For more than 40 years, Jon Lovitz has been one of the best-known comedians of his generation.
His brand of funny can be traced back to his stint on “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-80s, where the catch phrase “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” from his character, Tommy Flanagan the Pathological Liar, became a weekend staple of must see TV.
He’s appeared in several Adam Sandler films over the years and done voiceovers for “The Simpsons” as well as his own show, “The Critic.” Lovitz even had the opportunity to work with his comedic hero, Woody Allen, on Allen’s film, “Small Time Crooks” in 2000.
On Friday, Lovitz will bring his unique brand of stand-up humor to the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. I recently spoke with him to preview his upcoming performance and get his thoughts on the current state of comedy and more in this new interview.
How would you describe your style of comedy?
Lovitz: It’s about my personal opinions about stuff and trying to understand what’s going on in the world. It’s funny, everyone thinks of themselves as being young and hip and then all of a sudden it’s not — it becomes the opposite of what you grew up to believe in. Some people just go along with it, and I just can’t. The show is just me talking about all different subjects and what’s going on in the world and how I see it.
Do you find it to be more observational?
I guess it’s more about things that happen that make me do a double take. It’s usually something I find ridiculous and then just start making fun of it. The stuff that’s going on now is foreign to me. As a comedian it’s our job is to make fun of everything. That’s what comedians do — point out the absurdity.
Where did your use of the line, “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” on Saturday Night Live originate?
It was an old phrase that was used in a movie. So I started thinking about a guy at an AA meeting where he goes, “Hi, my name is Bob and here’s how I became an alcoholic,” and then tells his story. I thought it would be funny if it was a pathological liars anonymous and a guy could get up and tell the story of how he became a pathological liar, but then realized he’d start lying about it. It made me laugh.
Who are some of your favorite comedians?
Well, Woody Allen is why I became a comedian. I saw “Take the Money and Run” when I was 13 and used to do his monologues in my college dorm when he was doing standup. So when I got to make a movie with him I was thrilled. The guys on SNL were all funny. Robin [Williams] and Charles Grodin were hysterical. He [Charles] had a very dry sense of humor where you could say something really dumb and he would just give you this look and you would die laughing.
Did you always know comedy would be your calling?
When I was seven I saw the movie “Yankee Doodle Dandy” with James Cagney and “The [Al] Jolson Story.” I was blown away by both of them. I also loved baseball. So growing up it was either be a baseball player or movie star. People would say to me, ‘Why you?’ And I say, ‘Why not me?’ And the more people said ‘No,’ the more I said, ‘I’ll show you.’ I thought if this is something I want to do then why couldn’t I do it?
Have any advice for aspiring comics?
The main thing for any performer is to be funny the way you’re funny. Use your personality and what’s unique about you. The little stuff and the idiosyncrasies you do alone when you’re with your best friend or family, put that into your work. If you do that you’ll be unique, funny and people will relate to it. But you’ve got to really work at it, it’s not going to be handed to you.
Are there any new projects you’re currently working on?
I’m doing stand up and some shows with Andrew Dice Clay. I recently found out that the show “Funny You Should Ask” will be shooting new episodes. I also did a funny movie called “The Toast” written and directed Tom Meyers. It’s about the father of the bride (who falls off the wagon) the day of the wedding and everything that happens at the venue before and after.
Is there a message you have for fans of the СŷƵ prior to your performance?
I just want to thank them all for coming to the show and am looking forward to doing it. I like making people laugh. It’s the best feeling in the world.
James Wood is a freelance writer. You can contact him at jimmywood@gmail.com
