Is there anyone funnier than Wanda Sykes? The hilarious comedian and actress, who came out in late 2008, is a natural when it comes to making people laugh. In movies such as Evan Almighty and Over the Hedge (in which she stole the animated show by providing the voice for skunk Stella) or television programs including The New Adventures of Old Christine and Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as in her comedy specials and recently-axed talk show, Sykes makes the most of her timing and delivery, guaranteeing giggles and guffaws.
Gregg Shapiro: Congratulations on being presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, for an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community, from GLAAD. What does it mean to you?
Wanda Sykes: I was really touched. At first I was like, man, it's so much so soon. Do I really deserve this award? I understood what they were saying. Being one of the few African-American performers who is open and out, I know I reach a lot of people. I still feel kind of like how a lot of people felt about President Obama receiving the Nobel [Peace] Prize! A little bit too much too soon. But I was truly honored, and I will continue to be deserving of the award.
Have you received more awards since you came out, or has it remained about steady?
I think it's definitely more, more awards.
You maintain an active tour schedule with your stand-up comedy. What's the best part about doing stand-up?
It's just raw. I love that it's live. You get the immediate feedback. There are no editors, there's no "let me do another take." It's so spontaneous. It's also my first love. It got me in the business and to the point where I am now. I always have to go back to stand-up, because that's the place where I get confirmation that, yeah, I'm funny. If I go for too long without doing stand-up, I think, "Hmmm, is this all smoke and mirrors? Or am I funny?"
It always looks like you are having such a good time doing it, that you are enjoying yourself.
I do! I love it up there. Let's face it, Mama needs a lot of attention! Mama loves looking out in the audience and seeing everybody focused on me. Seriously, it's powerful being able to make people laugh, really. To change their moods. It's such a high.
Is there anything about it that you don't like?
Mainly the travel, getting from place to place.
Is your family able to travel with you when you are on the road?
When I'm in LA doing Old Christine or doing my show, my family is there with me. With the stand-up dates, we haven't got to the point where they all go with me. It's just too much. I get there in the morning or afternoon of the performance, I do the show, and after the show my tour manager and Keith Robinson, who opens for me, we go out to dinner, then it's back to the hotel. It's not usually a good spot to drag the family along.
Do you think that the "gay as punchline" homophobia in stand-up has dissipated among your peers, or do you think it still exists?
It depends on the comic. If that's the audience that he attracts, where his jokes are inappropriate or whatever and they still find it funny to say "that's gay" or whatever, it's going to stay there, it's going to live. I have to say that I do see there has been a reduction in the number of comics who are successful who do that type of humor, especially in the big rooms. I'm happy to see that the big comics don't do that.
Among your upcoming shows, you have some dates in the Midwest. How do Midwestern audiences rate, as compared to those on the coasts?
I think they're a little more appreciative as far as you made the stop when going from coast to coast! "Hey, thanks for stopping in!" They really get into it. I think the people on the coasts are used to seeing so many acts it's like they're doing you a favor. I love those audiences, too. But it seems like Midwestern people are happy you stopped by, they're appreciative!
You mentioned Old Christine, and aside from having you in the cast, what do you think was the secret to the show's success?
It definitely was the writing. Kari Lizer is a genius. She's funny as hell. The show was so well-written. In rehearsals we got so much time to play around and try things, because we didn't have to worry about the script or the story not working. And then add Julia [Louis-Dreyfus]. From day one, I couldn't believe I got to work with this woman. She's awesome. She loves to work, she loves to rehearse. But she also likes to go home. She's normal.
Best known as a comedian, Mo'nique won an Oscar for her serious dramatic turn in Precious. If you were offered a serious dramatic role, would you take it?
It depends. I don't want to say no, because you should never say never. But I don't think I would. I don't know. For one, I don't know if I would enjoy it. I have no desire to do that. I like being funny. I like making people laugh. It would depend on the role. If it was something that I thought was a story that needed to be told and they said, "We need you to film this, to get it done," which I doubt – I mean, come on, Queen Latifah is busy?! I enjoy comedy too much.
Actress, comedian, talk-show host, humanitarian, Wanda, is there anything else you'd like to add to your resume that you haven't yet?
Nurse. Yes, I have some free time! I think I'm going to go to nursing school. They get to wear such comfortable outfits. Comfortable shoes.
Sensible shoes!
Yeah! Any time you can wear sensible shoes to work, that's what I want to do.