Home / Arts and Entertainment / Comedian Jim Gaffigan Finds Success by Avoiding Political Humor
Comedian Jim Gaffigan Finds Success by Avoiding Political Humor
9 Nov
Summary
- Comedian Jim Gaffigan sees the current political climate as the "best time that standup comedy has ever had"
- Gaffigan chooses to avoid political humor, preferring to focus on everyday observations and the challenges of parenting
- Gaffigan's comedy has evolved over the years, with his experiences as a parent of 5 children inspiring much of his material
According to comedian Jim Gaffigan, the current political climate has created the best environment for stand-up comedy in history. However, Gaffigan has chosen to avoid political humor, preferring to focus on relatable observations about everyday life and the challenges of parenting.
Gaffigan, known for his laid-back delivery and "clean" comedy, has accomplished a great deal since moving to New York in 1990 to pursue a career in comedy. His comedy has evolved over the years, with his experiences as a parent of 5 children, ages 13-21, inspiring much of his material. Gaffigan believes that if you have that many kids, you have to have a sense of humor, and the "love and absolute fear of failing" that comes with parenting has been a significant influence on his stand-up.
Gaffigan's decision to steer clear of political humor is a conscious one, as he believes people want a break from the divisive political climate and the constant discussion of the pandemic. Instead, he aims to provide a "nice reprieve for parents" by sharing the universal struggles of raising children, particularly teenagers in the age of social media, which he calls "a disaster" and "impossible."
Despite his humble and sincere demeanor, Gaffigan has achieved remarkable success, including seven Grammy nominations, two New York Times best-selling books, and a reputation as one of the most respected and beloved comedians in the industry.
