Interview: Comedian Rich Vos to Perform in West Nyack

Rich Vos’ resume has more than one bullet-point that would turn other comedians green with envy.

The New Jersey-born funny man penned teleplays for the 77th Academy Awards, placed third on the inaugural season of “Last Comic Standing,” and was the first white comic to ever perform on Def Jam Comedy.

Vos also hones his wit on stage, over the radio and via podcast, with his show “My Wife Hates Me,” which he hosts with comedienne wife Bonnie McFarlane.

This weekend, Vos is swinging by the Levity Live comedy club in West Nyack, nestled in the Palisades Center’s top floor. (Ticket information here.) Vos spoke to Patch this week.

Patch: When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in comedy?

Vos: When I realized I didn’t like to get up early. When I realized I wasn’t a morning person. I always loved listening to comedy growing up. When you come from a broken home, you need to laugh, and you need to be funny to cover the pain. So I morphed into a comic.

Patch: What about stand-up do you find so alluring?

Vos: Stand-up’s a way to be creative when you can’t sing. I like the hours and I like to travel.

Patch: You’ve worked along a number of great comedians including Colin Quinn, Patrice O’Neal and Dave Chappelle. Who are the performers that have inspired you or taught you about comedy?

Vos: A lot of comedians work with me, and I inspire them, not the other way around. I’m an inspirer. I do the inspiring.

Patch: You placed third in NBC’s Last Comic Standing. What made you audition for the reality show?

Vos: I auditioned because I was off that day, and because they asked me to do it.

Patch: You and your wife, comedienne Bonnie McFarlane do a podcast together entitled, “My Wife Hates Me.” What’s it like working with a spouse on a comedy project?

Vos: It’s fun, and it’s the only time we talk.

Patch: What advice can you give to aspiring comics?

Vos: Just be funny. And don’t email me.

Patch: What do you enjoy more writing or performing? Why?

Vos: Performing, hands down. Because when I’m performing I’m writing as I’m performing a lot of times, coming up with stuff.

Patch: What has been the best moment in your career so far?

Vos: Probably writing for the Oscars was my best moment. That was really cool.

Patch: How has your stand-up act evolved over time?

Vos: I’ve gone from open-mic to genius performer.

Patch: You’ve done podcasts, radio and television. Which of these mediums is your favorite, and which is the most challenging?

Vos: It really depends, I like them all because they all present different opportunities. But I guess I like radio the best. With podcasts you have no restrictions, with XM radio you have a little bit more, and television’s great, but you have lots of restrictions.

Patch: You’re performing at Levity Live at the Palisades Mall from July 19 to the 21. What can audiences expect from your show?

Vos: They should expect a good time. I mean I can’t force anyone to come, but if they come they’ll have a great time.

Patch: After Levity Live, what’s next for you?

Vos: I’ll be working on a Chris Rock film as a script consultant.