Who’s too old to start? Readers share thoughts
Going Postal
Okay, it’s time for me to channel my inner Cliff Clavin and open the ol’ mailbag. And if you’re not old enough to know who Cliff Clavin is, this week’s FAQ And Answer may not concern you as much as it would someone who remembers Boston’s favorite mail carrier.
Special bonus for Cliff fans: At the end of this article I’ll post the link for a video of Cliff Clavin doing his stand-up routine on Cheers. Talk about death on stage, this was it!
If you happen to fit that youthful post Cheers demographic and only know of actor John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin) because you saw his name credited as a voice in the Toy Story films, you can take a week off from this column.
Just sit back, grab your sippy cup and take a nap. Your mental wake-up alarm will go off in about 20 years…
Wait a minute! I’m starting to sound like some grouchy old guy who throws insults and sarcasm at the younger generation of comics and speakers. But in my defense, this has all been a set-up for what follows. Let me explain…
As you know, I’m always asking for your comments and advice to pass along. Sometimes I get a lot and other times not so many. But one recent topic that made a lot of you go postal was…
How old is too old to start in comedy or the speaking biz?
Ever since that particular FAQ and Answer ran on June 11th (you can scroll down if you need a reminder), we’ve almost hit the century mark in replies. So I thought it was time to deliver the words of wisdom, age and youth shared by your fellow readers.
WARNING: The follow comments are for readers mature enough to realize there’s life in showbiz – even if you’re too old to star in your own series on the Disney Channel…
How old is too old to start in comedy or the speaking biz?
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“To me age counts far less than preparation and experience. If you can deliver the performance your audience wants, you can be 90 years old and still make it. I saw a dancer last night – the guy must have been in his 80′s – ask a much younger woman to dance. He then proceeded to “wow” everyone with his energy and style. Comedy and speaking are the same. If you are passionate about the skill and are willing to put in the work to make a new career, go for it.
I thought the question was so relevant to the way people think about themselves. So many quit too soon and never reach their true potential. I find that I grow every day in understanding and knowledge. It would be a shame not to share that with others.
By the way, I loved your blog. The material is just as relevant to speakers as it is to comics! - Lee Pound
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If you think you’re “too old” to have fun, follow your dream or pursue your passion, you’re absolutely right. Age is a state of mind, not a number. The only person who can stop you from enjoying yourself is you. – Janet White
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I’m too Gaddamn old to start comedy and I have another show tonight. What time does it start? – Charlie Wiener
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“The greater the distance traveled – the greater and more hilarious the stories.” – Peter de Jager
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I have a presentation titled, “At What Age Should You Stop Dreaming?” The answer is never. Speaking, comedy, or any form of entertainment is all about what you have to offer and how willing you are to do it. We are all still human beings who need our spirits lifted. Who is to say that age has anything to do with that? – Sonny Melendrez
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How inspired would you be by a 90+ speaker with a heavily tremulous voice, hard of hearing and who occasionally stops to wheeze and adjust his slipping dentures?! Would you feel sorry or happy for him? I agree, it’s not about the numerical age, but the condition of the body and the mind at the time of delivery – Billet Magara
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The short answer is if you’re dead, you’re done. Other than that, carry on! – Marco Kelly
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And now for something completely different…
The Kickstarter campaign for my next book, The Beatles At Shea Stadium has launched and is running until September 3, 2013!
Follow THIS LINK to watch the video, find out more about the project AND the rewards if you’d like to help me get this published.
Thanks and as always… Keep Laughing!! Dave
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Think of it this way – the older you are, the more stories you have to share. And the more experiences you have to make other people laugh. I’m starting a career in speaking at age 63, and my story today is more inspiring, entertaining, and riveting than it would have been at any other time in my life. – Nancy Depcik
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I was so intrigued by the question on age for the very reason that I struggle with that same question. I tend to find myself drawn to speakers who are so called, “older.” I admire their wisdom, stories and authenticity. I have found for myself, personally, the older I get the more I lean into my own skin. I feel more confident and poised.
I couldn’t agree more that it really gets down to mindset. We all have value to offer, no matter the age! – Julie Carr
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Life begins at 60. Just grab the excitement. I have made award-winning speeches and the depth of my speeches plus the passion would never have been there when I was younger.
I am the lady who had twins at 60. My life is just beginning. With inspirational award winning speeches and new opportunities opening up to me, I am more excited about my life than ever. – Frieda Birnbaum, Phd
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Age is not important… commitment and passion is! I finally started my Public Speaking business when I was 42. And now I look back at my lifetime of experiences and they serve as ingredients for me cooking up my success! – Anthony Hogan
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Wow!! What does age have to do with it? Nothing. Just think – Colonel Harlin Sanders was 65 when he started his Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise. Clara Pella was 82 when she did the Wendy’s commercial and became an instant celebrity with the line, “Where’s the beef?!” – Willie Johnson
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If you want to live to a ripe old age, have fun by presenting a little humor in front of others. Some people are willing to pay the best prices for cheeses and wines when aged, therefore never let age be a hindrance to your dreams for the best is yet to come. – Rene Roy Jr., DTM
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Two things should stop you performing humorously in front of others if you want. One is death. The other is Alzheimer’s. All other things being equal, anyone who says you shouldn’t is patronizing fool. They can stay away if they want, but it’s their loss. – Guy Clapperton, FPSA
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At 74 I feel not only younger than ever but also wiser than ever. It will have to be up to the audience to show when I had better retire. – Paul van der Vliet
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My late business partner, the great Bill Grove, was the first President of the National Speakers Association and is widely regarded as the father of the professional speaking industry. Bill retired from full time speaking in his 70′s, but made a comeback at age 85 and was one of the highest paid speakers in the world until his death at age 90. Hollywood is in the process of making a $20 million dollar move, starring Anthony Hopkins, about his comeback story. Charles Tremendous Jones spoke professionally until his death at 87. I lost a national keynote to him. Zig spoke until he got sick in his 80′s. Larry Wilson spoke until he had a stroke at 81. Bob Proctor is still dynamite at age 79.
If you have the skills, age is not a factor in this business. Go for it! – Steve Siebold
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Death is too old. Anytime before that there will always be an audience that can be blessed by your comedy. – Bob Simpson
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GREAT article today! I got started in comedy at the age of 45, and that was ten years ago (please don’t do the math). Suffice to say I got my butt handed to me a bunch of times before I learned how to present my material in a way that effectively bridges 2-3 generations. There was a time when I would almost panic at the sight of a really young audience. But that’s not the case today. I don’t really know when it changed, just that it finally did. A couple months ago, I rocked a really small college crowd for the first time ever. That’s when I really knew something was different.
Without a doubt, age is an obstacle. But it’s only a barrier if we accept that. As you said, there are lots of markets for people my age and older (and younger was well). And a niche performer knows how to focus on those markets in a way that makes them truly unique. Then you have guys like me who love the club circuit to the point that we’ve had to learn how to broaden our demographic appeal. It makes us easier to book as a feature, but it’s also not as lucrative as specializing in a more focused market. So there’s a trade-off.
I believe in my case, two things happened that really made the difference with younger crowds. First and foremost, I had to discover who I really am onstage. I remember people telling me in the early days that it takes 7-10 years to really discover your stage persona to the point that you can optimize it. Like everyone else, I thought I was the exception… “I know exactly who I am!” Well, guess what? I’m no different than any other comic. In my case, it took about 8 years.
Along with that, I had to accept the fact that the audience forms their initial impression of me as I step to the edge of the light offstage, waiting for my intro. By the time I can reach the mic stand, they’ve already begun forming an opinion. For older audiences, it’s “Okay, this guy’s about my age. But is he funny?” For the really young people it’s, “OH MY GOD… THAT’S SOMEBODY’S DAD!!!” Once I understood what they initially see, I was able to get past those impressions and try to shatter them. Comedy is all about surprise, and things changed when I developed the art of making both halves of the audience go, “Wow! I didn’t expect that out of him!”
Thanks, as always, for sharing your insights. I hope to thank you in person someday! – Dave Glardon
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The game is not over until you say it’s over. A person is never too old to pursue any passion within them. Age makes an individual wiser and can pass knowledge to others as well as motivation. Never knock someone down for following what they feel inside themselves to pursue, but rather applaud them for having the courage and determination to fulfill their vision. When a person has the talent to make us laugh, they provide us with joy, even for a moment. And when someone has the skill to encourage through speaking, they up-lift us all. Stay motivated & with a smile… Alfredo
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And as promised – welcome to the stage…
Video at THIS LINK
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Dave’s next comedy workshop starts at The Cleveland Improv on Saturday, September 14, 2013. Includes a performance at The Improv on Wednesday, October 3rd at 7:30 pm. For details visit www.TheComedyBook.com
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Dave Schwensen is the author of How To Be A Working Comic: An Insider’s Business Guide To A Career In Stand-Up Comedy, Comedy FAQs And Answers: How The Stand-Up Biz Really Works, and Comedy Workshop: Creating & Writing Comedy Material for Comedians & Humorous Speakers.
For information about these books, comedy workshops at The Cleveland Improv, and private coaching for comedians and speakers in person, by phone or via Skype visit www.TheComedyBook.com
Copyright 2013 – North Shore Publishing
