Margaret Cho: Drop dead funny

by Emma Kat Richardson

After 25 years in the comedy business, Margaret Cho is on top of yet another career peak: she has a starring role in Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva, is currently on a national tour and has a new musical comedy album in the works.

Top-selling comedienne, author, activist, and self-described “shit-starter;” Margaret Cho wears many hats – some with the festive, frisky flash of an over-sized sombrero, others with the down-to-earth pragmatism of a Dodgers baseball cap.

Her latest venture – a musical album tentatively titled Guitarded – is set to debut Cho’s surprising singing talents alongside her considerable comic chops: a skill that has landed her a starring role on Lifetime’s hit dramedy Drop Dead Diva (which has just been renewed for a second season), not to mention a skill that has left legions of fans hungry for more Cho.

Checking in with Punchline Magazine (it was so nice, she came back to us twice!) the lovely Miss Cho shares a few exclusive scenes from her endless well of creative talent, scenes that you’ll also be able to check out on the tour she’s currently on, running through October.

What made you decide to make the leap from straight-up stand-up to musical comedy?
I think of it still as stand-up but I am always trying to vary my methods, do different things, like incorporating movement and dance and now playing and singing, but its still stand-up comedy to me. I have been doing comedy for so long – 25 years – so I need to keep myself sharp and relevant and have fun so I like to try new things.

What can fans of your comedy expect from your first music album?
Well, its basically funny songs with serious music from the best musicians in the world. I’m so lucky to have my favorite artists supporting me through this – people like Andrew Bird, Jon Brion, Patty Griffin and Grant Lee Phillips. It’s gonna be cool.

So many actors and comedians have tried their hand at music and failed. How do you plan to transcend the odds and make your album accessible to both music and comedy fans alike?
I think it’ll succeed because it’s a comedy record, and I am not trying to become a singer for real – its just another way of telling jokes, which for me is very natural, so I feel very confident about it.

Who would you point to as some of your musical influences?
Everyone on the record – and most of all Jon Brion. Then Neil Finn, who I’m still trying to write with so I may get all my heroes on this project.

What drew you to the script and set of Drop Dead Diva?
I fell in love with the writing, and [producer] Josh Berman’s vision. It’s so great and perfect for what women need right now: A fantastic show about body image and self esteem that’s moving and powerful and funny. I love it.

Do you see yourself branching out into more acting roles? What part do you see this TV series playing in your career?
I don’t know. I just love the show and living in Georgia where we shoot gives me lots of time for the banjo.

For more on Cho and her current tour dates, check out her official site at margaretcho.com.