WIL ANDERSON - TEXAS CHAINSAW JOKER
A born again comedian, Wil Anderson's earlier incarnation as a political journalist fuelled him with enough rage to take what he thought was the sanest option out - stand up comedy. Anderson has a guest spot on Triple J's Breakfast Show, has appeared on Good News Week and writes a column for the Australian
How did you get into comedy?
As a journalist I didn't like the restrictions that were placed on me in the media.
Describe your comic style?
It used to be a really simple explanation that I loved the Billy Bragg line from The Great Leap Forward where he said, "Mixing pop and politics they ask me what the use is/I offer them embarrassment and my usual excuses." But the style now is less manic, less preaching and the audience has to do a little more work.
Are comedians rock stars of the '90s?
There has always been an element of rock & roll in comedy but it has got to the stage that someone like Jimeoin can get thousands of young people to a gig like they would go to a rock concert. Good News Week live telecasts get thousands of people there cheering and screaming.
Can comedians be funny and attractive?
To be a comedian you have to be able to relate to the everyman. Looks probably just make your job a little more difficult.
If you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on television?
For starters I'd give Daryl Somers more TV. I just don't think that man is getting enough exposure. We should have Daryl every night.
Is there a difference between comedy and lite entertainment?
Comedy is funny.
Can anyone be a comedian?
Without natural talent you could get to a certain level but you could never be brilliant. Others have brilliant talent but never practise their skills. They just float through.
What's your ideal gig?
If I had a choice I'd only do stand-up.
What taboos are left to be broken by comedy?
People have talked about anything. It is harder to shock people now.
How does it feel to be a member of Australia's new comic generation?
I don't know if I've paid my membership, so I don't know if I'm a member.
What's the funniest joke you've ever heard?
A woodcutter and a little girl walk into a forest. The little girl goes, "Oh, my God, it's so dark. I'm terrified it's dark." And the woodcutter goes, "How do you think i feel? I've got to walk back home alone."
Taken from June 1999 Edition of JUICE Magazine, Issue No.78 (page 60)