the 941

The guy above is Paul Mecurio, who got his start as a writer on The Daily Show after he quit his job as a Wall Street dude to become a comedian. He is, as far as I know, the only person in recorded history to choose banking, make a bunch of money trading and still leave for something that makes him happier than greenbacks. Mecurio is, in short, a hero.

Plus, he’s won an Emmy, knows John Cleese personally, and still works as Stewart’s warm-up guy on The Daily Show set. All of which means he’s frikkin hilarious.

And our hero is coming to McCurdy’s this weekend for six shows, which leads us to the contest part: The first two people to leave a comment on this post, IM the941 at theninefourone (AIM) and leave a comment on the941’s MySpace page (kudos if you’re not a slave to the social network beast, you can just send an e-mail) gets a free pair of tickets for the Saturday night show. You can write whatever you’d like, but include your name. I’ll announce the winner tomorrow a.m.

This is quite possibly the easiest contest of all time.

And if that isn’t enticing enough, here’s a 941 exclusive: A Q&A with the man himself. He wears a fanny pack. He makes fun of old guys and trophy wives. He’s gonna drink at Memories. This guy is funny. Get on it.

You worked on Wall Street, then left the big bucks behind for the huge bucks of comedy. Are you the Michael Lewis of humor?
I never thought of it that way but yes, yes I am! Oh, and I’m also insane. I was working on Merger and Acquisition deals as a lawyer and investment banker on Wall Street. Then I started writing and telling jokes as a hobby and eventually chucked it all to work bar room gigs for $50 a night. Take THAT mom and dad, you’re not the boss of me anymore!

What were your first instincts when you first heard about The Daily Show?
I did not know anything about it and initially, I didn’t want to take the job as a writer since that was never my long term goal. I took it thinking the show would be canceled. After all, they were hiring me so what else could happen? But the rest as they say is…is… I can never remember how that saying ends. Anybody know?

True of false: Jon Stewart is not, in fact, totally charming and endearing and my girlfriend would not leave me in a second for him. Be honest.
False! Jon is, in a word, adorable. And may I add a helluva spooner! Plus he’s loaded. Quite a catch all around.

What prompted you to leave The Daily Show?
I still do the audience warm-up on the show before tapings. Doing just that job has allowed me to focus on more of my own projects and my stand-up tour. I live in NYC and work the clubs here (Comedy Cellar, Carolines, The Comic Strip, Gotham, Stand-Up NY, as well as the alternative rooms). That alone has been full-time. Add to that, I also shot a pilot for my own show—a funny sports news show where I play the host—called “Sports Central”, which people can watch on my website paulmecurio.com and myspace.com/paulmecurio. In addition, I’m about to start shooting sports comedy segments for HBO and AOL’s new website called “This Just In.” I’m also a regular on The Bob and Tom Radio Show where I play the “The Image Makeover Guy”, doling out advice on how public figures can improve their sullied images. On top of all that, I have a sitcom in development based on my life story of having left Wall Street for comedy. So while I’m still involved with TDS, the extra free time has allowed me to focus more on all of these opportunities.

Do you change your act at all doing shows in Florida? In Sarasota?
Yes, particularly in Sarasota where my entire act is geared towards older men (who are about to die) with hot young wives. You gotta know your audience.

How do stand-up clubs differ around the country?
The drugs. They really do vary from place to place. Actually, no matter where I am in the country audiences are pretty much the same to me. I do my act, then go back to the hotel and weep uncontrollably. Seriously though, for the last few months, I’ve been traveling around the country with The Bob and Tom All Stars tour. We’ve been all over and generally, the audiences have been amazing and really responsive. Comedy fans are the best people on earth.

Are you gonna grab a Bud at Memories Lounge (across the street from McCurdy’s, no windows) after the show?
You know it! I did it the last time I was there and in the process lost my virginity. Ah, memories…

Is it hard being the guy behind the guy? Easier?
It’s been a great learning experience being the guy behind the guy, and I’m lucky it worked out the way it did. Plus Jon is very tiny so when I am behind him I can see over his head, which sounds sexual but it’s not intended to be (wink wink).

Now that you’re the guy — do you like that better?
Yes, although you feel a different type of pressure. Like you have to do a good job, not just for you but for other people who depend on you. Take my mom, for whom nothing is EVER good enough! Just once, mom, why can’t you be happy with what I do? It’s always, why can’t you be more successful, why can’t you do this, why can’t you do that? Sorry Max, I’m getting carried away. My shrink told me to be more open about my feelings but my manager said to keep it out of the press but sometimes I just can’t help myself, especially when my interviewer asks such hard-hitting questions!

Where do you keep your Emmy?
In my fanny pack. Yes, I have a fanny pack.

Who’s your all-time favorite TDS guest? TDS segment?
Best guest was Matthew McConaughey. He had a great story about sheep on his ranch goin’ at it, complete with a reenactment he did on set!

Favorite segment has to be mine, of course. I played a sleazy HMO representative on a segment called “Second Opinion.” Basically, when it comes to people getting the coverage they need, I deny deny deny. I have a few clips archived on my site, check them out!

True or false: Carrell is hilarious in The Office, but the British version was funnier.
True but even more true: Paul Mecurio is hilarious in his “Comedy Central Special” and his new show “Sports Central.” See him at McCurdy’s and find out why! Yes, I understand I’m plugging my own show, but hey, I left Wall Street for you guys so I expect a party at every performance.

What’s your favorite curse word?
“Fudge-doodle-wacker-fob-shub–canoe–criminy-sakes-alive!” or “Fuck!”

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