(2013) All Hail a true Queen of Comedy, Adele Givens. In an industry laced with men its rare and exciting to find a woman making her own lane. That's Adele! For well over 3 decades Adele Givens has kept it real and real naughty with a slice of nice. Always finding fun ways to embed wise messages in countless swear words.
Words she gladly tells you do not define her as a stand up comedian / actress. ((( & yes I wanted to use that classic headshot of her... don’t judge me.. I fuggin love it !!)) Adele you rock that bad ass bush mama ! This is why I adore Adele. I had to have 7 minutes to pick her brain. She is very smart and keen on detail. I can appreciate that. Lemme stop babbling ... get to it... Read & Enjoy ~ thai`
WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST AND WHY? I'm always inspired when I watch award shows, musicals, and good quality performers in general. Even as a child I can remember feeling something whenever I saw quality entertainment or acknowledgement thereof. It was only after I grew older and wiser that I realized what I was feeling was inspiration.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW IT WAS TIME TO PURSUE COMEDY? I knew it was time to pursue comedy when I finally got the opportunity to step onstage and do stand up as an artist, as opposed to being in the back seat of the car, on the job, and wherever else, making people laugh. I had wanted to do it for quite some time before that but once I touched that microphone and felt the reaction from an actual audience, I knew without a doubt that this was the life for me.
IS THERE A DOUBLE STANDARD IN COMEDY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN?
There is definitely a double standard when it comes to gender in comedy. For example, you will almost never see a comedy show with equal number of men and women. There is always a few men and one, maybe two women. Usually one though.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO IN NEW ORLEANS? My favorite place to go in New Orleans is the French Quarters. (shocker huh?) lol... I love New Orleans because by nature I love and gravitate towards people and the people there have a way of making everyone feel a sense of comfort and belonging. And I know its real with them. Got to be real when it happens each and EVERY single time I go there!
HOW DID DOING THE QUEENS OF COMEDY CHANGE YOUR LIFE? The Queens of Comedy made such an impact on our community and comedy in general that it carried over into my personal life. People will forever associate me with that project. I believe in the power of women. I did before the Queens of Comedy but NOW I know for a fact that when we unite, anything is possible!!
CONFESS TO ME YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? My favorite book? Let me see...I think that would have to be 'A time to kill'. I remember reading that book long before the film came out and literally crying on the plane while reading it. John Grisham had a fan in me immediately. Once you open that book, it is impossible to stop reading it. I am currently reading a good book called 'Savages'. I LOVE reading, Thais!... Man if that 'Kindle' had been invented when I was in school I would have dropped out and had to get my GED...oh..wait, I DID drop out and get my GED! LOL
IS IT EASIER TO BE COUPLED OR SINGLE DOING STAND UP? Hmmm, easier to be coupled or single while doing stand-up? Good question. There are pros and cons to each side but in honesty, I cannot speak for the single category since have always been coupled while doing it. Married my husband in 1992. He's learned how crazy I am and how obsessed with my work I can be. I think as long as you have support from your partner it's all good, but if jealousy, separation anxiety, and other issues like finances keep coming up you might be in trouble! I vote for coupled though I think it totally depends on the individual.
HOW DO YOU RELAX? I relax by curling up with a good book and a cup of hot tea! PARADISE!!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE COMEDIAN AND WHY? Richard Pryor is my favorite comedian because he was made to do it and it shows. His style and delivery is so beautiful to me. I have loved listening to his stories and his character 'Mudbone' most of my life. I STILL put on some Richard Pryor today. I love the way he makes me think, feel, cry, AND laugh. And how he bought a visual to me whenever he told a story. I could listen to Richard Pryor for hours for the sheer joy of it. To me, he is undeniably THE best at this job that we love so much~and he is my comedy hero !
