As Pete Holmes was introduced to the DC Improv stage last Sunday, hardcore gangster rap started to play. Holmes came running out in his slightly ripped cardigan, grabbed the mic and shouted, “That is the wrong music! Nothing like that for this happy, healthy fellow!” The crowd exploded with laughter, and was under his spell, right from the get-go. What was it about this tall, slightly overweight, goofy looking man that brought the house down?
Pete Holmes is arguably one of the best comedians of his day. His upbeat, overwhelmingly joyous persona has led to popular success. Holmes has hosted his own late night talk show on basic cable, and starred as Badman in the CollegeHumor Batman parodies. After spending time bouncing between different TV shows as a hilarious guest star, his successful stand up acts led his rise to comedic prominence. Holmes’ opening line shows exactly what makes the comedian so funny: his dopey, yet charming character.
All great comedians have a character. This does not mean that they are playing someone untrue to themselves, or that they fall into stereotype. Rather, great comedians have an outlook on life, a specific value set that colors their view of the world. It is really an accentuation of their own personalities, but expanded into a performance. Daniel Tosh is sadistic cynic. Louis CK is a man who hates his life. Pete Holmes, in contrast, is a “Happy, healthy fellow.” It is very important for comedians to take a stance on a variety of subjects, and an accentuated character exemplifies their points of view. The comedian draws on his character to combine opinions with humor.
Holmes’s puffy cheeks and round belly make him look like a slightly used teddy bear, who bounces and waddles around the stage as he delivers his jokes. When recalls lines said to him, he lowers his vocal registry and talks from the throat, the way a cartoon character might. Holmes’s character is a well meaning guy and a bit of a goofball. As he describes himself, “I’m the kind of guy you want to take home to show your parents. Show them what nice friends you have; no pills or powders here!”
Pete Holmes is successful because he understands and uses his “joyous goofball” persona to its full potential. Even though his jokes may mock a subject, he turns it around into a positive way to laugh about the subject matter. His final jokes of the night centered around the idea of bringing joy into each of our lives. He offered his view of the world to the audience, telling them to not get angry next time something bad happens, but rather think of a funny moment. He offered multiple options, one of which was centered around Green Eggs and Ham. After a show filled with jokes, many around happenings that drive people crazy or make them angry, it is nice to walk away with some laughs and a positive perspective.
Repeatedly, before each ridiculous story, Pete Holmes would say, “I would never lie to you.” And the audience believed him. Once he had the crowd hooked onto his character, he could apply it out to other subjects and carry it into a running joke through his full hour set. He had captivated their attention and trust by playing his character truthfully, and sticking with it. Next time I am angry, for whatever reason, instead of yelling profanities, I can remember one of Pete Holmes’s stories, and all of a sudden, the anger will alleviate. I will think long and smile hard about the talent of that joyous goofball.
Photo: readingactress.com
