Greg Walloch is a comedian who should be on your radar. Find out why!
Website: http://www.gregwalloch.com , Twitter: @GregWalloch
Photo by Irwin Miller.
What's the difference between an actor, comedian, writer and storyteller? I'm still figuring that one out, so I'm looking forward to your comments with the explanation.
In the meantime, check out this funnyman Greg Walloch, who obviously DOES know the difference.
Greg, a gay fella with Cerebral Palsy, guested on "The Howard Stern Show" numerous times in the late 90's during a three-part episode that inspired Howard to do a bit that aired on E! called "Handicapped Star Search". He currently hosts a monthly live meta-food storytelling event at The Standard (Hollywood) called Eat Your Words.
You do so many things, Mr. Actor, Comedian, Writer and Storyteller -- how do you keep track of who you are that day?
It's a continuum, fluidity baby! All those elements are in concert and always percolating if you are a creative sort.
Do you think Howard Stern lost fan-base when he made the switch to SiriusXM?
Howard Stern gave me my first huge mainstream exposure when he was on the radio and E! As far as I know, all those folks over at SiriusXM are doing great! Right? The Frank DeCaro Show is a SiriusXM favorite of mine, along with Howard 100 and Dirty Pop with Lance Bass is fun! I'd love to bring Eat Your Words show to SiriusXM.
You're from California, you're from New York. Which one is it? And which is the BEST?!
I'm based in LA right now for work, but I fully support those who identify as bi-coastal. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." I wonder if he came up with that in a locker room?
So fuck that LA vs. NY thing.
Tell us about Eat Your Words and how it came about. What's your involvement?
Everybody eats and everyone has a story to tell. With Eat Your Words I wanted to host and create an evening that gives folks that feeling of community -- that moment where you take a break in your day and just sit around the kitchen table, sharing stories over some great food and a bottle of wine. Eat Your Words provides an opportunity for Los Angeles audiences to meet some of their favorite performers, storytellers and local chefs on a personal level. Eat Your Words happens live the first Thursday of every month at The Standard, Hollywood. More info here: www.facebook.com/EatYourWordsShow
You're a gay guy with Cerebral Palsy, correct? What struggles do you go through?
Correct. The other day I was taking an Uber and the driver says, "One day Jesus will come and heal your suffering and you won't have to struggle." I said, "Thanks, but the good news is, I'm not really suffering." He says, "Oh no... You're suffering!" I think he might have been projecting.
Identical twin brothers, but one's a skater and one's a surfer. Which one would you choose and why?
Twins! Why choose?
What keeps you going?
I'm not really sure what's it's called, but I get it from this guy on the boardwalk in Venice... I mean, hopes and dreams. Hopes and dreams...and Katy Perry's "Firework." Just kidding, gross.
Photo by Robyn Von Swank.
What do you enjoy most out of life?
Small beautiful moments... Great human stories... Sleep...
What's your advice to youths with Cerebral Palsy?
#1 Don't let anybody tell you who you are.
#2 You will understand the gifts of illusion in this lifetime.
#3 Don't ever shave off all of your pubic hair even if it seems like a good idea at first. That's just a helpful tip for everybody.
When did you realize you were gay and who was the first person you told? How did they react?
I knew as a child, it's just part of who I was. I'm betting that I first told my best friend Lisa Randall who lived next door. Her mom had a Playgirl Magazine in the closet that we'd steal a glance at as kids -- the internet has sadly robbed teens of this racy rite of passage. I told Lisa that I think I might be in love with Brian Buzzini, (Playgirl's Man of the Year 1986) then I think we just went right on watching TV and hanging out, no big deal. We're still close friends today.
How do you know what to charge for your performances?
I offer workshops via Skype and in-person for people who want to sharpen their writing and storytelling skills. Rates by request.
Do you have any siblings?
An older brother, Jeff Walloch who is a fantastic photographer: www.JeffWalloch.com
What's the most important lesson you've ever learned?
Is it possible to make a kinder choice? How can you be most kind to others as well as yourself? I'm still learning.
Batman or Superman?
Green Lantern. He'd always say, "The best political, social and spiritual work we can do is to withdraw the projection of our shadow onto others." Oh no, wait you guys -- that's Carl Jung.
Do you believe people have souls?
Life force, sure. I've sat by friends' sides and I have witnessed their final breath exiting their body. In that moment of death it's hard to deny... Life is pretty magical, we're all walking that same journey and everybody's story will end the same. Liberating thought actually... Everybody relax! We're all going to die.
Anyone ever tell you you're NOT funny?
I feel like those people who specifically go out of their way to tell any comic or creative person that they are NOT good at what they do are unhappy themselves. You don't have to love me, just move on.
Which movie are you most looking forward to seeing in 2015? Why?
I'm the worst with movies and TV shows. I love when my friends go see films and tell me about them. I like getting news and TV this way too. As a storyteller and collector of stories...it's much more entertaining for me that way.
Anything else you'd like to say?
Charities: Share Our Strength. City Harvest.
Folks can check me out at www.GregWalloch.com and follow me on Instagram and Twitter @GregWalloch.