I was a broadcast journalist in New York City working for Bloomberg Television and Radio. Mike Bloomberg, who went on to be the mayor of New York City, said “Langan is the only one with a sense of humor. You all (newscasters/achors) write and read every story with the same level of seriousness.” If there was a goat stuck in traffic it doesn’t deserve the same reverence as a summit meeting. I got that. Not that we’ve ever had a goat stuck in traffic in New York City.
He asked me if I waned to created my own segments, my own beat. So, I created the station’s entertainment programming, which won a number of awards, and that’s nice.
I called my beat “Surviving with a Smile,” and I satirized world news, asked the man-on-the-street questions, and interviewed celebrities like Howard Stern, Joan Rivers, John Cleese and many others. I also regularly did an “Immigrant Update” with my blessed Irish mother, and had my dad partake in a segment called “Who Makes The Better Corned Beef, the Irish or the Jews?” When Bloomberg began running for Mayor of New York City, my segments were cut, considered too controversial. A new “suit” asked me how I’d feel about reporting on retirement funds for seniors. I said “I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.” I had found my voice and couldn’t go back. It was then that I decided to pursue stand-up comedy
What was your first big break?
I’m still waiting for it baby!
I have had a number of lovely opportunities in the United States, like performing on Broadway with Rosie O'Donnell at the Town Hall Theatre. That truly was a treat for me. She was gracious and fun and welcoming.
She hired hired me sight un-seen. She was slated to headline in the New York Comedy Festival. At the last minute she decided she wanted to host instead, so she need additional comics. I was recommended to her. She called around, got thumbs up, and took a shot with me. I will always be grateful to her for her warmth and openness. We both grew up in large Irish-American homes. She has a sister named Maureen, and her interaction with her on-air reminded me so much of my own relationship with my sister Katie.
After my set, she went back on stage and said - “With a name like Maureen Langan I knew she’s be good (alluding to our shared cultural background), but I had no idea!” Gracious, right!
A few days later her assistant calls me and says Rosie would like you to come to her home and be on her radio show. A limo picked me up in Manhattan and drove about an hour north to her homes along the Hudson River. Yes, I said homes. When the gate opened, allowing the driver through, I thought we had entered a private residential community along the river, and we had. But all of the houses belonged to Rosie: one for her radio show, another for her crafts, the house for the family, the house for her ex (I was told). And another house for whatever else one needs another house for.
She told me she was thinking of selling some of the homes. I said “You can’t.” “Why not,” she asked? Because aside from the Kennedy’s, you’re the only other Irish-American I know with a compound
What bugs you the most backstage about Standup Comedy?
The camaraderie backstage amongst comic is usually great. You always get one ego maniac who has to tell you all the deals he has and how much is going on for him. Ironically, you never see any of it materialize.
But that' s minor. What bothers me most is how some club owners and managers treat comics. There are great ones out there, but the exploiting by too many is disgusting
Do you think its harder or easier for women to get into Comedy?
Getting into comedy is easy female or male, you go do open mic's for a year and you’re a comic. But you have to become a better comic, and that’s where it becomes more challenging. Ideally, a seasoned comic, male or female, will stand out and be in demand. With that said, I have heard many, many club owners say they won’t book a female to headline because “gash doesn’t sell.” Lovely, isn’t? Most just say “chicks” or “female comics.” It’s an absurd premise. But it cuts into our pay by 50%. That male comic, who may or may not be as experienced as me. is making twice as much as me. And that pisses me off. It’s not his fault, it’s the club system. So yes, it’s harder for women. There, I said it.
But even today, both female and male comics who aren’t nationally famous -meaning have a zillion twitter followers or have a national TV show- are struggling.
The business is much more about social media and not talent. It’s very sad. I am repeatedly asked “How many twitter followers do you have.” Most of my audience doesn’t care about twitter, they are working, raising kids and want a great night out. When they go to the clubs and see another 25-year old hipster with as many dick jokes as twitter followers, they don’t come back.
It makes me wonder what would have happened to the George Carlin 's of the world had Twitter come along earlier.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced / or face as a female stand up comedian?How can this be improved? .
We need more women owners, bookers and late night talk show writers and hosts. It’s still a male dominated business (and I like men, trust me), but when you don’t have any females, or few, in the mix it hurts us because like-minded people get each other’s humor. When few of those in power reflect your sensibility, it makes it more challenging, just like any business.
Ageism. In American only young, hot people are allowed to be famous in the entertainment industry. I’m addressing this and the Kardashian Culture in my show that I’m taking to The Edinburgh Comedy Festival this August 2016 called "Daughter of a Garbage Man".
An agent liked a TV show pilot I pitched, then asked “What are we going to do about your age?” I said, “I could sue you, but then would I still have to give you 10%?”
TV exposure helps one’s career big time. And if you can’t get on it because of ageism, that limits your income potential.
We are missing out on so much talent because we segregate, cut off people who aren’t a certain age or look.
Being a woman do you find you are restricted in what you can and cannot say in your comedy sets ?
No, I say whatever I want to say. And I come with subtitles (I explain) what I”m talking about to those who’ve never read a book. lol
What do you love most about being a comedian ?
I love doing it. I love creating and connecting with the audience. The business sucks, but the people, comics, audiences are great. I’ve shared with you the downside of it all, but there is nothing like being your own boss, writing your own material, and having a beautiful connection with your audience. I would have regretting not doing it. I love the art more than I hate the business, so I keep at it.
I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and, of course, most recently Johannesburg, South Africa which made my heart soar.To have experienced and performed at the first Johannesburg International Comedy Festival was the highlight of my comedy career. What an experience to be amongst people so alive, effervescent, appreciative - not to mention how excited the audience gets when they like your bits. They sit up a bit, not quite a stand, hovering over their seats, clapping and smacking the person next to them. I was cracking up on the stage watching it all. Magic. I asked my friend, comic Loyiso Madinga, “What do you call that?” He said, “We simply call it being African.” I love that.
What nuggets of wisdom would you give someone/ a woman wanting to go into standup comedy ?
Oh boy! Do it while you are young and hot and no one will care if you are any good! I’m being facetious.
Stay the course, don’t listen to anyone unless it rings true for you. Don’t take it personally. You will be rejected, but so too will the guys. Keep going, share your truth. We need to hear your voice, dig deep, don’t go for the easy jokes about dating and screwing. And don’t talk about your period, no once cares. What do you want to say, why are you up there? Do it for your soul.
And, of course, get your ass on TV and as many twitter followers as possible.