"It's Interesting How in China EVERYTHING is Food": Q&A With Funnyman Jim Gaffigan Ahead of Mar 22 Gig

Indulging in Hot Pockets. Cracking Dad jokes. Being pale. Such are the everyman hallmarks that Jim Gaffigan somehow makes hilarious. In fact the doughy, affable, Midwestern comedian has somehow turned those innocuous topics into hugely popular routines, making him one of the most successful jokesters currently working the circuit. 

Gaffigan has received Grammy nominations for his comedy specials Mr. Universe and Jim Gaffigan: Obsessed, performed in sold out theaters for huge crowds around the world, and even performed his routine for the holiest of holies, Pope Francis. More impressive still: he has earned that popularity by performing very clean bits (that would explain the Pope invite), rather than relying on the profanity and shock value.

Ahead of his March 22 gig at VSports in Gongti (an event that the Beijinger is proudly sponsoring), Gaffigan tells us about collaborating extensively with his wife, Jeannie Gaffigan, as well as finding the humor in parenting his five children, cracking wise about Chinese culture, among other topics. 

What was the most memorable aspect of performing for the Pope? 
I elaborate on this in my new hour I'm working on but I just remember thinking that it's so inappropriate that a comedian is performing before a worldwide religious leader. In no other scenario would you have a comedian open for any type of world leader.

People love your jokes about food. Twelve years ago you came to China. Can you recall any funny observations you had about trying some of the food here during your last visit?
I think it's interesting how in China everything is food. At least from my limited experience. My brother lived in Shanghai at the time so he refused to eat Chinese food, we just went from Western restaurant to Western restaurant. I remember the bartering more than the food.

I loved your latest special Cinco, especially the bit about the "classic fat guy" move involving crossing one's arm in front of oneself to "hide" the gut. In China it's different: men show off their midriffs to cool off on hot days, no matter how chubby they are.
What a stark cultural difference. I like the fact that in the Western world you're not really allowed to see human body parts unless you're 100 feet from water. I prefer that.

Tell us about the benefits and challenges of being a clean comic. 
I'm not crazy about the term clean comic – every comic would tell you that all they want to be known as is funny. That's just the kind of comedy I write.

How does working and collaborating with your wife pan out? Some couples would be shocked by this, but what's your personal take of the benefits and cons of this work-life relationship? 
Ever since my wife and I met, we've been working together. It's the only relationship we know. We have a very similar work ethic and writing comedy and television shows and books is rather creatively fulfilling so it's not like digging a ditch.

I saw a video that you recently posted on Twitter of one of your sons playing with a whoopee cushion. Do any of your children have aspirations to also become comedians?  
Well they are young – I think my four year old still wants to be a superhero. They're funny but I don't know if they really want to go into comedy. They mostly just see me working on my laptop.

Jim Gaffigan will perform at VSports on March 22 at 7.30pm and 9.30pm as part of his Noble Ape tour. Tickets are RMB 300. For more information, click here or you can buy tickets here.

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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
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Photos: ChurchPOP,  Gaffigan's Pinterest