With time comes maturation, and comedian/actor Jay Mohr has realised a lot about himself since he started performing stand-up in New Jersey.
“A lightbub went off in my head that I’m supposed to do comedy,” Mohr said. “I tried it when I was 16 and that’s when I realised I had a niche. It was the beginning of of a marathon.”
That marathon was the beginning of his long running career, and he doesn’t plan on losing any momentum, especially when he performs his stand-up routine at Side Splitters Comedy Club on Thursday.
Perhaps most recognized for his coveted position as a Saturday Night Live cast member in 1993 and 1994 and his killer Christopher Walker impression, Mohr still knows how to stand out from other comics in his routines.
“After watching so much comedy, they know when you’re doing a routine,” he said. “I think when you’re up to telling the truth, you stand out. This isn’t something he made up for a show.”
Knowing how to tickle an audience’s funny bone is only half the task of perfecting his talent.
After two years of performing on SNL, Mohr began exploring movie roles, eventually landing the part of Bob Sugar, the merciless sports agent in the film “Jerry McGuire.” His experience in movies led to the realization that he had another passion.
“Nothing is better than being in moveis, not even close,” he said. “I have an enmorous ego and I say that knowing that would be my biggest detriment. I knew I would want to be in movies and the best at everthing I tried.”
Despite his debilitating pride and overly zealous attitude, Mohr wasn’t afraid to admit that he’s learned his lessons.
“I have not reached that movie gold, but I’ve been in many movies and I’ve realized how lucky I am and how great it is,” Mohr said. “I’m never going to be the name above the titled on the billboard for a movie and that’s fine,” he said.
With that growth, Mohr said younger showbiz hopefuls need not lose faith in their aspirations, as opportunites in the world of entertainment are plentiful.
He said students should remain persistant in achieving their goals, but overall they should strive to know themselves.
“You’ll know whether you’re wasting your time or not. A lot of people wash out—that’s the thing about showbiz,” he said. “There’s so many things to make a living out of it. You may not be a storyteller, but you may be a stage manager at a local playhouse. You can teach, you can write, you can sing at a restaurant. Just keep doing it. I have found perservance at times can be a better trait than actual talent. Sometimes it came down to who just kept swimming.”
Throughout his successes, Mohr still enjoys the simple pleasures in life, those offstage, away from the bright lights and clamor of an audience.
“Just this life, this baby, this family, this wife, this love,” he said. “I’m traveling to Tennessee to make people laugh. I think it’s incredible.”
Parker Dulin, freshman in materials science and engineering, said the show is an exciting opportunity.
“Well I think SNL is a hilarious show and to be able to see a cast member live would be an amazing experience,” Dulin said.
Side Splitters Comedy Club is located at 9246 Park West Boulevard in Knoxville. Tickets for Mohr’s show are $25 online, $27 if ordered by phone or at the door. All ticket prices increase $2 on the day of the show. Call 865-934-LAFF (5233) or visit www.SideSplittersComedy.com for more information.
