CU Interviews: Maria Bamford
Maria Bamford is the funniest woman you don’t know. With a self-described “high, squeaky, childlike” voice, the comedian has been headlining shows around the country for several years, filmed two specials for Comedy Central and was part of the “Comedians of Comedy” series. She recently took on the Web as well with a series of sketches entitled “The Maria Bamford Show” on www.superdeluxe.com. Celebutopia.net spoke with Bamford in an exclusive interview earlier this month.
Bamford’s life is as unique as her voice. She grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and launched her comedy career at age 19 at Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret in Minneapolis.
Before hitting Los Angeles for life with her two pug dogs, Bamford spent time in two different communes, including a vegetarian women’s cooperative in Minneapolis. Her penchant for meat contributed to her exit from that particular living arrangement.
Bamford does, however, fulfill the “woman” part of that bargain and even ventures into some feminist territory, with (of course) a little bit of humor. For example, when legendary comedian Jerry Lewis was quoted as saying “There aren’t that many funny women,” Bamford plopped a list of “a few (she) knows of” on her Web site, about six dozen funny females actually.
Before she was inducted into this hall of famously funny women, Bamford worked plenty of odd jobs to pay the bills. She’s been a bookstore clerk (fired for suspected theft, which turned out to just be incompetence), a touring Star Trek impersonator and, that staple of actors and comedians everywhere, a temp:
Bamford’s new CD “How to WIN!” was released last year and she has continued touring the country.
“(I’m) just writing a book- but will take a few years,” said Bamford, who also recently pitched a pilot to Comedy Central. “I’ve pitched but there was no catcher. The ball is rolling around home base. I don’t know enough about baseball to finish the metaphor.”
Her family – particularly her mother – make regular appearances in her act and her Web site features the chance to get words of wisdom from her mother and visit her father’s “No Soap” site.
“They are very supportive. Slightly irritated sometimes, but supportive,” said Bamford.
Bamford has declared herself clinically depressed and indulges in the self-help books like some women do chocolate.
“I like to do exercises and workbooks – filling in blanks, writing answers in margins!” Bamford said.
The funny lady gets her own laughs in everyday life: “Most anything makes me laugh- people, farts, dogs, tickling.”
For more information about Maria Bamford and her upcoming shows, visit her Web site at www.mariabamford.com.
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