Staten Island-based, Brooklyn-bred Lisa Marie is one funny wife and mom. And her family gives her plenty to make folks laugh.
This is despite a cancer diagnosis for husband, David, which unexpectedly launched a comedy career as an offshoot to a following on social media, posts to which served as a mental health outlet.
I chatted with Lisa Marie to preview her April 2 hop across the Arthur Kill to perform at the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. For tickets, click here. She also will appear March 4, Hyatt Regency, Princeton, and April 23, Palladium Times Square, New York City. For more about Lisa Marie, visit her on Instagram.
How and why does marriage, children, and family influence your humor?
My family is my favorite source of material for my jokes. Without them, what would I make fun of? I’m all about family and home life so I like to put it in funny context so people can share similar experiences.
How and why did your husband’s cancer diagnosis lead to your comedy career, and what has been his response to that?
I don’t consider myself to be a comedian, but I needed an outlet for my mental health and social media became the perfect one for me. It gave me 60 seconds to just take my mind off my terrible reality and give us some time to laugh. My husband is in shock that me just posting these videos got me to where I am. He finds it unbelievable that people can relate to me and how many friends I’ve made through social media, and he’s very proud of me.
What is your husband’s name, and how is he doing in his battle against cancer?
My husband’s name is David and, unfortunately, this battle is a constant struggle. All we can do is take things day by day and hope for the best.
How long have you lived in Staten Island, and how does being from there influenced your humor?
I've lived in Staten Island for over 10 years. My humor doesn’t particularly come from where I live. I was born and raised in Brooklyn. However, both Brooklyn and Staten Island shaped my attitude and made me who I am.
Have you sold out the St. George Theater yet?
I had the pleasure of performing at St. George Theater on Feb. 5, and it was a beautiful turnout. I loved performing in my own town and meeting so many of my online friends and familiar faces.
How does your Italian heritage influence your humor and your cooking?
I grew up in a fully Italian household, where gathering for homecooked meals was an important part of our upbringing and culture. It influences my humor in a way where I can joke about growing up Italian and having people relate and laugh together.
Do people ever confuse you for Lisa Marie Presley, and if so, do you have any jokes about that?
I’d flattered if they did, but nobody has ever confused me with her.
Have you seen the Carteret Performing Arts & Center? If so, what do you think of it?
I’ve never seen the Carteret Performing Arts & Center, but I am looking forward to performing there and meeting so many wonderful people.
Your social media following is growing, and you have plenty of gigs coming up. Do you think at some point you’ll do a podcast or even a television special or show?
It’s amazing how many people I’ve been able to interact with, and I would be honored and flattered to do a podcast or anything on TV. I have projects in the works, but I take everything day by day.
Would you rather do a cooking show, a comedy show or both?
I would love to do both if I could. I’m always grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. Cooking is a bond that me and my mother have, so that would be special. I would also love to have my own talk show one day and podcast.
Besides your husband getting well, what other goals do you have?
My goal for my life is for me and my loved ones to be healthy, happy, and for us to raise three amazing children.
Is there anything I didn’t ask on which you would like to comment?
Thank you so much for this opportunity and for the continuous support. I appreciate it so much. I’ve met so many amazing people who I consider friends now, and I never thought something so great can came out of just trying to make my husband laugh.
Bob Makin has produced the Makin Waves music column since 1988. Follow Makin Waves at Facebook.
