STAGE TIME Magazine: Michael Jr, Roz

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How long have you been doing comedy professionally?

Well the first time I realized I was a professional
comedian was several years ago when I was working at
this club in Indiana, and this white guy with a real “twain”
in his voice asked me, “Why do all black people look
alike?" Without even digging really deep, I simply
responded, “It’s not that all black people look alike, you
just gotta cut the eyes better on your sheet." (laughs)

I've been performing professionally for 15 years.

Have you always performed as a clean comedian?

Actually, I never set out to be a "clean" comedian per se.
I just wanted my grandmother to come see me and I
knewif it wasn't right, my grandmother wasn't coming to
see me. I can honestly say that my comedic style is me
because I don't curse in my home or talk a certain way
around friends. I'm always doing shows in churches and
that helps you to maintain a certain writing style ability as
well.

What are the benefits of working clean?

Just being able to invite my wife and children to some of
my shows and not feel awkward. I've heard that some
people have compared my comedy to someone so great
to me I don't even want to say his name...

Bill Cosby? I've heard the comparison about you.

Yes, Mr. Cosby. That really humbles me because I have
so much respect for him. I saw this video that Brad
Garrett (Garrett played Ray Romano's brother in Everybody
Loves Raymond) did and he actually mentioned me, and
indicated that he loved my comedy and that I reminded
him of Mr. Cosby. That's really humbling!

I don't condone any comedian that doesn't work clean.
Two of my favorite comedians Bernie Mac and Chris Rock
are making major strides doing it their way...I just
wouldn't take my kids with me to see them.

What is some of the feedback you've received from
comedians that you have worked with who aren't clean?

One significant incident comes to my mind that sort of
threw me for a loop. One day after an awards ceremony,
Chris Rock approached me and we had a 10-minute
conversation. He told me that I should never come on
stage as a clean Christian comedian, but to just come out
and do what I do and let the audience be pleasantly
surprised.

He asked for my information and then a couple days later
his people called me and invited me in to watch him and
his team write the monologue for the Academy Awards!
That was definitely a blessed opportunity for me and one
I will never forget. Chris is amazing.

What advice do you have for new and seasoned comics
who would like to perform clean?

Have a reason to do comedy other than for money! If you
raise the reason as to why you do it, you can elevate
yourself as a person. It's all about observation and
digging deeper as to how and why you view certain things.
Comedians often ask me to help them write something
after sharing a premise and I love to help however I can.
Thinking in a clear way and an elevated perspective is
always a good choice.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you'd like to
share with your fans and "new converts?"

I have a comedic film coming out called Thou Shalt Laugh.
Its similar to the Original Kings of Comedy and the Blue
Collar Comedy Tour, but its Christian-based comedy. It's
through Warner Brothers and the same people who
promoted the movie The Passion of the Christ are behind
this venture, so I'm extremely excited about its release.

For more info on Michael Jr, visit his website
www.michaeljrcomedy.com.

1. What's the first place you
ever did stand up?

A club called Rascals in New
Jersey.

2. Who were your biggest
influences?

Richard Pryor, Moms Mabley,
Sommore, Joan Rivers,
Earthquake and Sam Kinison,
especially because he is a lot
like me. He was a preacher
and a drug addict. He came
as he was when he performed
and screamed a lot onstage.
I'm carrying the torch now.

3. What are some obstacles
you have overcome?

Being a big black women and
not allowing people to stereo-
type me. Standing up for
yourself and saying, "No"
even when you need the
money because you are not
going to compromise your
integrity or allow yourself to
be pimped.

4. How did you get on Last
Comic Standing?

With relentless effort and
auditioning every season
three times, but only this
time I came with my
problems.

5. What did it feel like to be
named a finalist on Last
Comic Standing?

I felt deserving. I also felt
excited and it was time to
show the world who ROZ is.

-Bobo Lamb, Associate Editor

Roz has performed at Jamie
Foxx's Laffapalooza and the
Montreal's Just For Laughs
Comedy Festival.