FIVE QUESTIONS WITH COMEDIAN JEREMY DOBSKI WHO PERFORMS OCTOBER 17TH AT THE SECOND ANNUAL PUNX CAN'T LAUGH FEST IN TORONTO

posted by Ben Rispin

ABOUT JEREMY DOBSKI

Jeremy Dobski is a comedy force known for his high-energy sets, raw honesty, and sharp, absurd insights that leave audiences laughing and reflecting in equal measure. Twice named one of Montreal’s Top 10 comedians by CULT MTL and a regular headliner at Toronto’s best clubs, he’s appeared on CBC, Vice, Discovery, and performed at major festivals across North America. He's worked with well known acts such as Howie Mandel, Sam Tallent, and more. Whether tackling the everyday weirdness of being human or the simplicity of everyday activities Jeremy brings a rare mix of vulnerability, wit, and fearless storytelling to the stage

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FIVE QUESTIONS WITH COMEDIAN JEREMY DOBSKI

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOUR LOVE OF COMEDY FORM? 

I learned to live comedy at a very young age. It probably came from cartoons, but I learned about stand up from an obscure animated film called "Rover Dangerfield" which started Rodney as a wisecracking city dog who ends up lost on a farm. I believe my mom contextualized it for me to understand that he was a comedian. I also always loved the Simpsons and eventually around 7 or so I learned about Weird Al, Mad Magazine, Mel Brooks and realized that adults can be silly. And then that's all I ever wanted to grow up to be, is silly.  

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH ACTING? 

I was in a community theatre play as a young kid. My sister went in for an audition and I had no interest but someone asked me to audition, it was for a role in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. My sister ended up on stand by (which pissed her off, but in the end she got the role). And I was cast as a main character...oops. At around 12 years old I started improv at Second City and ended up with an acting agent around 16 years old. Then I quit acting for a while and took up writing and music instead. I do it still from time to time, when I'm asked but acting isn't my passion so much as stand up, even if it does pay better. 

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU WENT TO? MUSIC, COMEDY OR OTHERWISE?

First concert (aside from maybe kids stuff like a Sharon Lois and Bram or that bizarre Ninja Turtles glam rock tour) was Weird Al Yankovic. Who I have gone to see just about every other time I've had an opportunity since. If you haven't gone to one of his shows, I highly recommend you do. 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST LIVE COMEDY SET LIKE? DID IT GO WELL? 

It was at The Comedy Nest in Montreal, and it was nerve wracking but I'd always wanted to do it and put it off for so long, so I knew I had to get through it. My childhood friend Mae Martin sort of coached me through what to expect, which was the worst. However it was right after my grandmother had passed, and I had done her eulogy which made people laugh, on spite of my tears and soon aftermy girlfriend at the time dumped me, so I think it could have only gone well. Which it did. That set me up for a lot of disappointment, because it only got worse from there! The host of the night was Robby Hoffman, and they told me that I was made to do it, and I knew that was true. Because good or bad, it's a compulsion for me. 

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST SHOW OR FUNNIEST SHOW MEMORY?  

This one is a little bit of both. So, I, a bald man, do a lot of crowd work involving other bald men. It's always in the spirit of bald solidarity. One night I was so excited that I had so many bald guys in the audience and we were all having fun, and then I turned and pointed at another bald guy, who looked something like captain Picard and he suddenly stood up and screamed "Fuck you Jeremy! You fucking asshole!" And he threw his chair at me. The stormed out screaming. I was honoured he remembered my name. I'm not sure what happened, I didn't think it would have been a surprise to him 

WHAT SHOULD GUESTS OF COMEDY/PUNK ROCK EXPECT TO SEE AT THE FEST? 

Exactly what it sounds like a fun four days of punk rock, stand up comedy, some musical comedy, and even an art market. It's such a fun chaotic vibe at our shows, and it's everything you'd want from a punk rock comedy festival! Join us Oct 16-19 

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