Jelani “Jackz” Bodden of www.qthequestion.com caught up with comedian Dr. George Wallace. Why is he called Doctor? Well because the best medicine is humor, and for many years George Wallace has treated fans with the greatest quality of medicine there is. Known now as the “King of Yo Momma Jokes” or “The New Mr. Las Vegas”, George Wallace hasn’t slowed down his run at selling out shows, nor has he let up on his reputation of never giving the same show twice. What started out as a 30 day run turned into the greatest ticket in town, outselling the likes of Toni Braxton and many others, Wallace lives as a comic legend. Knowing what he wanted to do at the young age of six, Wallace wasn’t afraid to pursue it. What everyone can take from George Wallace’s story is his love for his art, as well as his dedication. Here we discuss everything from who he looked up to as a kid to what was the hardest part about becoming a professional comedian, and much more.

Q The Question: So first off how does it feel to be the “King of Vegas” for so long, or does that not get to your head?

George Wallace: Nothing gets to my head, my goal when I first started out was to work and that’s what I’ve been doing. They just call me the “King of Vegas” and I say sure. I didn’t realize it until two years ago, but it’s not about the title it’s about giving back to the community and just giving back, we (people) just enjoy living and enjoy being happy.

Q The Question: So at 6 years old you wanted to become a comedian, but at such a young age what inspired you to pursue comedy? Because at that age there can’t be too many stand up comics you listened to.

George Wallace: I did, I used to listen to Red Foxx and Richard Pryor. I just wanted to be a comedian; I was a happy boy all my life so all I wanted to do is make people laugh. Isn’t it wonderful to make people laugh, I say don’t let anything get you down, just laugh it off.

Q The Question: What comedians or people in general did you look up to growing up?

George Wallace: Red Foxx, Eddie Murphy, all comics from older than me to the new guys, I learned from everybody.

Q The Question: Ok, so for anyone that has seen your act or read up on you it’s obvious that your childhood in the South inspires some of your act. So do you feel as though things you’ve been through or done as a person inspires some jokes in your comedy?

George Wallace: That’s what life is all about, my comedy is about my life. I live in every basis of the Country, from New York, to Georgia, and  so I joke about all everyday situations, from politics to sports, to youth, to the old people. I love talking to everybody about everything.

Q The Question: How did you get so good a “Yo Momma” jokes, or was it just natural?

George Wallace: That’s natural growing up in the south, it meant nothing to us. It’s funny and we still do that, I’ve been doin’ it for 40 years, that’s older than you. (laughs).

Q The Question: You have a very successful career, and a great act, but is there anything you regret?

George Wallace: Oh no, I just love life, If anything I just wished I started comedy earlier, but I was in college. But I was the vice president of the largest advertising company in America so I had money. I sold all those billboard advertisements in Time Square and on buses and etc. But there’s a reason for everything.

Q The Question: So far, what has been your favorite or most memorable moment in your career?

George Wallace: Oh my god, probably doing Arsenio Hall, I’ve done it more than any other comedian. Or doing the tonight show, maybe with Johnny Carson, or shopping with Jerry Seinfeld since he’s my best friend. Or opening for Diana Ross as a kid, just being able to work today, and being the “New Mr Vegas” is a great reward. When you stop laughing you stop living.

Q The Question: Well besides Jerry Seinfeld, since you and he are best friends, who are your favorite comedians as of now?

George Wallace: You name it, from JB Smooth to Anthony Brown; you could just go down the line. Some young kids, Alonzo Bodden, Chris Rock, you name it. Any comedian out there, I like em’ (Them) all. Bernie Mac is crazy, “Them Punk Ass Kids!” [Bernie Mac impression] (Laughs)

Q The Question: What was the hardest part about becoming a professional comedian?

George Wallace: It was just natural, just go do it. If you want to be a part of the big dogs you can’t stay on the porch, you just got to do it. Getting on stage with Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, it’s like ok, this is what I want to do. No matter who you are on stage, there’s enough for everyone and everybody.

Q The Question: And last, seeing as how you’re a seasoned, not old (Laughs) veteran, what advice would you give to any aspiring comedians coming up?

George Wallace: Stay the hell out my business, there’s not enough work for all of us, all young comedians go to hell! (Laughs) Just make sure you enjoy your life, and have fun, laughter is contagious, there’s a lot of bullshit, but if u have a passion for it you can work it out.

I thanked Dr. George Wallace for giving me the funniest interview in the world. I typed in the moments where we laughed the loudest, but throughout the whole interview we were laughing and cracking up. George Wallace knew that an education was the key to being successful no matter what you choose to do, so when he moved to Ohio at 16 he decided to go to the University of Akron when it was time to go to college. Dr Wallace also knew that there would be tough times in this business, but if you stop laughing you stop living, so enjoy your life, and when drama comes around laugh it off, because life is short.