Harry Anderson starred in two highly successful sitcoms, Night Court and Dave's World, and he is also one of the top comedy magicians of all time. He has appeared on Cheers, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and in the made-for-TV movies Stephen King's It, Harvey, and The Absent-Minded Professor. He has also written for his own series and other episodic shows such as Tales From the Crypt and Tales From The Darkside. As a stand-up comic, he also starred in several television specials and has worked on projects with Apple computers.

Who do you think were your influences?

Early influences: Bob and Ray, Carl Ballantine, Johnny Carson, the Firesign Theater. My introduction to comedy as a profession came as a response to realizing that I was not equipped to make a living as a gambler, which was my first dream. I played cards and hustled a shell game on the street, but after receiving a broken jaw back around 1970, I decided to translate the work into a magician/con man character, which, though it dragged in less cash, was a safer play from the angles of law and health.

When did you first realize that you were uniquely funny?

I guess I've always tried to be considered engaging and bright. I suppose that comes from being itinerant — as a kid I moved around a lot and had to make friends and influence people quickly and effectively.

Do you remember your first original joke?

The first joke I took real pride in was pretending a gun made the sound “Peckinpah — Peckinpah — Sam — Sam — Sam!” (It played very big in the 1970s).

How did you deal with other comedians who look down on “acts with special skills” like prop comedians, magicians, and ventriloquists?

I would love to feel comfortable performing without props, and I do on occasion when I have the appropriate material. For example, I recently did a one man show, “Drowned and Quartered: How Hope, History, and Alcohol Failed to Save New Orleans,” based on my post-Quatrain experiences. It was funny, dark, and informative. Very funny.

How important is it to create a character or stage persona?

Character is the thing. The only thing. There are no jokes. There are only funny stories. And there is no funny story without a person acting like an animal or an animal acting like a person.

How would you describe your writing?

Everything I write and perform has a comic angle, as life has one.

In stand-up, how important is the “script” versus ad libbing?

I'm the kind of performer who can only ad lib once there is a script to ignore.

What is the best thing about being a comedian?

Hanging out with funny people. Worst: bad club food served in group dressing rooms. And airports.

What do you find exciting about comedy right now?

I don't watch stand-ups, even on TV. Never have. Don't go to clubs unless I'm working. Maybe to the Magic Castle, but only to socialize. I am not a big fan of the kind of thing I do. The comedy I enjoy: The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live (when it doesn't suck), 30 Rock, My Name is Earl, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Where do you think the future of comedy is headed?

Future of comedy? Come on. What's the future of anything?

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming comedy writers?

Wake up early, work hard, and have two successful sitcoms.