Comedienne

HBO presents

March 3, 2001

What's better than a woman who's not afraid to speak her mind? A funny woman who's not afraid to speak her mind, and that's what you get with Janeane Garofalo. The Ben Stiller Show, SNL and Larry Sanders have all been notches in her comedy belt, not to mention her appearances in over two dozen films and her always hilarious comedy specials.

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HBO: Welcome to today's chat with Janeane Garofalo. Feel free to toss out any question you like, and don't hold back, 'cause you know she won't! Are you comfortable? Good. Let the chatting begin. Send in your questions for Janeane now! Please welcome Janeane Garofalo!

Janeane Garofalo: Hello! If there is anyone out there, I thank you for taking the time and the interest in asking me a question.

Doug Ecks: What are your feelings on the direction comedy is going in the near future?

Janeane Garofalo: Well, it seems to be pretty consistently moving in the same direction it has been for the last 10 years. Even though there is more sophomoric humor, there is also more thought provoking humor as a foil to that.

Norman Killwell: In your opinion, is loneliness next to jumpiness?

Janeane Garofalo: Hmmm. I would have to say loneliness is next to uncleanliness.

Elroy: Reagan used to say the worst thing about being famous was not being able to browse the magazines at the drugstore. Do you ever feel the same way?

Janeane Garofalo: No. I can do most anything and not have a problem with it. The only time I have negative attention is when I run naked through the streets brandishing a handgun.

Quixote: Can you describe your writing process? When, what, and how do you find the best time to write? And how do you fit it all into that notebook!

Janeane Garofalo: I always carry a notebook around in my knapsack, so whenever an idea strikes me, I write it in the notebook When the notebook is full, I procure a new notebook.

Libra: Of the self-help/spirituality industry that you parody, who is your favorite speaker/writer?

Janeane Garofalo: Dr. Phil. I like to rock the Dr. Phil workbook. I love Dr. Phil!

Elroy: I saw your article in Rolling Stone. Do you plan on doing more writing?

Janeane Garofalo: Did I have an article in Rolling Stone? And yes.

Da Bear: Of all the roles that are available to play, if you could choose a role -- non-fiction and fictional -- what role(s) would you most want to portray?

Janeane Garofalo: I would like to do any adaptations of Edith Wharton or Jane Austin's novels. Also, I would like to have played Valerie Solanas and Dorothy Parker, but they have already been played, and done quite well.

Elroy: Was writing for "Saturday Night Live" really the hell you say it was?

Janeane Garofalo: I can't believe that question still comes up. Suffice it to say, it was not a perfect fit at the time.

Da Bear: Who are the women in film that you most admire; likewise, who are the men?

Janeane Garofalo: Holly Hunter, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Anne Bancroft, and Catherine Keener. As of the men, I like Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber, Steve Coogan, and Frank Harper.

Drugstore Cowgrrl: Hi, Janeane. What is your favorite type of music to listen to?

Janeane Garofalo: Right now, I have Badly Drawn Boy on maximum rotation. I love Brit pop!

Crystal: What do you enjoy the most about being a comedian?

Janeane Garofalo: The ability to express yourself in a very simple, straightforward manner, and, hopefully, others will enjoy what you have to say.

Da Bear: Is it still within your plans to do a talk show? Would you prefer to do a radio or television talk show?

Janeane Garofalo: It has always been in my plans to do a radio talk show, never a television talk show. And yes, talk radio is still something that I desire to pursue in the future.

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