In this episode, I’m speaking with accomplished standup comedian and actor, Ethan Herschenfeld. We talk about his most recent project, Thug Thug Jew, and his experience with often being typecast as the villain. We discuss diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation within the entertainment industry. As a Jewish comedian, Ethan talks about the fine line between producing comedy that is inoffensive while still being relevant – which can change quickly based on the political and cultural temperatures. The latter part of the episode features a fictional story written and read by Parker James. Parker’s story is inspired by Ethan’s comical experience of playing Prince Charming in a children’s theater and being called out by a little girl for not meeting her “princely” expectations.
Wise Guy Charming - A Fictional Story in Print
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:01] Ethan Herschenfeld introduced
[00:59] From Opera Singer to Comedian/Actor
[02:38] Thug Thug Jew
[04:10] Typecasting
[08:09] Diversity in the entertainment industry
[12:16] Cultural appropriations in entertainment
[16:40] Addressing cultural issues in comedy
[20:30] Upcoming projects
[22:59] Ethan’s writing prompt
[26:39] Wiseguy Charming
[30:09] A disinterest in the family business and dream of acting
[31:06] Acting classes while working for the family business
[32:23] Dream role as Prince Charming
[33:37] A surprise confrontation
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Wise Guy Charming - A Fictional Story in Print
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:01] Ethan Herschenfeld introduced
[00:59] From Opera Singer to Comedian/Actor
[02:38] Thug Thug Jew
[04:10] Typecasting
[08:09] Diversity in the entertainment industry
[12:16] Cultural appropriations in entertainment
[16:40] Addressing cultural issues in comedy
[20:30] Upcoming projects
[22:59] Ethan’s writing prompt
[26:39] Wiseguy Charming
[30:09] A disinterest in the family business and dream of acting
[31:06] Acting classes while working for the family business
[32:23] Dream role as Prince Charming
[33:37] A surprise confrontation
KEY TAKEAWAYS: