INTERVIEW: Jackie Hoffman laughs it up in ‘My First Ex-Husband’
Photo: Jackie Hoffman stars in My First Ex-Husband, a new play by Joy Behar. Photo courtesy of Andrew Werner / Provided by press agent with permission.
Joy Behar’s My First Ex-Husband is enjoying a prolonged off-Broadway run with a variety of skilled actors and comedians showcasing their storytelling talents on a rotating basis. The current cast, running through Sunday, April 20, consists of Veanne Cox, Jackie Hoffman, Carolyn McCormick and Andrea Navedo, with Behar herself returning for select performances, April 11-13. Behar, of course, is a longtime TV figure who co-hosts The View.
Hoffman is a well-known presence on the New York theater scene. Her stage credits include everything from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to On the Town, The Addams Family and the acclaimed Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof. On TV, she has been celebrated for roles in Feud: Betty and Joan, Only Murders in the Building and Night Court, among other projects.
Recently Hoffman exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk about her new role in My First Ex-Husband, which finds four actors telling stories about love, marriage, divorce, sex and dating. Performances continue at the MMAC Theater in New York City. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What do you find funny about Joy Behar’s writing?
Her writing sounds exactly like her talking, and she’s funny.
Can you relate to some of the characters who are brought to life on stage each night?
Definitely, especially my first monologue about the woman who was brought up in the Chasidic world. My background was Orthodox, and though not as extreme, I had very similar feelings.
What’s it like working with your fellow storytellers on stage?
They’re great broads.
At what age did you realize you had a solid sense of humor?
At 5 when I used to sing: “You make me feel so young.”
How instrumental was The Second City in helping you break into comedy?
Very. I worked with the funniest people and learned from them, and learned from the audience. I learned to think fast on my feet and not edit myself, which has often gotten me into trouble!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
My First Ex-Husband, featuring Jackie Hoffman through Sunday, April 20, continues at the MMAC Theater in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
