An accomplished performer in all formats, Margaret Cho could be called the “Queen of all Media” having conquered the worlds of film, television, books, music and theatre. She has five Grammy Award nominations (two for music albums, Cho Dependent and American Myth) and one Emmy nod for her groundbreaking work on 30 Rock. Never one to shy away from a difficult or ‘taboo’ topic, her socially aware brand of stand-up comedy has made her both a thought leader as well as a teacher to those with open minds and open hearts. In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine named one of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics calling her “the sort of funny, sex-positive feminist and LGBT activist younger comics continue to look up to.”
Equally as important as her creative side is the causes she is passionate about. Margaret is widely recognized for her charitable work with gay rights and anti-bullying campaigns. In every segment of her life, Margaret is honest, forthright, passionate, uproarious and always entertaining.
I have interviewed Margaret before but it has been a few years, so I thought it would be a perfect time to sit down with her again, right before her performance in the Outlandish Series. However, not to beat a dead horse, this interview starts from where I left off a few years back:
Shortly after we interviewed you last time, you started working on Fashion Police. How was that to work on?
I loved it! I was very close to Joan Rivers, and it was very nice of Melissa to bring me into the world that they discovered. I appreciate everyone’s point of view and I loved stepping into Joan’s shoes for a moment. Joan was such a big life and personality and someone I admired for so long.
In 2017, Rolling Stone named you to the 50 best stand-up of all times. How did that feel? Was it at all validating or are you past validation this far into your career?
No I loved it, it’s really a great thing to be. Comedy has changed my life, so I was really proud.
How did the Podcast The Margaret Cho Show come about? Do you have a favorite guest from Season 1?
My favorite guests were Quentin, Jonathan, and Melissa. I used to be a podcaster in the dawn of podcasting in 2012, but now it has grown up a lot and its great fun and I really enjoy it.
How was your experience on the Masked Singer, and did you pick the character the Poodle or did they give it to you?
I picked the character. I had a choice of the poodle or the alien. Being inside of the suit is very different and you are singing live. However, it was an amazing show to be a part of, and I had a great time on it.
You are a stand up comedian, an actress, a writer, a producer, and a singer among many other things. Is there something you like more than the others?
I love it all, but I really love doing comedy as that’s my main occupation. I am a creative sole, but comedy is more essential to my being.
What inspires you to continue to be an activist for civil rights?
When I see the violation of civil rights, it inspires me. We have a need for talking about what’s going on, and activism is really important. We need to talk about racism, homophobia, climate change, and I am grateful for the ability to be an activist.
Is there someone special in your personal life these days?
Yes, my dog Lucia.
Describe yourself in three words?
Queer, quirky and quiet.
What do you do for fun?
I like to eat food. I have a sugar problem, and I have a sweet tooth.
What should our readers expect from your performance in the Outlandish series?
It’s going to be fun, crazy, wild, what’s happening right now, pop culture, raunchy and it’s going to be great.
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For more information about Margaret, go to: Margaretcho.com.
Tickets for Margaret Cho, which start at $40, go to: OutlandishFL.com. Premium seating and VIP tickets (including an artist meet-and-greet) are also available.
Discounted full series passes to see all shows are available, as well as a new “Pick 4” option, to see any four shows are also available.
