Andrea Rosen [Interview]

Hello Folks! We are back at it with the funniness today as we have an absolute legend in the world of comedy sharing some wonderful words with us today. It’s Andrea Rosen, Everyone! Andrea has been involved with a plethora if hilarious comedic ventures over the years. From the brilliant and underrated Comedy Central series Stella, to working with the legendary UCB, all the way up to working on her long time chum Michael Showalter’s reunion of Wet Hot American Summer in series form, to the amazing work she is doing today, she is a phenomena in the world of comedy.

Andrea is one of those hilarious people who can walk into a scene on any series, film, or stage (I am willing to presume, although I haven’t had the opportunity to see) and absolutely light up the proverbial room when she’s there. I can particularly remember two instances when I noticed Rosen in a scene and just knew it was going to be good, no matter how short your part may be. It was specifically on an episode of Maron, a series we have covered many times over on the site, as well as another appearance on the short-lived but wonderful series I’m Dying Up Here. The later was what made me realize that I would love to have Andrea on the site. Well, several years later, she’s here!

So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the absolutely hilarious comedic performer Andrea Rosen!

What inspired you to get into the world of comedy? Was it something you have wanted to do since your youth, or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

When I was little my brother and I played 3 albums: Cheap Trick Live at Budokan, the Annie soundtrack , and the Steve Martin album, Wild and Crazy Guy. We were obsessed with Steve Martin. I also LOVED Gilda Radner, specifically, Rosanna Rosanna Danna. I LOVED The Carol Burnett Show, and I LOVED I Love Lucy. So, yeah, I was definitely inspired by those specific comics. Off beat and character heavy. And as a child I was always making up characters and perfoming them for my mom at the foot of her bed.

What was your first paid gig in the world of comedy? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work to date?

My first real job in comedy was the tv show, Stella on Comedy Central. I played “Jennifer” and I was one of 3 downstairs neighbors. It was such a funny show and Comedy Central definitely should not have cancelled it. But also I was paid peanuts, and that sucked. (Did not have an agent at the time). 

What did I learn? I learned that I really loved being a comic actor. And that even though I was super nervous, I didn’t want to make a living doing anything else.

What are some of the more unique venues and/or cities that you have performed in that many people not realize are wonderful places for comedy? Maybe something off the coasts in the “fly over” region of the country?

I performed in a comedy show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. The show was short lived because I don’t think the organizers had gotten permission from the museum. The performers played “tour guides” and showed the roving audience around. My character was called “Hortence Frillon”, and I focused on 6 paintings of women in water. I called my lecture “Drownings and Sisters”. I had an indecipherable accent and I wore a dirty wig. It was a blast.

If you were handed the opportunity to create and/or appear in the biopic of any legendary figure in American history, who would it be?

I don’t know. Maybe someone who was a drunk, because slurring and screaming is always fun to play. Or someone who’s really shy, because then you don’t have to learn a lot of lines. Or someone who’s really old, so that at the premiere, everyone will think I look amazing. 

This isn’t the answer you were looking for. You wanted a response that would shine a light on who I feel aligned with in a spiritual and physical sense. A person from history who reflects something innate about me…Does she fancy herself a Marilyn Monroe type?(No, but I have a 2nd cousin named “Marilyn”). Eleanor Roosevelt? (No, but I did grow up on Roosevelt Island in NY).  Hedy Lamarr? (Barely know who she is)…I’m sorry. I’ve failed here.

After 20 years in the world of comedy, and the advancements that have been made in technology, what do you believe has remained the same? Are there any core values that have remained since you started? 

It’s always been the same. Truth in comedy is what works best. The goal is to find what’s silly from your own point of view. And that silliness comes from real stuff…Because everyone can relate to true experiences and true feelings. 

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

I recently made a short film called The Rain Poncho. I wrote, produced and directed it. I’m also in it. It got into some great festivals and now it lives on line. And I’m super proud of it!   

I’m also on a fun tv show called Upload. It’s on Amazon. I play a stupid boss bitch. One season is out now. We just finished shooting the 2nd season.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

This shouldn’t be the hardest question on here, but it weirdly is…

Okay, movie-wise, Bad Trip really made me laugh. 

Life-wise, my 6 year old son just watched a Marvel movie and then asked me what “sonny bitch” was. He meant “son of a bitch”. I didn’t correct him, I just said it wasn’t a nice thing to say to someone. And the whole thing made me smile.