It's weird because standup can be like therapy. Comedians can't be satisfied with just having fun with our friends. We've got to figure out a way to do it on stage.
I think that's why I've lasted this long because I love everything I make fun of! I make fun of myself first! I mean, I started my career by calling my films "trash" - the local critics used to complain that I beat the critic to the typewriter.
I have no intention of retiring; I can't imagine not doing stand-up. That's where I started and where I'll be.
I guess there are no real strict rules [in comedy], but I just learn to apply my philosophy about comedy which is, it's a serious business and the result needs to be funny, not the process.
One of the first things you ever learn as a stand-up is don't show fear.
I have 40 years of unpublished material, the ones they don't pick, and the reason I don't redraw them or use them again is that I like to use my brain every day and come up with new jokes.
When I used to work the road, I remember I used to ask myself in the mirror, literally, like in a movie, back when I was not very good at all, I'd say, 'What's it like being the greatest comedian in the world?'
As a comedian, I found this thing, this profession, that suits my mind and life force. To drop it to do something else? I just don't get that.
I just do my act. If people in England don't get my joke I make fun of myself for telling it.
