Interview: Maria Bamford

Long-time admirers of Maria Bamford's work in stand-up, voice acting (including CatDog and Adventure Time), and character roles in Arrested Development and Louie have consistently appreciated her comedic range. However, it wasn't until her semi-autobiographical Netflix series, Lady Dynamite, premiered in 2016 that her talents gained wider recognition. Despite its short two-season run, the hilarious show provided Bamford a spotlight in front of a larger audience, attracting plenty of new fans to her eccentric brand of comedy, which offers a fresh perspective on mental health and addiction issues.

Since breaking out, Bamford's star has continued to rise. Today, her voice can be heard on several popular animated shows and she continues to guest star on live-action TV. Recently, she reached her Kickstarter funding goal for a new web series, Noooo-CD!, which will explore her experience with Intrusive Thoughts OCD. Additionally, a new memoir, Sure I'll Join Your Cult, is set to be published in September.

The stand-up that Stephen Colbert once called his “favorite comedian on planet Earth” returns to town on Wednesday, May 10, to perform at The Orange Peel. In anticipation of the show, Maria Bamford spoke with Asheville Stages about connecting with fans and other comedians while on the road, her humorous role as Christian entrepreneur Amy Sleverson on the delightful Bonanas for Bonzanza podcast, and… 

Jonny Leather: Despite the rooms full of people, touring as a comedian can be pretty solitary and isolating. Your comedy often helps to convince fans not to feel alone in the world, but how do you personally avoid feelings of loneliness on the road?

Maria Bamford: I like to connect with local comics if I have time and get together for coffee or lunch. Or, I've met people off of Twitter to rehearse my show at a coffee house across the table from them, and that helps me feel more connected to the place I'm visiting. It's really wonderful how many lovely people are willing to meet me in person to hear jokes said to their face.

JL: Your openness about mental health and addiction has been inspiring. Are there any specific comedians/performers whose acts inspired you at a younger age, and helped you to be more comfortable being yourself?

MB: I think my dad (who recently passed) was a real example of being a bit of a weirdo and it being OK. He had a lot of inventions and his workplace gave him the nickname of "Professor from Planet Pluto" because of the elliptical way he'd express himself in his writing. My dad was very secure in who he was, and started various local clubs like The First World Congress of Trampoline Jogging.

JL: I’m a longtime fan of the Bonanas for Bonanza podcast. Amy Sleverson and her new product ideas often make me laugh out loud at my desk while I’m working. How did you come to work with Andy Daly and Matt Gourley? And what level of familiarity with Bonanza did you have prior to doing the podcast?

MB: I didn't ever see the show before talking about it. Andy was looking for something to do for the [COVID-19] quarantine and asked me if I could think of a character. I have Amy Sleverson, who is based on a gal in high school I knew who was very sincere and then lightly ominous, if that makes sense. [She was] Christian and a little upbeat, but would laugh at you. Anyways, I thought she might fit in and it's been fun to think of Biblical pyramid schemes for her to hustle.

JL: The Kickstarter for your Noooo-CD! comedy series recently met its fundraising goal, and your memoir ,Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult, will release in September. How important has it been to have a variety of formats by which to express yourself? 

MB: I'm so grateful to have a lot of irons in the fire. I don't like to "count on” showbiz jobs going through. To me, counting on showbiz jobs to work out is like assuming my friend with a drinking problem is going to keep it together at my New Year’s party. It's just better to acknowledge that it's unlikely and be surprised if things work out at all.

JL: Your stand-up routine generally involves a lot of expressive voice work. How has your experience as a voice actor impacted your approach to stand-up?

MB: Hopefully, I am inspired to try new things in both, but I'm not sure if that's true — I am inside The Matrix.

JL: What topics will you be exploring in your upcoming run of tour dates?

MB: 12-step groups, belonging, family, suicide hotlines, and children's literature.

JL: Do you have anything you look forward to when visiting Asheville for a performance?

MB: Well, I know it's an arts town, so I’m always delighted to be amongst co-workers.

IF YOU GO

Who: Maria Bamford
When: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 8 p.m.
Where: The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., theorangepeel.net
Tickets: $35 advance/$40 day of show

(Photo by Robyn Von Swank)