7 Questions With: Derek Humphrey

This is usually the part where I’d try to explain who comedian Derek Humphrey is — and clarify that he’s not the recently deceased right-to-die advocate Derek Humphry (though there’s probably a darkly funny bit buried somewhere in that mix-up). The very much alive and very funny Derek Humphrey is best summed up in a single line in his bio: Derek is a "Rust Belt Philosopher and Working Class Sage" who has deep thoughts from the shallow end of the gene pool.

Released in 2024, his hilarious special Late Boomer offers a relatable blue-collar perspective with none of the Git-R-Done-style idiocy. It also shows why this nationally touring comic has earned stage time alongside the likes of Jim Gaffigan, Nate Bargatze, and Hannibal Buress.

Asheville comedy fans will have multiple chances to see for themselves on Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, with Humphrey performing at several Modelface Comedy events, including one which we’re not allowed to speak about — but you’re the kind of smart sleuths that can figure it out, right?

The comic took part in Asheville Stages’ 7 Questions with Comedians series ahead of his visit. 

Jonny Leather: What makes you laugh?

Derek Humphrey: The most I laugh is at uncomfortable situations or when people are doing/saying the most ignorant or silly and absurd things imaginable. I was crying laughing at both Jackass Forever and The White Lotus. I love the full spectrum of comedy. That being said, Patrice O'Neal is my favorite comic.

JL: How do you handle a joke bombing on stage?

DH: With a tacit acknowledgement. We are all in the same room. You heard it, I heard it, why not address it? I loathe the veneer of unaccountability.

JL: Is there a comedy special, set, or specific traumatizing event that made you want to do stand-up?

DH: I was being spanked with a wooden paddle by my principal in the first grade and I uttered "more please."

JL: Is there a moment at which you realized that you could do stand-up professionally?

DH: The first time a girl gave me her number after seeing me do comedy. If you can impress an intelligent woman then anything is possible.

JL: When heckled, do you: a) Eviscerate them; b) Breakdown / curl up into a ball; c) Just feel grateful someone showed up for your set?

DH: It really depends on the intent of the audience member. I would say that I never "break down" — but, then again, my mom has only seen me do comedy once. I try to wrangle in whomever might be trying to heckle and make them a part of the show.

JL: What’s the best part about being on the road?

DH: I love to travel, and if I get to do it with my wife, then it is really special. That and Buc-ee's brisket tacos.

JL: Why should the people of Asheville catch your upcoming set?

DH: Asheville is one of my favorite places in the U.S. It is a blend of a lot of different corners of Americans: traditionalists, progressives, wanderers, and tourists. I think that comedy can be a place where they all come together and heckle me collectively.

IF YOU GO

Who: Derek Humphrey / Gluten-Free Comedy 
When: Saturday, April 19, 7pm
Where: Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr #100, modelfacecomedy.com
Tickets: $18

Who: Derek Humphrey / Blowin' Smoke Comedy Showcase
When: Saturday, April 19, 10pm
Where: DSSOLVR, 63 N Lexington Ave., modelfacecomedy.com
Tickets: $15

(Photo by Mindy Tucker)