21 Questions with Alonzo Bodden

Please explain what just happened.

I opened an email from Slade and just started typing.

 

What is your earliest memory?

A rocking chair that I used to flip over when I was about three. I landed on my head quite often actually, which explains a lot.

 

If you weren’t a comedian what other profession would you choose?

I’d probably still be fixing airplanes.

 

Describe a typical work day.

I usually wake up between 7-9, and work out, eat and answer email. Maybe an audition or a meeting, but sometimes I just hang out until I can do a set somewhere that night . If I’m on the road then the day starts with morning radio and then I wander around the town or hotel until the show. There aren’t too many “typical” days in what I do. Some days are wasted at daytime movies or watching sports and some days are spent in front of the computer writing all day. And there’s always some email/Facebook time. Today is fill out questionnaire day.

 

 

Is there a time you wish you’d lied?

I can’t think of one because prior to sobriety if I wanted to lie I just did, and after I got sober I learned it’s easier to tell the truth.

 

What would you say to yourself if you could go back in time and have a conversation with yourself at age thirteen?

I’d tell myself that individuality is a gift. I’d tell myself I’m good enough and to be proud of who I am. Be fearless, try new things and PLEASE don’t worry about following all the rules or stress over the approval of others.

 

If you could have only one album to get you through a breakup, what would it be?

Bitter by Meshell Ndegeocello.

 

 

What are three websites—other than your email—that you check on a daily basis?

Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo.

 

From what or whom do you derive your greatest inspiration?

Too many sources and people to name but here’s a short list: Chris Rock, Lewis Black, Vinx, and reading the news.

 

 

Name three books that have impacted your life.

1984
Alcoholics Anonymous
Editor’s note – His third book choice is “Comics Who Can’t Count to Three” –sh

 

If you could relive one moment over and over again, what would it be?

My first set at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. I was doing New Faces of Comedy and in the middle of a joke about hockey I told the crowd to shut up. My manager said at that moment all of the industry people at the show stopped and asked my name. That’s when my full time comedy career started and I haven’t had a day job since.

 

How are you six degrees from Kevin Bacon?

Who?

 

 

What makes you feel most guilty?

Hurting or disappointing someone.

 

How do you incorporate the work of other artists into your own?

I don’t. In music incorporating someone else’s work is a tribute, in comedy it’s stealing.

 

Please explain the motivation/inspiration your Showtime special Who’s Paying Attention.

I tried to reach the heights of Chris Rock’s “Bring the Pain”. I didn’t quite make it but it’s the best hour I’ve recorded so far.

 

 

What is the best advice you’ve ever given to someone else?

The “Don’t drink or use no matter what” advice I give to newly sober alcoholics. The best advice outside of AA? Do what you love, the money will follow.

 

List your favorite in the following categories:Comedian, Musician, Author, Actor

Comedian(s) – in no particular order, Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock, Carlin, Lewis Black, Jeremy Hotz, Dom Irrera, George Wallace, Robin Harris, Bill Cosby.

Musician(s) – Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Vinx, George Duke, Sade , Meshell Ndegeocello, Miles Davis.

Author(s) – Jeffrey Deaver, Tim Dorsey.

Actor- Denzel Washington.

 

If you had complete creative license and an unlimited budget, what would your next project be?

An issue driven comedy talk show with a jazz band.

 

 

What do you want to know?

How great musicians do it.  They hear something no one else does and communicate emotion in a way I’ll never understand.

 

What would you like your last words to be?

THEY LAUGHED.

 

Please explain what will happen.

People will read this and think I’m deep, funny and creative. Then they will follow me by the millions and find out that I just make this stuff up as I go.