Steel Notes Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 39

Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com An Interview with Comedy's New Father Figure Roy Wood, Jr. By: Scott Saxon Hailing from Birmingham, AL. Roy started his comedy career in 1999 at the age of 19 while at- tending Florida A&M University. Roy’s comedy crosses all races and cultural lines which has allowed Roy to work with an array of come- dians ranging from D.L. Hughley, Ron White, Monique, Tommy Davidson, Bill Engvall, and Sheryl Underwood. This same versatility also gives him the ability to perform in clubs as well as numerous colleges and universities across the country. Roy is now known for his contributions of writ- ing and acting on Comedy Central's longtime hit staple "The Daily Show" where he helps break new ground nightly. In 2002, Roy earned a slot as one of ten national finalists in Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots com- petition in Los Angeles. In March 2003, Roy was selected for Star Search on CBS where he ad- vanced to the semi-finals. He has also appeared on It’s Showtime at the Apollo, Live in Holly- wood and the 2005 season of Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and BET’s Comic View. Here are a few questions Roy was kind enough to answer for Steel Notes. Roy has previously recorded two nationally released prank call CD’s 2003's My Momma Made Me Wear This and 2005's Confessions of a High School Bench Warmer. His third release entitled I’ll Slap You to Sleep! is a collection of new prank phone calls and recorded stand up that was released in stores December 4th. Roy’s prank calls are heard on over 35 broadcast sta- tions across the country and 10 internet stations. Last year Roy appeared on the Bob and Tom Ra- dio Show: The Comedy Tour a one hour special which aired on Comedy Central in September. Roy made his network television debut on Late Night with David Letterman. In February 2008, Roy appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. His new special "Father Figure" is a new come- dic standard bearer. His work is mostly clean, but his make no mistakes, Roy's observations are razor sharp and biting. Scott: Hi, Roy...At what age did Stand Up become interesting to you? Were you always the 'Funny' one? Roy: It caught my eye in the early 90's with the signing on of Comedy Central. I was always curious about stand-up. Sinbad, Chris Rock, & Redd Foxx were staples of my parents. It wasn’t until college that I got over stage fright and decided to get on stage. Scott: Who were your influences, both large scale and locally? Roy: I get my work ethic from my parents. In a larger sense I always enjoyed the comedy of Chris Rock, Doug Stanhope, & George Carlin. Scott: What can you say about your CD's..The Prank Call CD's..My Mama Made Me Wear This, Co nfessions of a Bench Warmer, and then the amazing "I'll Slap You To Sleep", and your newest...."Father Figure"? Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com 39