Who made you laugh as a child?
My dad – 'cos he’s funny. He has made me laugh throughout my life and still continues to do so at 92.
When did you first realise you could make people laugh?
When I was about six and I could make all the adults I knew laugh by mimicking them. (I would like to add that several years later they would hit me for doing exactly the same thing. You know when you lose that cute factor.)
Any childhood favourite comedians?
Popeye or Flip Wilson used to make me laugh more than anyone else and my favourite TV show was Benson.
What was the worst audience you’ve played to?
It was when I performed to my first expat audience in Dubai. I struggled really badly and after the show a white woman in the audience approached me and informed me that it wasn’t my fault – they hadn’t laughed because it was just that they weren’t used to seeing an American Negro with European entitlement.
What do you think of hecklers?
Actually, I think that a good heckler can sometimes save a show … but, like me, not if they’re drunk.
Are you funny off-stage?
I’m hilarious offstage. But usually when people ask me to make them laugh I ask them to just wait a moment as it’s on the clock.
Is everything fair game for comedy?
Anything can be funny as long as it’s actually funny (ie well crafted). People who have to ask that question can never understand why the answer is always yes.
Have you ever made a really inappropriate joke and regretted it?
Virtually every day since I was six. I still ache over jokes that I told that went flat when I was 10. Actually, when I was born, the doctor said my first words were: "Tough womb."
How about laughing when you shouldn't?
I have never ever been ashamed of laughing. Although I have occasionally been ashamed at getting discovered.
Who is your comedy hero?
Franklin Ajaye. He didn’t conform in the conformist 1970s. He was true to himself. It cost him and he still won. Also, [the late] Patrice O’Neil. He was fearless. He said some of the same things I say but with fewer words and more humour.
Is there a type of humour you simply don’t get?
Most comedies on BBC 3.
Which public figure makes you laugh?
Dominique Strauss-Kahn [one-time head of the International Monetary Fund and French presidential hopeful]. I feel sorry for him and am on the edge of my seat waiting for his next public failure. Imagine the special hell he occupies by feeling impelled to have sex with everyone he meets.
How do you write your material?
I sit alone in my four-cornered room staring at candles …
Is humour an aphrodisiac?
Yes, but nowhere near as much as alcohol and money.
Ever had to get on stage and make people laugh when you were going through a tough time?
Nope, I’ve always been happy every time I’ve performed comedy publicly. Honestly.
You’re playing the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Do you have a favourite Glasgow comedian?
Janey Godley – the most relentless Glasgow comedian I know. But after all these years, I still don’t understand half of what she’s saying.
Why should we come and see your show?
Because on any given evening on any given performance I might change the face of comedy ... again!
Tell us a joke.
Racists are like vampires. Once you are attacked by one you usually become one yourself.
Reginald D Hunter is at the King's Theatre this Thursday as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. For details and tickets visit glasgowcomedyfestival.com.
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