Let's preface with this by saying that Lisa Lampanelli doesn't have hate in her heart, and what she says onstage -- while to the * ear might sound offensive -- is designed to bring everyone together.
That being said, Lampanelli's known for playing with existing stereotypes and cranking them up to 11 with a bawdy Italian bravado. She's an equal opportunity offender and no one's safe: gays, Asians, Latinos, blacks, even soccer moms.
As an insult comic, she has claimed the throne for roasts on both coasts, shredding celebrities and lesser-known comics in her wake. She goes last because no one wants to follow her, and her seat-wetting machine gun setsduring Comedy Central bathroom setfor Pam Anderson and William Shatner have helped make her a household name and given her some Hollywood cache.
With her self-esteem raised to astronaut levels, Lisa Lampanelli ranks up with the top male comics today -- and she knows she's the funniest woman in America. Just ask her.
Lampanelli will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at The Pageant, 6161 Delmar, University City Loop. Tickets are $27.50. Visit thepageant.com for more information. Lisa called in from Boston, Mass. To share her thoughts as the current queen of (mean) comedy.
Corey Stulce: Do people on the street want you to start roasting them?
Lisa Lampanelli: People started slipping me money to roast their dumb, awful friends at the clubs. I don't want to be indebted to any douche bag who wants their friend to be made fun of. Suppose it doesn't come up, and I've already taken their $100? I'll feel like an a-hole. I just say, "whatever dude," and I do what I do. It was pretty funny though. The best thing that came out of the Pam Anderson bathroom set, besides making the jump to theaters and stuff, is that people don't make fun of me any more. The audience, they're so retarded, they think that because I'm an insult comic, that after a show, they can say, "Hey you fat whatever" or "Hey, you loudmouth c***." It hurts my feelings because I'm a nice person. Now with the Pam Anderson roast, it got me more to a level of respect, they're like, "Hello, Miss Lampanelli." I'm like, "Keep calling me Miss Lampanelli; I love it." And nobody insults me anymore; it's the best.
CS: I can't imagine people being that ballsy or drunk enough to mess with you after a show.
