Scott Wood — the New Rodney Dangerfield — Talks to Rocking God's House

Scott Wood — the New Rodney Dangerfield — Talks to Rocking God’s House

Scott Wood, aka “Mr. Punchline,” has been called one of the funniest stand-up comics working today — not just as a clean comic, but as a comic in general. He has also been called the new Rodney Dangerfield. He has appeared on ABC, NBC, FOX, Comedy Central and the Family Channel. Scott Wood has performed with such artists as Donna Summer, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Brooks and Dunn, and Debbie Reynolds. He was also featured on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings spotlighting his clean comedy, and he is the creator and star of the upcoming sitcom “My Life in Punchlines” based on his personal life. He can be heard constantly on XM Radio. Scott also has four live comedy releases which have earned him the seal of approval from the Dove Foundation for family entertainment. He has written jokes for Jay Leno and Joan Rivers as well as being featured in Reader’s Digest in their Top 50 Funniest One-Liners of All Time, in company with the likes of Robin Williams and Jerry Seinfeld.

You are called “The King of the One-Liners” — how do you keep up with so many one-liner jokes during a performance?

Doing comedy now for close to thirty years you develop a pretty good memory for your routines. I write all the time so the new stuff is usually written out on an index card with just key words to help me remember what I want to say and when. I take the cards up on stage with me and place them on the stool by my water bottle.
[standard items for the comic] It’s always the new stuff I forget to do so the cards are great until I have it all memorized. Of course, at my age I can’t remember breakfast. Wait, did I have
breakfast?

Is your comedy appropriate for clubs as well as church events?

I work both because my act is clean. Clubs, corporate, churches, and cruise lines. The cleaner you are the more work you’ll receive. So many comics have hilarious routines but
then add some racy or vulgar language to surprise or shock. I save all my cursing for the freeway. I believe in the right to free speech; it’s why I’m a comic. It’s the abuse of it that I’m
against. The best comics working can “kill” for an hour and be completely clean. Cosby, Brian Regan, Jim Gaffigan, and the like. Have you ever noticed that the word innuendo sounds
like an innuendo? Work clean and you’ll always have work.

You have a great mission statement on your website; how did you come up with the statement?

I’m an advocate for clean comedy. A friend of mine started a company that books clean comics. He once said to me, “It doesn’t have to be filthy to be funny.” And he’s right! I challenge any comedian to be as funny and as clean as they can be. That’s where the money is. Especially doing corporate events.

You have written jokes for Jay Leno and Joan Rivers. How is that process compared to writing jokes for yourself?

Each joke is tailored to the individual’s comedic voice and style. For Leno it’s topical and always about what’s going on in the news. For someone like Joan it’s more
of the “celebrity” type material — what’s going on with this star or that one and just mining their lifestyle and problems for funny material. Hollywood is pretty easy. Always someone in the
news like Kanye or Miley. Hilarious! I’m a one-liner like my comedy heroes Rodney Dangerfield and Henny Youngman. What a crowd! What a crowd…

You have shared the stage with a lot of the giants of classic rock and roll. Who does your brand of humor appeal — as far as the audiences that come to see these bands?

Thirty five and older really get me. And forty plus is right where I thrive. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s so my age group (parents with kids) can relate to all the spouse, grocery shopping,
kids and being a parent routines. They been there and bought that. Oh and now we’re in debt. Probably shouldn’t have bought that. When I do the music shows with greats like Frankie Avalon, Brooks & Dunn, Chubby Checker or even Donna Summer ( I miss her), the audience is that generation. My generation. There’s a song in there somewhere… I’ve had the opportunity to work with legends in the business, and I’m very proud of the work I’ve done. These music artists always have great stories to tell of days gone by, so for me it’s a great way to hear about old show biz.

What is your favorite performance you have had so far in your career?

I treat every gig the same way. Go out there and take no prisoners. I’ve had some incredible shows throughout my career and loved all of them. Cliché I know. I’m doing more
writing, producing, and some acting as I’m going through the second half of my life. I’m a cartoonist as well so having all these great God-given gifts is a great way to make a living.
Tell jokes…get check. What could be better?