JB Smoove loves stand-up, ‘Curb’
COMMENTARY
When JB Smoove performs stand-up, he says he doesn’t talk about “Curb Your Enthusiasm” or his character, Leon Black, on the HBO show.
“My stand-up is very JB. You’ll hear little moments that remind you of some Leon stuff,” says Smoove, 52.
He brings his Lollygagging tour to the Orlando Improv for four shows this weekend and promises each will be different.
“It’s not a typical standup,” he said. “I’m very physical, I improvise, and I really cater my show to the audience.”
Fans know him from a range of projects. He has commercials for Alexa (with Leslie Jones), Crown Royal and Bic. His movie credits include “Hall Pass,” “Date Night,” “We Bought a Zoo” and the upcoming “Going Places,” John Turturro’s spinoff of “The Big Lebowski.” Turturro, who directs and reprises his role as Jesus Quintana, is “amazing,” the comedian says.
Smoove wrote for “Saturday Night Live,” and he has a long list of TV acting credits, including “Everybody Hates Chris” and “The Millers.” Yet he’s definite about his career peak: working with Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
“That’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” he said.
A spinoff focused on Leon would never work, Smoove said. “Larry and Leon are so fun together,” he said. “I get a chance to play this unique character who finds this way to touch other people, people who live by his mantras.”
Smoove looks forward to continuing as Leon when “Curb” returns for a 10th season. “I don’t know any particulars. Larry keeps a lot of things secret,” Smoove said. “They think I’m a spoiler. They don’t tell me anything anymore.”
He explains the difference between Larry on camera and Larry in person. “Larry turns it up a whole lot on the show. People tend to think that is the real Larry,” Smoove said. “But Larry is a soft-hearted guy, a generous guy, a guy you can learn from.”
On the set, David gave his blessing to Smoove’s plan to write a book in Leon’s voice and said fans would love to hear the character’s nonsense. “The Book of Leon: Philosophy of a Fool,” from Gallery Books, spoofs selfhelp books, and Smoove provides a warning.
“Do not live by Leon’s words,” he said. “Do not get caught up in it or in the things he does. Leon will ruin your life, if you allow him to.”
Leon gives Larry goodbad advice, meaning it’s good advice for certain people, but might not work for you, Smoove said.
“Larry considers Leon the ultimate fool for some of his antics,” the author said. “Larry has no idea if what Leon is saying is real or truthful.”
David’s encouragement made the book more challenging, Smoove said. He is a nominee in the humor category for the Audie Awards, given by the Audio Publishers Association.
“I love the audio book. It allows me to speak to the reader as if they are Larry,” Smoove said. “I don’t just read the book. I speak in Leon language. I’m talking directly to you as if we’re in a room sitting down on a couch.”
He employs the same directness in stand-up and appreciates the range of his career.
“Stand-up is cool because it’s that immediate reaction,” he said. “I love movies so much. I love improvising on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’ It’s almost like doing stand-up.”