standup

I thought about whether I should put a perennial advisory on this interview. And back in 1991, when I did the interview, I probably would have. By 2025 standards, however, much of Judy Tenuta’s comedy now seems rather tame.

Judy was one of nine kids, born in 1949 in the Chicago area. That’s where she grew up, went to college and began her comedy career.

By the 1980s Judy Tenuta was a rapidly rising star, as her “goddess” persona, quirky comedy set, and her accordion set her apart from all of the more conventional stand-up comics.

Judy wrote two books during her career. I met her and interviewed her for the second of those books, called The Power of Judyism.

We did this interview in the fall of ‘91, the day after her 42nd birthday. But it was certainly not a conventional interview, at least not the kind I normally do.

So here now, from 1991, Judy Tenuta.

Judy Tenuta died in 2022, just a month before her 73rd birthday.

If you were a fan of the Comedy Central series “Chappelle’s Show,” you know Charlie Murphy.

The multi-talented actor, comedian, and writer was a popular cast member, especially known for his “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” segments.

His acting career began in the 1980s, but Charlie was something of a latecomer to the world of standup comedy – where his younger brother Eddie was already a major star.

As it turned out, Charlie Murphy had a terrific talent for standup. And in 2009 he wrote a book called The Making of a Stand-Up Guy. And that’s when I met him.

So here now, from 2009, Charlie Murphy.

Charlie Murphy died in 2017. He was 57.

Now I've Heard Everything

The Power of Judyism”: A 1991 Interview with Comedy’s Accordion-Wielding Goddess Judy Tenuta

Charlie Murphy: From ‘Chappelle’s Show’ to Stand-Up Guy