UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — Chicago comedian Junior Stopka appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” last week — but he didn't make the cut.
The lifelong Humboldt Park-Ukrainian Village resident, who has previously appeared on Comedy Central’s “Uncensored,” did get to meet one of his heroes, though.
Stopka, 31, sat down with DNAinfo Chicago to talk about the experience, his favorite comedy clubs in Chicago and the best places to eat and drink.
DNA: How did you get started in comedy?
JS: I thought I was funny, so about 10 years ago I went up on an open mic at Phyllis’ Musical Inn. It was a musical open mic, and I was the only comic so they liked me. Little did I know the next two years would be straight bombing.
What do you think of hecklers and what do you tell them?
They are the worst people in the world … They want to be standups, but they can’t so they just yell s--- out. I tell them, “Shut up, nobody likes you.”
You were on Last Comic Standing, what was that like?
It was nerve racking. Basically I just tried to keep my guard up and make sure I didn’t curse or burn any bridges.
Who was your favorite judge?
I like all three, but my hero is Norm Macdonald. I watched him as a kid. … As far as making me laugh, Norm Macdonald made me laugh the most out of any comedian. I would wait for him on "Saturday Night Live." I would wait for him on "Weekend Update."
After the episode aired, Norm Macdonald tweeted, “Never had seen a comic who looked or sounded like Junior. And that's saying something, Jack.” and “It makes me sad that a lot I thought should move on didn't, and no one more than Junior. Still, he'll have a damn fine career.”
That was awesome. That was one of the highlights of my day because I love Norm. I didn’t want him to hate me. I don’t meet my heroes that much, and I’m glad he wasn’t a jerk.
Where is your favorite place to perform in Chicago?
Reggie’s Rock Club. They are all scumbags there. Nobody wants to go there. It’s like, would you rather go to Wrigley Field or Comiskey Park? I’d rather go to Comiskey because they know they are scumbags. Wrigley is just fake scumbags. They are just scumbags because they are in a scumbag area. Down there, it's genuine scumbagary.
Comedians are famous for drinking. What do you tell young comedians about drinking before, during and after a show?
I actually wrote about this. Use what drug works for you. If it's not alcohol, take Ritalin. Do whatever you have to do to get funnier. I would say eat something greasy. Don’t chug drinks, especially if you are doing multiple shows. If you get to the point where you think, “Oh, I’m f----- up,” then go eat something — and then continue drinking.
Where is your favorite place to drink before and after a show?
Galway Bay on Diversey by the lake. It’s this little underground place … and the bartenders are awesome. After a show, I usually hit the 4 a.m., or I stay at the club and drink with the staff.
You are from Humboldt Park/Ukrainian Village. What is your favorite food in the neighborhood?
Nowhere. None. There used to be a bunch of Polish delis but they all closed down. They are all gone. I also like shrimp, lobster and steak. To get a good steak, you have to go to Randolph Street. The old Randolph Street markets. My dad taught me how to buy good steaks. Get them cut fresh for you and then grill them on a barbeque. I like good Polish food. Go to U Gazdy out in Wood Dale. They give you lard with pork to spread on your bread, and that is what you eat (as the main course). Before that, it’s more lard.
What do you have coming up?
I am working on a lot of material. In October I’m headlining the North Bar, which is a great little small bar in the city. That place is real cool if you want to see some cool underground s---.
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