Sunday, May 24, 2009 | Quick, A+E, Politics, Q&A
John Oliver

The Quick Q&A

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

“The Daily Show” correspondent John Oliver performs at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Punchline on Sunday, May 24.

For readers who haven’t seen your Comedy Central special "Terrifying Times," how would you describe your stand-up comedy?

It's one man saying things he thinks are funny into a microphone, then pausing for either laughter or awkward silence. Also, I must add, the words are pronounced with a beautiful British accent. So if you don't find the things I say funny, you can at least close your eyes and get swept away by my sonorous vowel sounds.

 

What advantage do your British heritage and Cambridge background bring to your role as "Daily Show" correspondent?

You cannot deny the authority of the British. I realize you Americans successfully denied it nearly 250 years ago, but that's not the point. I think it always helps being a bit of an outsider in comedy, and I guess I geographically fulfill that requirement.

 

What can you tell us about your role in the upcoming NBC series "Community"?

I'm not sure if I'll be able to be in it at all—it'll all depend if I can find time to do it around “The Daily Show.” I did the pilot, where I was a drunk lecturer called ... do you know what, I can't even remember what my character was called. That just goes to show what an incredibly detailed actor I am. I think I was called Duncan. I don't know. I was drunk most of the time. Easier to be actually drunk that pretend, I find. More fun, too.

 

"The Love Guru"—in which you appeared—misunderstood masterpiece? Discuss.

“The Love Guru” was a rich tapestry—a multilayered piece of cinema that cannot be unraveled in just one viewing. It was the “Citizen Kane” of movies featuring an alarming number of penis jokes. In truth, I think it was understood just fine.—Kevin Forest Moreau