Back to his roots
Comedian, actor returning to New Mexico for stand-up show
Harland Williams is doing great, and he’s working like a “space monkey.”
“I always have to have something to do,” he says in a recent phone interview. “It’s my job to keep busy.”
The stand-up comedian and actor is making a return trip to New Mexico.
And it’s only take him more than a decade to do so.
Williams starred alongside Jessica Simpson and Dane Cook in the 2006 comedy “Employee of the Month.”
The film shot in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and Williams fondly remembers the time he spent filming.
“We had a blast,” he says of making the film. “We were in Albuquerque for most of the filming. Then we did a week in Santa Fe and went to see all of the art galleries and the museums. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get back. Now people will have me for four shows.”
Williams began his career in standup comedy. That quickly led to roles in films such as “Dumb and Dumber,” “Something About Mary,” “Half Baked,” “Rocketman,” “Sorority Boys” and “Down Periscope.”
With film roles, Williams looks for opportunities to use his imagination.
“If I can get creative with it, then I’m interested in it,” he says. “I don’t like to be a talking head. I like to do stuff that I can really delve into the character and mess with the language and create a memorable and unique character.
It has to be something that is fun and different.”
When it comes to his stand-up routine, he’s been influenced by today’s political and social climate.
He also interacts a lot with the crowd during his improvisation.
“Everything I do is in the moment,” he says. “I do have to be aware of what’s coming out of my mouth as well. There are directions that I shouldn’t go, and I’m mindful of that. I never go out on stage with a rehearsed routine. It’s rewarding, but it’s not that dangerous.”
Williams says he still devotes a lot of time to his craft.
“When I’m not on the road, I’m going up on stage three or four times a week to work on new material,” he says. “I’m always working on creating something new. Stand-up is where it began for me, and I continue to enjoy all aspects of it.”