One reviewer tabbed Andy Hendrickson as “the exasperated guy next door.” That’s to say he’s intrigued by the absurdities of life, which he effortlessly highlights on stage with his laid-back charm. Comedy Plex sat down with Andy ahead of his engagement this weekend to talk about his career and what he finds funny.
What is the funniest thing you observed over the holidays?
My mom moved into a senior living facility, and they have a pool and a gym there, and I thought to myself, I can’t wait to get old. I want to get a fake ID, so I could get into one of those places.
You built your career in New York City, as a comedian and writer. What were those days like?
I didn’t start comedy until pretty late, so I went out on the road before I moved to New York. I was 37. I was featuring and headlining some clubs in New York. It was an eye-opening experience; the best comics in America are competing for stage time. It’s very competitive; you take a lot of lumps. You have to let people get to know you over time, and when you get the reputation of being funny, you get recommended.
Now you’re on the other side of the country, in Los Angeles. Talk about the comedy scene there.
There are a lot of talented comedians out here; there are people here who are double and triple threats. There are comedians, actors and writers.
You’ve been on Letterman and The Late, Late Show among others. What kind of pressure is there to perform in those situations? How do you prepare yourself?
Doing Letterman was a goal of mine when I got into comedy. I was living in New York, and that was the spot to get. It wasn’t easy for me. It was a long, long process, but the time I got accepted, I had done that set so many times I knew it like the back of my hand. I was super-prepared, but I was nervous, so it was almost a relief when it was done.
What advice would you give to young comics looking for their big break?
I’ve been asked this question by young comics and interviewers, and the advice is, write and get on stage. Someone told me this when I started out, so write every day and make it part of your routine and get on stage as much as you can.
Andy will be in action Friday and Saturday at Comedy Plex, with 8 p.m. shows both nights. To gear yourself up for the hilarity, check out his website and his socials. See you there!
Take 5: ANDY HENDRICKSON