"Minnie Mouse invited my family over for dinner once."
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May 27, 2011
COMEDIAN
Michael James Nelson
Reserved Guy With An Insane Comedy Mind
The exclusive video!
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The interview
Michael James Nelson is a 31 year old comedian. He lives in Los Angeles, California, United States.
DS: How did you hear about Dailysingle? What are you expecting from being on the front page?
Michael James Nelson: I found out about “Dailysingle” when my friend Stephen Seidel was on the front page. Stephen and I have worked together on a couple projects. All I want from this is to get my work out there; to make people laugh; and to convince my mother that I am not just sitting around watching television all day. This accusation is used often by family back in Florida in hopes that all I am doing out here is nothing and that said accusation will convince me to move back home.
Michael James Nelson: I found out about “Dailysingle” when my friend Stephen Seidel was on the front page. Stephen and I have worked together on a couple projects. All I want from this is to get my work out there; to make people laugh; and to convince my mother that I am not just sitting around watching television all day. This accusation is used often by family back in Florida in hopes that all I am doing out here is nothing and that said accusation will convince me to move back home.
When I moved to LA, I had six hundred dollars in my pocket, no cell phone, no car, no job lined up, and no place to live.
DS: What are the most memorable years of your life and what happened to make them so memorable?
Michael James Nelson: Moving out to Los Angeles. When I arrived, I had six hundred dollars in my pocket, no cell phone, no car, no job lined up, and no place to live. I didn’t know anybody out here and found an empty apartment. So, I squatted in that apartment for about a month until I got a job as a production assistant for a television show and then moved into a one-bedroom apartment with two other people. While I was squatting in that empty apartment, I was so scared. Every night I would spread my clothes out on the floor to make a bed and try to fall asleep. I could never sleep. I would cry for hours, wondering if I should just borrow money, fly back home to Florida and move in with my mom; maybe I could pick up a shift at Chili’s. During the day, I would eat tuna out of a can and make cold calls. I learned a lot about myself during that time and looking back, I cherish it. It was so necessary for me to build strength, character and a drive.
Michael James Nelson: Moving out to Los Angeles. When I arrived, I had six hundred dollars in my pocket, no cell phone, no car, no job lined up, and no place to live. I didn’t know anybody out here and found an empty apartment. So, I squatted in that apartment for about a month until I got a job as a production assistant for a television show and then moved into a one-bedroom apartment with two other people. While I was squatting in that empty apartment, I was so scared. Every night I would spread my clothes out on the floor to make a bed and try to fall asleep. I could never sleep. I would cry for hours, wondering if I should just borrow money, fly back home to Florida and move in with my mom; maybe I could pick up a shift at Chili’s. During the day, I would eat tuna out of a can and make cold calls. I learned a lot about myself during that time and looking back, I cherish it. It was so necessary for me to build strength, character and a drive.
DS: Where were you born and where do you live now?
Michael James Nelson: I was born in Winter Park, Florida, which is a suburb of Orlando. And no, Mickey Mouse was not the mayor. When I say I am from Orlando, everybody immediately thinks that I spent my entire childhood at Disney. I tell them that yes, I grew up in Disney, right next to Space Mountain. When they say, “Really?” I then proceed to explain that when I visit home I land at Disney International Airport and take the monorail back to the house. I then brag about how Minnie Mouse invited my family over for dinner once. And now I live in Los Angeles, another city that is associated with Disney. I cannot escape Disney! Maybe I should move to Paris next.
Michael James Nelson: I was born in Winter Park, Florida, which is a suburb of Orlando. And no, Mickey Mouse was not the mayor. When I say I am from Orlando, everybody immediately thinks that I spent my entire childhood at Disney. I tell them that yes, I grew up in Disney, right next to Space Mountain. When they say, “Really?” I then proceed to explain that when I visit home I land at Disney International Airport and take the monorail back to the house. I then brag about how Minnie Mouse invited my family over for dinner once. And now I live in Los Angeles, another city that is associated with Disney. I cannot escape Disney! Maybe I should move to Paris next.
CONTACT HIM
DS: How would you best describe yourself?
Michael James Nelson: When people first meet me, I come off reserved and maybe a little unsure of myself. But as quiet as I can by, my mind is always racing and when I take the stage or act in a sketch, I let it all out. Someone once told me that I am like a duck. No, not Daffy Duck! A duck is still above the water, but below the surface the duck’s feet are paddling like crazy. I am a duck.
Michael James Nelson: When people first meet me, I come off reserved and maybe a little unsure of myself. But as quiet as I can by, my mind is always racing and when I take the stage or act in a sketch, I let it all out. Someone once told me that I am like a duck. No, not Daffy Duck! A duck is still above the water, but below the surface the duck’s feet are paddling like crazy. I am a duck.
DS: What are the must-haves in your daily wardrobe?
Michael James Nelson: Right now, it is my low cut Air Jordan basketball shoes. I wear them everywhere and get so much crap about them. But, I love how they look and they are so comfortable. Every party I go to, people always comment about them. Have they hurt me in the lady department? Probably, but do I want to hang around a girl that doesn’t like me because of the shoes I wear? Probably. Actually, it depends on what she is wearing.
Michael James Nelson: Right now, it is my low cut Air Jordan basketball shoes. I wear them everywhere and get so much crap about them. But, I love how they look and they are so comfortable. Every party I go to, people always comment about them. Have they hurt me in the lady department? Probably, but do I want to hang around a girl that doesn’t like me because of the shoes I wear? Probably. Actually, it depends on what she is wearing.
DS: Who do people tell you you look like?
Michael James Nelson: When I don’t shave I am told that I look like Carson Daily with a drinking problem. And lately people have been telling me that I look like a guy from “Parks And Recreation” but I have no idea who they are talking about. Any idea?
Michael James Nelson: When I don’t shave I am told that I look like Carson Daily with a drinking problem. And lately people have been telling me that I look like a guy from “Parks And Recreation” but I have no idea who they are talking about. Any idea?
The video
DS: What is the compliment you most frequently get?
Michael James Nelson: People often tell me that I am the funniest person that they know, but I just think that they don’t know that many people. The other thing people say is that I am a great guy. I don’t think they know that many guys though.
Michael James Nelson: People often tell me that I am the funniest person that they know, but I just think that they don’t know that many people. The other thing people say is that I am a great guy. I don’t think they know that many guys though.
DS: How did you end-up being a comedian?
Michael James Nelson: I have always wanted to perform stand up and it took till my sophomore year of college to do an open mic. I threw up right before they called my name and do not remember a word I said during those 5 minutes. After that show, a guy approached me to headline a show he was doing a month later. I thought headlining meant doing the last 5 minutes so I said yes. Apparently he enjoyed my five minutes that I did at the open mic so I decided that I would just do that. A week before the big show, I found out that headlining meant doing about 50 minutes worth of material. I freaked out. And then a flier with my face on it started popping up around campus. I wanted to drop out of college. But I showed up and did 47 minutes and got great laughs. It was my second time doing stand up. After that, I was hooked.
Michael James Nelson: I have always wanted to perform stand up and it took till my sophomore year of college to do an open mic. I threw up right before they called my name and do not remember a word I said during those 5 minutes. After that show, a guy approached me to headline a show he was doing a month later. I thought headlining meant doing the last 5 minutes so I said yes. Apparently he enjoyed my five minutes that I did at the open mic so I decided that I would just do that. A week before the big show, I found out that headlining meant doing about 50 minutes worth of material. I freaked out. And then a flier with my face on it started popping up around campus. I wanted to drop out of college. But I showed up and did 47 minutes and got great laughs. It was my second time doing stand up. After that, I was hooked.
At work, writing comedy gold
DS: Can you tell us more about your job?
Michael James Nelson: I am a freelance writer/producer. I have written and produced for a lot of tv. So far, my best experience was being a producer on The Bachelor: Rome. Traveling the world and producing television is a blast! On the side, I do stand up and write and produce my own sketches. I have been featured on ‘Funny Or Die’ and in the “Huffington Post’. I also wrote for National Lampoon’s website and made an appearance on The Oxygen Network’s “Pretty Wicked”. My best advice is to let everybody know what you are out here to do. I have gotten calls from people I met 6 years ago and it has led to a job all because they remembered me saying, “I am a comedian.” I love this business and work like no other person I know. On my off time I am writing, shooting, editing, and performing comedy. And when I have a full time job, I still manage to do it all, with little to no sleep. But, glad I have a bed now to sleep on.
Michael James Nelson: I am a freelance writer/producer. I have written and produced for a lot of tv. So far, my best experience was being a producer on The Bachelor: Rome. Traveling the world and producing television is a blast! On the side, I do stand up and write and produce my own sketches. I have been featured on ‘Funny Or Die’ and in the “Huffington Post’. I also wrote for National Lampoon’s website and made an appearance on The Oxygen Network’s “Pretty Wicked”. My best advice is to let everybody know what you are out here to do. I have gotten calls from people I met 6 years ago and it has led to a job all because they remembered me saying, “I am a comedian.” I love this business and work like no other person I know. On my off time I am writing, shooting, editing, and performing comedy. And when I have a full time job, I still manage to do it all, with little to no sleep. But, glad I have a bed now to sleep on.
DS: Let's talk more about you and your tastes. Any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? Any thing you like and recommend?
Michael James Nelson: When I have some down time, I love to hang out on Venice Beach. Coming from Florida, the beach means a lot to me. And when I am over there in Venice I love grabbing lunch at The Whaler. I also enjoy playing basketball. I grew up playing ball and it is a great way for me to forget about everything and focus on the game. I also love to travel and my favorite place to travel to is the Florida Keys. There is nothing like the Keys. I hope to have a house down there one day.
Michael James Nelson: When I have some down time, I love to hang out on Venice Beach. Coming from Florida, the beach means a lot to me. And when I am over there in Venice I love grabbing lunch at The Whaler. I also enjoy playing basketball. I grew up playing ball and it is a great way for me to forget about everything and focus on the game. I also love to travel and my favorite place to travel to is the Florida Keys. There is nothing like the Keys. I hope to have a house down there one day.
DS: What is a typical week for Michael James Nelson?
Michael James Nelson: All day I am writing for television; sometimes at home, sometimes in an office. I always stay up late to write and catch up on tv shows I missed and I try to wake up around 9am. If I sleep in too late, I always have anxiety because I feel like I missed something. I don't party a lot during the week at all. I might have a glass of wine here and there, but never too much. I like to stay focused during the week. Some nights I am out doing stand up or shooting a roll in somebody's comedy sketch or short. Friday night and Saturday nights I will go out, but Sunday is the day I act like a lazy zombie. Yes, they have those and I am living proof. Or dead proof, I should say. Regardless of if my proof is dead or alive, I am lazy nonetheless.
Michael James Nelson: All day I am writing for television; sometimes at home, sometimes in an office. I always stay up late to write and catch up on tv shows I missed and I try to wake up around 9am. If I sleep in too late, I always have anxiety because I feel like I missed something. I don't party a lot during the week at all. I might have a glass of wine here and there, but never too much. I like to stay focused during the week. Some nights I am out doing stand up or shooting a roll in somebody's comedy sketch or short. Friday night and Saturday nights I will go out, but Sunday is the day I act like a lazy zombie. Yes, they have those and I am living proof. Or dead proof, I should say. Regardless of if my proof is dead or alive, I am lazy nonetheless.
DS: Some quick questions: What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Michael James Nelson: I make coffee. without it, I trip and fall and bump into everything. I am like a gigantic grizzly bear coming out of hibernation when I first wake up. If you see me, just stand still and I will eventually make my way past you.
Michael James Nelson: I make coffee. without it, I trip and fall and bump into everything. I am like a gigantic grizzly bear coming out of hibernation when I first wake up. If you see me, just stand still and I will eventually make my way past you.
DS: What is your favorite word?
Michael James Nelson: Serendipitously. And I am still not quite sure what it means, but love the sound of it and it makes me happy.
Michael James Nelson: Serendipitously. And I am still not quite sure what it means, but love the sound of it and it makes me happy.
The photo shoot
DS: What it your favorite quotation? Or make your own for posterity...
Michael James Nelson: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what your did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou
Michael James Nelson: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what your did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou
DS: What is your favorite "drug"?
Michael James Nelson: Standing before a live audience. There is nothing like it.
Michael James Nelson: Standing before a live audience. There is nothing like it.
DS: What magic power would you like to have if you could choose one?
Michael James Nelson: Invisibility. I'd like to use it to sneak into the room behind the desk at the post office and find out what goes on back there.
Michael James Nelson: Invisibility. I'd like to use it to sneak into the room behind the desk at the post office and find out what goes on back there.
DS: If not yourself, who would you be?
Michael James Nelson: Howard Stern. I often dream of the joy that would come from having that channel of expression available to me.
Michael James Nelson: Howard Stern. I often dream of the joy that would come from having that channel of expression available to me.
DS: What is in store for you? Any key projects for the next months? Anything you want to share? Can our readers help you with anything?
Michael James Nelson: I just shot a small role in a Funny Or Die Exclusive with Matt Morrison from Glee. It was a small part but had a blast and Matt was an awesome guy. I also have more sketches coming out on www.MJNComedy.com, as well as my monthly interview podcast where I interview people in the entertainment industry. Other than that, doing the usual audition thing and performing stand up here-and-there. My goal is to get a part on a sketch comedy show or sitcom. That would be amazing!
Michael James Nelson: I just shot a small role in a Funny Or Die Exclusive with Matt Morrison from Glee. It was a small part but had a blast and Matt was an awesome guy. I also have more sketches coming out on www.MJNComedy.com, as well as my monthly interview podcast where I interview people in the entertainment industry. Other than that, doing the usual audition thing and performing stand up here-and-there. My goal is to get a part on a sketch comedy show or sitcom. That would be amazing!
DS: Anything you want to add to close this interview?
Michael James Nelson: Just to review, I am not a duck and I am not from Disney. But, I could very well be the the funniest and greatest guy you have ever met, depending on how many people you actually know.
Michael James Nelson: Just to review, I am not a duck and I am not from Disney. But, I could very well be the the funniest and greatest guy you have ever met, depending on how many people you actually know.
DS: Thank you Michael James Nelson
Michael James Nelson: As they say in Paris, "Au Revoir"
Michael James Nelson: As they say in Paris, "Au Revoir"
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