Gutsy Gal

Self-described
“Merry making, motor-boating, cabaret terrorist” from Kansas, Bridget Everett
recently stole the crowd at Tenacious D Festival Supreme, amongst dozens of
other hilarious events over the years. Part amazing singer, part raunchy lady
at the party, sprinkled with a dash of hilarity—if you haven’t seen or heard of
her until now, then get ready.  You
will.  CULTURE recently chatted with Bridget about her life, influences
and views on medical cannabis.

Have you always been this way in life? Have you
always been funny?

Well I’m the
youngest of six kids, and everything in our house was a battle ground. Every
meal was like some of those Comedy Central Roasts where someone was always left
in tears—and that someone was always me. At some point you learn how to defend
yourself, with humor. My family is a musical, funny family, and that’s where I
get it from.

Was there a singer that inspired you growing up?

I loved
Debbie Harry, Freddie Mercury and Bette Midler. A hybrid of those three would
be my favorite singer ever.

How about a favorite Comedian?

When I was
little I watched I Love Lucy and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but I also
listened to Richard Pryor albums with my brothers and sisters. I loved John
Belushi, and Animal House is one of
favorite movies ever.

Do you have a favorite club you like to perform in?

Yes, I’m a
regular at Joe’s Pub in New York City. It’s my favorite venue to perform in,
better than anywhere I’ve ever been, and I love it. People’s first reaction to
my act is like, “What the fuck is that?” I’m singer mostly, that’s what I
consider myself. I have a lot of other material, tender ballads and shit like
that. I love to mix it up and do a bit of everything.

Do you have any plans for a future comedy album or
show?

As a matter
of fact I’m about to do a Comedy Central special in just about a month. I
imagine it’ll come out in spring, and it’s going to be an hour special.

What are your thoughts on medical cannabis and the
legalization of it in the U.S.?

I don’t smoke
a whole lot of weed anymore myself, but I like to eat it! (laughing) I use
medical grade cannabis, and I see the good work it does for all my friends so
I’m all for it. The last time I smoked medical marijuana with a friend—she
called me, and she had been sick. They call me the grandma in the nursery home.
Whenever I smoke marijuana someone ends up braiding my hair, I sort of close my
eyes with a smile on my face and I’m home . . . I’m good.

What projects are you working on for 2015?

I’m always
doing something with Amy Schumer; I have a small part in her movie coming up
next year. I will also be on a television show and she and I just did a New
Year’s Eve show together. . . When I did Festival Supreme I talked to Margaret
Cho, and I thought it would be fun to do a song together. I’m always keeping my
eyes open and my feet on the ground, ready to run and ready to do it.