‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ had audiences the world over weeping with laughter, his turns on ‘Lets Make A Deal’ and ‘Don’t Forget the Lyrics’ made game show addiction an everyday ailment and his fast-as-gunfire improv comedy is unsurpassed — Wayne Brady is the boss of comedy.
At what age did you realise you had a special ability to do improv and make people laugh? I think I knew I had a little something when I could stop my angry grandmother from spanking me by saying something funny or pretending to be her yelling at me. She was so weak from laughing, she'd lose the strength in her arm to wield the belt properly. Because of her, I can handle any audience or network executive.
Give us a snapshot of the ‘Brother Down Under Tour’ — what can punters expect from Wayne Brady on this visit? Pure, fast and loose improv! No holds barred and uncensored. Don't think you're watching TV when I'm onstage! Anything can and will happen! Music and chocolate in the same place.
For first-timers to a Wayne Brady show, any warnings or advice you'd like to offer? Be aware that I bring the audience onstage! You could be next! And be ready to ask me any question you've wanted, I'll answer it if you can own up to it.
As an entertainer, what lures you to the stage to perform in front of others? It's my calling and all I've ever done. No other rush like it. Especially being able to do it globally! If you'd have told me as a kid, I'd be in Australia performing ... again ... I'd have laughed at you and gotten my angry grandmother after you.
Australia as a travel destination, it wouldn't be hard to convince you to jump on an iron bird for a 20-hour flight across the Pacific, surely? Not all! Lol! I want to be considered an honorary Aussie! I've fallen in love with the country.
You've won Emmys, been nominated for a Grammy, what's next for Wayne Brady to conquer? I have a new CD next year, a new improv show on ABC, I want to win a Tony, and I've gotta get my sitcom off the ground. Oh and world peace!
Where are you at with your next studio album? And how different is it, working on a project that doesn't have any comedic elements involved? Music is part of everything I do. I was Grammy nominated in 2008 and I'm looking forward to doing another CD now. Being "funny" doesn't play into because this about doing good music which is what I did pre TV before anyone knew me. It was actually easier then. Check it out on ITunes, or YouTube.
Your time at Disney World and the Universal theme park, how did that shape your career? Learning to think on your feet! If you can improvise while strapped in a hot-assed Tigger costume in 110F degree heat and humidity while fighting off Brazilian and Japanese tourists, then you’re awesome!
Drew Carey — what was it like to work alongside him on such a hit show as 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' Drew has been an amazing friend ever since we met on that show. I knew I was part of the gang when I made him shoot water out of his nose during a game!
The funniest moment you've had on stage? (Said as smooth Brother Down Under) All of them baby, all of them!
Catch Wayne Brady in his show ‘Brother Down Under’ at the Concert Hall, QPAC on July 14.