S.UCC: How on Earth did a RT VF/ Communications student from University of North Texas wind up working for a popular network TV show? (Sally Jesse Raphael)
PV: Well, I applied for a student exchange program, but instead was given an internship with the Sally Jesse Raphael show. I worked hard for the show, and I count it as an incredible learning experience, but I quickly learned it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
S.UCC: So how did you "break in" to stand up comedy?
PV: I never really knew much about stand up, but was curious about it, so I just sort of... sought it out. I went to comedy shows, open mics, writing workshops... I started getting work locally starting in 2001, and have been fortunate enough to have been headlining since 2002.
S.UCC: Where is "home" to you right now?
PV: I'm based in North Dallas, but I'm traveling so much.
S.UCC: What's it like coming back to DFW after touring so many other cities?
PV: I love being out of town for four days, and then coming back to Dallas. There's a stability that I have in Dallas that no other city can give me.
S.UCC: When you started, did you know performing stand up professionally was your goal - or did you think production and writing was "it" for you?
PV: I absolutely love making a living at what I love. Sometimes I can't believe that I'm making a living doing something I love so much. That said, stand up doesn't define me. I'm not doing it to be "famous," that's not the deal. I'm just trying to produce quality entertainment, and trying to make a living at what I'm doing.
Paul had just finished a beyond packed show at Hyena's Comedy Club Fort Worth, with the smarmy-yet-irresistible Cris Lehman, and ridiculously brilliant Aaron Aryanpur.
You can see Paul Varghese locally THIS WEEKEND at D'Vine Wine Garland (see photo below), or Friday, June 17th, in Phoenix for the LIVE TAPING for TV show, "Stand-Up Revolution." Go to http://www.paulvarghese.com/ for more information.
Paul Varghese is a bright light in contemporary comedy, and Dallas is proud to call him our own.
*photo courtesy of comedian Bobby Friske
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