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“Non-stop laughs at a rapid pace – very, very funny” - Time Out London
“Somewhere Zeus and Apollo are laughing” - New York Times
From Wikipedia
Angelo Tsarouchas is a comedian/actor.
Evangelos Petros Tsarouchas (Born: Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is an internationally known stand-up comic. Angelo Tsarouchas has been wowing audiences all over the world. Angelo has an instant likeability and an "every man" personality which combines a comfortable yet magnetic presence.
Recently, he was showcased at the UK Paramount Comedy Festival, South African Comedy Festival and Montreal's Just for Laughs. After bringing down the house in Montreal, The Hollywood Reporter had this to say: ... Greek-Canadian Angelo Tsarouchas , fresh from a stint as a reporter in "Cinderella Man," opportunity to open for Rosanne Barr. Angelos diverse talent has also landed him on the big screen with appearance in "The Score", "John Q", "The Recruit", "The Prince and Me", "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" and "Cinderella Man". Angelos material appeals to an incredibly wide range of audiences. He wrote and performed his one-man show "It's All Greek to Me" which has received rave reviews. The same titled comedy CD has also reached number one in Australia , keeping him in demand year round.
Angelo has toured the world and has also been a Special Guest on the Russell Peters tour in Australia, New Zealand and Dubai. Angelo will be performing at a gala hosted by Rusell Peters honoring Al Gore April 5th 2008 in Montreal Quebec.
Interests
General
- Women (Greek)
- Food
- Cigars
- Money
- Posting gratuitously self-congratulatory articles about himself on Wikipedia.
Music
- Shania Twain
- Led Zeppelin
- Stevie Ray Vaughn
- George Thorogood
- Vasili Karas
- Kiss
Television
- The Sopranos
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Six Feet Under
- Martha Stewart
Books
- The life of Pi
- The Davinci Code
- Hellas by Nicholas Gage
[edit] Details
Status: Single
Orientation: Straight
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Body type: 6' 1" / More to love!!
Ethnicity: Greek
Religion: Greek Orthodox
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Education: Grad / professional school
Occupation: Comedian/Actor
BIG COMEDY, BIG TALENT, BIG THINGS…
Larger than life, Actor/Comedian, Angelo Tsarouchas is without question, Canada’s next “big thing”. Dubbed “The Hitman of Hilarity”, Angelo definitely exudes star power. His trademark mobster resemblance, burly size and no hold back attitude, have put him in high demand on the global comedy stage as well as in television and film projects on both sides of the border.
More than just a mobster look-alike, Angelo’s acting resume is highlighted with 10 feature films in the past 2 years – all of which have seen tremendous box office success.There is simply no other Canadian actor out there who has name-dropping credibility like Angelo. He has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Marlon Brando, Edward Norton, Sylvester Stallone and Chris Rock. Some of Angelo’s high-profile film credits include John Q, The Score, The Prince and Me and the critically acclaimed teen cult flick Harold and Kumar Go To Whitecastle. Angelo will also be appearing in the highly anticipated movie Cinderella Man starring Russell Crowe and Renee Zelwegger. The release date for Cinderella Man is June 3 - look for Angelo as New York Times reporter, John Savage.
In addition, Angelo has recently signed a deal to develop his own film, which he has written and will be starring in - and the script is generating interest from some of Hollywood’s industry ‘big-wigs’.
Aside from a budding film career, Angelo has seen much success on the international comedy circuit. He is one of Canada’s most celebrated comics, selling out venues across the country. Angelo has taken his “in-your face” stand-up style all over the world including the famed “Just For Laugh’s” comedy festival in Montreal, the “Smirnoff Comedy Festival” in Cape Town, South Africa, and the “Paramount Comedy Festival” in the U.K. He has performed at some of the top comedy clubs in New York, LA, London and Miami. Angelo is also set to perform his one-man comedy show at the “Edinburgh Fringe Festival” in August 2005.
In addition, Angelo made the natural progression from the comedy stage to the world of television, and has taped his very own comedy special for Comedy Now, which will air on the CTV Network in the summer 2005.
Where were you born?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Montreal Quebec, Canada
Are both your parents Greek? What part of Greece are they from?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Dad is from Dafni, Sparti, Laconia, Peleponissos and Mom is from Mytylini, Lesbos
It’s obvious from your shows and interviews that you speak Greek. Are you fluent in Greek?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Yes, people would ask me why I can speak Greek, and I told them it was because My Mother couldn't speak English.
Have you ever been to Greece? Have you done any shows in Greece?
Angelo Tsarouchas: In my previous life I was a Travel Agent, and had visited Greece many times, There really is no place like it, yet, I haven't done any shows there, I'm not really sure if the Greeks in Greece would get my Diaspora humour.
What was your childhood like? What are your fondest memories?
Angelo Tsarouchas: We were a working class family, My family owned a restaurant and we all worked in it! My Dad hung out at the Kafenio and My Mother ran the place, seriously, we are a tight family and one of my favorite experiences is when we took a family car vacation to Florida, My Dad kept playing the 'Trio Bel Canto' all the way down, and in between, My Mother kept promising to leave us on the highway if we didn't behave! Ahhh, I miss those days.
In one of those typical "I’m proud to be Greek" lists it says: "We are proud to be Greek because our parents do not forget that we exist when we reach 18" and also "We are proud to be Greek because we spend our bad and low times with friends and family, not with shrinks".Is this the way you grew up? Are you still close with your family?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Yes, and it's true, I went through some tough times, as we all do, and my family was there for me. It is the one thing I can seriously count on. Some people say the Greek's are to close to their kids and don't let go, I prefer that than some other scenarios I have seen.
Who - or what - would you say has had the biggest influence on deciding to become a comedian? Were your parents supportive of your decision?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I remember watching Rodney Dangerfield and Sam Kinison, I was also a big fan of Harry Klynn, I got the bug in High School and did my first show there. My family has always been supportive, but some of my other relatives still ask me when I'm going to get a real job?
Do you feel that your Greek heritage has shaped your character?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Absolutely, I think we all go through periods doubting who we are and why we are, but I realized that this is my name and this is who I am, It has help me identify myself on the world stage and I wouldn't want it any other way.
What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today?
Angelo Tsarouchas: A lot of people early in my career told me to change my name, but I said, that's what it is, so It ain't happening. I think as a first generation Greek, mainstream society is still accepting what we have brought to the table, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, helped break down a lot of those doors. I received a lot of work after the movie was released, Nia Vardalos brought the Greeks to the front of world cinema, it was a great time for entertainers of Greek descent and we still have to keep going forward.
What is one of the most embarrassing moments in your career?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I was doing a show in Niagara Falls with my good friend and comedian Mark Walker, during my show a cute girl bought me a shooter, so to be the manga I shot it down fast, but it went down the wrong pipe, I started choking for real and all the malakes in the crowd thought it was an act and I was being funny, I could have died, but I gained my composure and puked out the 'Sicillian Kiss' It was a girly drink, I should have known better.
You’ve appeared in a long list of movies, TV shows and commercials, like Cinderella Man, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, the pizza Delicio commercial, and others. What do you enjoy more, acting or comedy?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I like both, Comedy is an instant response, where acting you have to wait until the film comes out, and see If you haven't been cut out of it!
There are only a handful of successful people of Greek heritage in the world today. You are one of them, and a source of great pride to all of us. How do you feel about this?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I feel fortunate to be doing what I really love in my heart, I take the Greek work ethic and combine it with anything I do. It always nice when people come up to you and say, "I was having a bad day and you made me laugh". It's especially nice when you get the young Greek kids digging what your doing, and telling you, "I want to be a comedian also". It really is a nice feeling, especially when it is from your peers. I am very greatful for this.
You spend most of your time in LA lately. Have you met any celebrities of Greek heritage there?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I saw Jennifer Aniston at Sherman Oaks Galleria, she is more beautiful in real life, I also have eaten at this place called "The Great Greek" on Ventura, they have great food there.
What famous actors have you met in person so far, and what do you think about them?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I have been lucky to work with some of the biggest Actors in the world, DeNiro, Pacino, Stallone, it is always a great thrill to watch these guys work, Eric Roberts is a friend of mine, we worked on Christmas Rush, he is a great actor and he even played a Greek villain once in a movie. Also Russell Crowe, contrary to what people say is an amazing actor and a really nice guy, we got along great on Cinderella Man.
How do you feel about your celebrity status? How did fame change your life?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I still feel like the same guy who got into comedy when I started, I don't think of myself as a "Big Celebrity". Big, yes, it suits who I am, hahahah, yet I feel just like everyone else, I am happy where I am in my life and I always like meeting new people. I just finished a tour in Australia and they treated me just like I get treated in Montreal or Toronto, they are awesome. It's nice when people see you and get excited but my Mother reminds me I still come from Park-Ex. Montreal.
What advice would you have for someone who wants to succeed as a comedian or an actor?
Angelo Tsarouchas: If you have the urge or the dream follow it, it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to get to your goal. Take all gigs you get and be nice to people on the way up, you may need them on the way down!
I read in one of your websites that you have written your own script? Can you tell us a few words about it? Is it going to be the new "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" (Only better!)
Angelo Tsarouchas: The movie script is called "It's All Greek to Me" after my self titled show. I don't think anyone could replace "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", it was so good. This film is about the struggle of a Greek Canadian comic who impersonates a Sumo Wrestling Champion to win the love of a Japanese tour guide! Your going to have to wait for the rest to come out as it is still in talks with major studios to go to production, so keep your fingers crossed!
What would be your dream comedy line-up?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Me, Sam Kinison, Rodney Dangerfield, Russell Peters, George Carlin and Eddie Murphy.
What kind of comedy do you most like to watch?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I like the in your face and absurd comedy, people who put it all on the line, especially the ones on the edge.
What kind of comedy do you least like to watch?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Nagging fucking comedy. You know, the whiny, why, how come me, blah,blah,blah. Especially victims of comedy. Ahhhh.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened in NZ so far this year?
Angelo Tsarouchas: The fact that most people want to decriminalize pot. Fuckk it should be a universal thing, It is after all, God's Oregano..
What’s the highlight of your career to date?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Performing for 10,000 people at the Nokia Theatre in los Angeles, everyone came out and it was a blast!
And the lowlight?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Finding out that a great friend of mine that I worked with in Canada took his life, it really sucked for a long time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given as a comedian?
Angelo Tsarouchas: It's just a gig, if you fuck it up, don't worry, just get back up again, not every night is going to be a cup of tea.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to someone doing their first ever gig?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Right down about 4-5 minutes of material and just go up and have fun, comedy is like muscle training, the more you do, the better
you look and get. And if you bomb, who cares, all great comedians have bombed.
Who are your favourite NZ comedians?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I have worked a lot with Rhys Darby, he is a good friend and he really makes me laugh, very funny guy, and I get to work a lot
with Brendan Lovegrove and Ben Hurley in England. Quality.
Where is your favourite comedy venue?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Comedy Store London UK. Probably the best club in the world. A very close second would be the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa
Beach. California, super nice people and you never know which big comic will drop by.
Where’s the oddest place you’ve performed?
Angelo Tsarouchas: On a crane at an Auto Parts plant in Belleville Ontario Canada, they hoisted me up and I told jokes on a 360 degrees view. Then
we drank beer.
Your show 'It's All Greek to Me' has been touring around the world to rave reviews, how do you feel your response will be when you visit Australia in February?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I am extremely excited about performing 'Down under'. I receive many fan mails weekly and although I have never visited Australia, I feel their sensitivity to the whole Greek experience is very much like my own in Canada, we both come from Commonwealth Countries, not to mention Australia has the largest Greek population outside of Greece.
Did you speak a lot of Greek in your home?
Angelo Tsarouchas: It was really my first language, my Mom couldn't speak English, so we spoke mainly Greek in the house, I echo it in my show as I do it in English and Greek, it's one of the big reasons I was motivated when writing this show.
What were your greatest influences on being a comic while growing up?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I remember listening to Richard Pryor and Rodney Dangerfield albums that I thought were amazing, but really just being around my family and relatives, I understood there was something funny going on here, especially from my Father and my Mother, never a dull moment.
What is the best advice you never took?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Changing my name. They told me when I was getting into the business that I should change my name, it would help my career, well leaving it as it is has been a blessing, you should be who you are and proud of it, that's how us Greeks have been raised.
If you were stuck on a deserted island who would it be with?
Angelo Tsarouchas: That's an easy one, Shania Twain, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, Oh, and my Mom, hey someone has to cook!
Who's the most 'eccentric' Actor you have ever worked with?
Angelo Tsarouchas: Marlon Brando, hands down, we were working on a movie called 'The Score' he was a legend and walked to the beat of his own drum, he would do scenes just wearing his boxer shorts, and tell the director to shoot him from the waist up because it was too hot the day we were shooting, He called me over for recommendations of restaurants in Montreal because as he said ' I looked like an eater'!
What is your 'Big Fish that got away’ story?
Angelo Tsarouchas: A couple of years ago, I was performing at a comedy club in New York, when a casting agent for 'The Sopranos' saw me and brought me in for a screen test, they wanted me for a 'Greek Mobster' from Astoria to be in episodes for that season, it was the year James Gandolfini wanted to quit the show, and after the long hiatus the writers who wanted me were changed.
You present a TV show in Canada called, 'The Fat Boy Food Review', where are some of your favourite places to eat in the world?
Angelo Tsarouchas: I like all kinds of different cultures of food, There was this place in Cape Town, South Africa called ‘The Greek Fisherman’, it was the best Calamari and Greek salad I ever had. Also the famous 'Smoked Meat' sandwich at Schwartz's Deli in Montreal, it is a Hebrew delicatessen run by Greeks? You figure that one out.
And your worst place?
Angelo Tsarouchas: England, I think they forgot a main ingredient when they cook, it's called 'taste'??
What is coming up for you in the future?
Angelo Tsarouchas: After the 'Just for Laugh's' festival in Montreal, I received some interest from Networks in L.A. about developing some new show ideas, especailly from CBS, I also just finished writing the screenplay self titled, 'It's All Greek to Me'. It's about a struggling Greek comic who impersonates a Sumo wrestling Champion to win the love of a Japanese tour guide - pretty much my life story!
Apr 13 2009 8:00P
Kuwait City Auditorium @ Kuwait City Kuwait
Apr 17 2009 7:00P
The Egyptian Comedy Festival @ Cairo, Egypt
Apr 18 2009 7:00P
The Egyptian Comedy Festival @ Alexandria, Egypt
Apr 23 2009 7:00P
Halifax Comedy Festival @ Halifax Nova Scotia
Apr 24 2009 8:00P
Halifax Comedy Festival @ Halifax Nova Scotia
Apr 25 2009 7:00P
Greek Community of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines @ Niagara Falls Ontario Canada
Apr 26 2009 7:00P
Angelo Tsarouchas ’Bigger is Better’ Panasonic Theatre @ Toronto, Canada
May 31 2009 7:00P
Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Fundraiser at the Hollywood Improv @ Hollywood California
Keywords: angelo tsarouhas