Gina Scarda, Former New York Police Officer, Discovers Stand-Up Comedy (WATCH)

WATCH: New York Cop Swaps The Streets For The Stage

Most baby boomers are looking to their retirement years as a time of personal re-invention rather than relaxing. Among them is Gina Scarda, a former New York City police officer who, after 20 years patrolling the streets, discovered a hidden talent -- for performing stand-up comedy.

"I think a lot of people are afraid to even take a first step to doing something they want to do," she told ABC News of her decision. "They don't want to fail at it. No one wants to fail. You just have to take that first step. ... Anything you do toward your goal is a first step, then second."

Fortunately for the former cop, she had an unlikely role model: Rodney Dangerfield. "He didn't start comedy until he was 50," Scarda quipped, before noting, "Once I was out there, it took me a second...but it felt natural."

Watch ABC's full interview with Scarda below:

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