Darcy Michael is no stranger to my blog UrbanCowgirlVancouver.com. We first started following him in his early days doing stand-up in dingy cafes and half-empty bars. Today, Darcy is headlining comedy festivals across Canada, is a regular on CBC Radio's "The Debaters" and is about to start filming his first supporting role in a sitcom.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the self-proclaimed skinny bitch as he packed his bags for Toronto, to discuss his role and thoughts around this next phase of his career in comedy.
First of all, congrats on your role in "Spun Out", which has been picked up for a full season on CTV. Who was the first person you called when you found out the news?
I went cliché and called my mommy first - then my husband, which in hindsight probably got some shade thrown my way but my mommy made me so she wins first call rights.
Many people know you as a stand-up comic. What can audiences expect from your character in "Spun Out"?
I play Gordon Woolmer, the office's lovable loser. He's a total beast. I'm in love with him.
Are there any similarities between Gordon and the Darcy Michael we know and love onstage?
Other than stunning good looks, I sure hope not.
"Spun Out" is about a PR firm filled with people who can spin everyone's problems, except their own. Have you had any real-life examples of where you've had some bad PR or a member of the press rip into you?
I've been really lucky in that sense, or maybe I'm just not a big enough deal yet but the press hasn't given me much trouble so far. I'm sure if they followed me around enough they'd have plenty of things to write about.
Kids in the Hall represents so much of my teenage years. I had the biggest crush on Dave Foley, in fact his reoccurring character Jocelyn inspired my hairdo for much of the '90s. What's it like working alongside the Canadian comedic legend?
I have so much respect for Dave and his body of work, I can barely look him in the eye long enough without asking him to spoon with me....but somehow I manage to find the courage on a daily basis.
Director Brian K. Roberts has had a huge sitcom career spanning over three decades. Is it nerve-racking to work with someone with so much cred, both in Canada and south of the border, on your first sitcom?
Brian's a genius to work with. Between him, Dave and the writing staff I feel like I can do no wrong because I have this team of experts constantly guiding me. Brian has been a huge champion for me over the years - I'm very grateful for his friendship...and his soft hands.
When I was growing up, I couldn't get enough of "Three's Company" reruns and "The Cosby Show". What was your favorite sitcom as a kid?
TGIF! Oh my god, growing up it was all about "Growing Pains", "Who's the Boss", "Step by Step", but the be all and end all was and always will be "G-O-L-D-E-N G-I-R-L-S". I literally watched five episodes yesterday because I love it so.
What TV shows are dominating your DVR right now?
Our daughter Grace got me hooked on "How I Met Your Mother", so that and "Modern Family" are my comedy shows. Then I'm like everyone else and obsessed with "The Walking Dead", "The Newsroom", "The Good Wife"...and a little bit of typical gay, I can't get enough of "Big Brother Canada". It's shameful and I LOVE IT.
Watch for the premiere of original comedy series "Spun Out" coming to CTV later this year. For more on Darcy visit darcymichael.com or follow him on Twitter @thedarcymichael.
