase that got her 46 bookings
- How Disney Cruises were affected
- Finding comedy in tough times
- Working on a kids book
- Acting led to comedy
- Best advice for new comics