Wanda does it all

Comedian Wanda Sykes talks about her rising career, Dave Chappelle and her upcoming Seattle concerts

By Ernest A. Jasmin, for the Northwest Guardian

Wanda Sykes may not be as popular as Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle or Jerry Seinfeld. But she has clearly been on a steady roll these past few years.

She’s all over the TV dial. Many will recognize the 42-year-old comedian from her starring roles on “Wanda Does It” and “Wanda at Large,” or periodic appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Crank Yankers,” among others.

She’s built a nice little niche in the big screen, having recently appeared in the movie “Monster-In-Law” and with forthcoming roles in the animated film “Over the Hedge,” “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” and the sequel to Kevin Smith’s cult classic “Clerks,” among several films due out this year.

But the sharp-tongued comedian’s foundation has always been the stage. She’ll headline Seattle’s Moore Theatre on Friday and Saturday nights where she will be filming a stand-up comedy DVD. Here’s what she had to say when The News Tribune caught up with her on March 7.

First, I’ve got to tell you happy birthday.

Why, thank you. That’s today, right? That’s right. I’m, uh, 28. (Laughs.) I started doing comedy, actually, when I was 8, because I’ve been doing it for about 20 years, I guess. I started when I was 8. I went on the road with Pryor for a bit.

It seems your profile has really grown these past few years. What’s changed behind the scenes?

I think it’s just been a gradual progression. At this point everything is just kind of coming out at the same time. Like the movie I started almost three years ago, “Over the Hedge,” that’s coming out in May. And “Clerks,” that happens to be coming out at the same time. … Everything is just kind of boiling at the same time.

I just continue to pick projects on the basis of I thought they were quality projects. … I was able to pick things where I could at least carve out my own little world and stand out.

Is that something you learned to do from experience?

Well, after (the 2001 B-movie) “Pootie Tang,” Ernest, you learn a lot. You grow up. I said, “You know what? I need to read some things before I say yes. I need to ask a few questions first.” (Laughs.)

What kind of fodder have you turned to for this routine?

Oh, this administration. I mean, after Dick Cheney shot his friend in the face, I sent them a fruit basket. I did. I sent the White House a fruit basket. They’ve given me so much material. I wish they could do four more years, because then I could do two hours.

And you’re shooting a DVD up here. Why Seattle?

Over a year and a half ago, I guess, was the first time I was there. … I just fell in love with the city. I was overwhelmed by the crowd response. The audience was so smart and so appreciative. They were there to have a good time just as soon as I walked onstage. And that just stayed with me. I just hope that show I did wasn’t a fluke and when I get there you guys stink this time. So don’t let me down. (Laughs.)

Dave Chappelle recently brought his Block Party show up there. And there are parallels in that you’ve both had shows on Comedy Central and have roots in Washington, D.C.

Yeah, and I just recently got a passport. So maybe I’ll run off to Africa, too.

Can you relate to the pressures he had with his show?

The business itself is just so illogical. (Refers to “Wanda Does It” being scheduled in the slot following “Chappelle’s Show.”) I said, you know, just because Dave is black and I’m black I really don’t think (trails off). We have some of the same audience, but I don’t have the young 13-year-old boys. That’s not really my crowd. My crowd is a little bit older. … Maybe “Reno 911!” because that was more of the same tone for what I was doing – like an improv thing.

So that’s the standard I was judged on. … Because (my show) wasn’t getting Chappelle’s numbers, they canceled it.

So when Dave ran off, and they didn’t even have “Chappelle’s Show” … it was just karma. I loved it. Serves ya right. Now ya got nothin’, ya bunch of dummies. (Laughs.)